This is part 3 of a 4 part series starring one of our favourite regions in the world: The Middle East. The architecture and ancient ruins of this area are spectacular. The fact that many of the monuments and buildings are still standing after 5000 years is unbelievable! In our previous articles, we talked about the hospitable people and the delectable food of this region. Now it’s time to show you some of our favourite architecture and ruins seen during our travels through Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Enjoy!
This crumbling castle has been here in Uchisar, Cappadocia, Turkey since the 1400’s.This gorgeous Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque isn’t ancient, but it sure is beautiful! Beirut, Lebanon.
This is the site of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. This city was inhabited over 5000 years ago! It is now called Jerash, Jordan. This is the beautiful South Theatre.View of the Temple of Hatshepsut. This stunning temple was built in the 15th century, B.C. Valley Of The Kings, Luxor, Egypt.The imposing Yeni Cami Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey was finished being built in 1665.This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Baalbek, Lebanon is home to many beautiful ruins from the Roman times. This particular one is the Temple of Bacchus.This is the site of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. This city was inhabited over 5000 years ago! It is now called Jerash, Jordan. The architecture here is stunning.The Hypostyle Hall at the Temple of Karnak, Luxor, Egypt. There are 134 massive columns here. 12 of the columns are 21 meters tall and the others are 10 meters tall.Beautiful Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) was built in 1616. Istanbul, Turkey.Nick gazing down at the amazing Monastery. One of the Wonders Of the World, Petra, JordanThe enormous and very well-preserved Temple of Edfu was completed in 57B.C. This temple is located on the west bank of the Nile River, Egypt.This once medieval Armenian city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site…and that’s no surprise! The ruins here are spectacular. Anyone coming to Eastern Turkey must visit Ani (located just outside of Kars).This fort made of mud and salt was built 800 years ago. Siwa Oasis, Egypt.Dariece and friends trying to decipher the hieroglyphics at Edfu Temple, Egypt.Enjoying the views of one of the most recognizable Wonders Of The World. Construction of The Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt started over 4,600 years ago!These traditional beehive homes are constructed entirely out of mud, which keeps the inside cool in the summer heat. Harran, Turkey. They’ve been inhabited for 5000 years!
The Middle East has the best of both worlds. Not only is it home to some of the oldest civilizations and settlements to be found anywhere, but it also has some outstanding modern architecture. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll be amazed by all of the stunning, well preserved ancient wonders to be seen. Get your camera ready, there are plenty of photo opportunities to be had.
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Nick Wharton and Dariece Swift are the owners and founders of Goats On The Road. Together they have been travelling and working abroad since 2008 and have more than 20 years of combined experience in online business, finance, travel and entrepreneurship. Their expert advice has been featured on the Lonely Planet, CNN Money, Business Insider, WiseBread and Forbes and they also spoke at the World Tourism Forum in Istanbul about the business of travel blogging.
Learn more about Nick Wharton and Dariece Swift on their respective author archives on this site and on the Goats On The Road About Us Page.
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