Buzz
The Middle East was once seen as a land full of wonder and allure. Unfortunately, in the modern era, the region is often associated with images of war, terrorism, oppression, and despair. The golden era of Islamic culture is now a distant memory, and the fantastical tales from 'One Thousand and One Nights' are now only a fading dream.
Yet, these distant lands still hold much of their original charm, and in many places, they are enhancing this beauty with awe-inspiring contemporary architecture. This collection invites you to explore the Middle East, focusing solely on the captivating beauty that remains. Let’s embark on this journey and, for a brief moment, leave behind the grim news reports that surround us.
15. Bahrain
Bahrain, the smallest of the Arabian nations, was the first to discover oil in the 1930s. Some even believe it to be the location of the biblical Garden of Eden. In 2002, women were granted the right to vote, and today, Bahrain’s constitution guarantees religious freedom. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1976 (for those over 21). One of the most striking landmarks is the twin-peaked Bahrain World Trade Center.
14. Egypt
Egypt, the land that once captivated the West with its ancient wonders, is now a modern democracy, having been established in the 1950s. As shown above, Egypt’s beauty extends far beyond its pyramids! The majority of modern Egyptians are descendants of post-Islamic settlers from the mid-600s AD, while the ancient Egyptians were more closely related to Neolithic and Bronze Age populations from the Levant, as well as Neolithic Anatolian and European groups.
13. Iran
Iran, known as Persia in ancient times, means 'the land of Aryans' in the Persian (Farsi) language. Despite centuries of foreign invasions, the people of Iran have successfully preserved their cultural identity. Even the country’s Islamization has not erased all traces of its ancient history.
12. Iraq
For many, Iraq is primarily remembered because of the Gulf Wars. The country suffered immense destruction during those conflicts, but now a process of rebuilding is taking place, even though the region remains relatively unstable. Iraq has operated as a republic since the fall of the monarchy in 1958.
11. Israel
The very presence of Israel is a major point of contention for the Islamic nations of the Middle East. Despite the overwhelming strength of its neighboring countries, Israel continues to expand its territorial control. The recent relocation of the country's capital to Jerusalem has been controversial, and it remains uncertain whether the regional conflicts will ever reach a lasting resolution.
10. Jordan
Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, with King Abdullah II currently on the throne. This country is home to some remarkable historical sites, including the discovery of the oldest known human statues, the Ayn Ghazal statues. Among its iconic landmarks are Petra, the Roman city of Jerash, the Jordan Valley Dead Sea, and the striking red desert of Wadi Rum.
9. Kuwait
Kuwait operates as a constitutional monarchy under the rule of an Emir. Before gaining independence in 1961, it was a British protectorate. The invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein's forces in 1990 triggered the Gulf War.
8. Lebanon
Lebanon holds the title of the oldest country name in the world, at over 4,000 years old. Its political system, known as confessionalism, is unique, as the parliament is shared among all the religious groups in the country. Interestingly, the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shiite Muslim. With a 40% Christian population, Lebanon has the largest Christian population of any Middle Eastern country.
7. Oman
Oman boasts a blend of natural and historic beauty, ranging from the arid Wahiba Sands to the lush city of Salalah, and landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Nizwa Fort. One of the oldest continually inhabited places on Earth, Oman has been settled for over 100,000 years. Surprisingly, Mountain Dew is the nation's most popular beverage, so much so that Coca-Cola products are almost nonexistent. The country is also known for its near-zero crime rate—could the two be connected? While alcohol is permitted, a license is required to purchase it, and it’s limited to no more than 10% of your monthly income.
6. Qatar
Qatar, like Kuwait, was once a British protectorate, gaining independence in 1971. Women in Qatar were granted the right to vote starting in 1995. Traditional attire for Qatari men includes a long white shirt (known as a thoub) worn over white trousers or shorts, while women typically wear a black cloak. The National Museum of Qatar (featured in the top image) was unveiled with an attendance of high-profile guests such as David and Victoria Beckham, KAWS, and Johnny Depp. Homosexuality remains illegal in Qatar, with severe penalties, including the death penalty, for those found guilty.
5. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a land with few rivers or lakes but is dotted with numerous wadis—valleys that fill with water during specific seasons. Featured in the third image is the Kingdom Center, the third tallest building in the world with a hole in its structure. Plans are already underway for the construction of the Kingdom Tower, which will stand one kilometer tall (0.62 miles) and hold the title of the world’s tallest building.
4. Syria
The image showcases the Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel in Aleppo, and the City of Palmyra before their destruction by ISIS in 2015. Presently, forces from over thirty nations are engaged in Syria due to the ongoing civil war against ISIS. This conflict has significantly contributed to the migration crisis that Europe is facing.
3. Yemen
This photo features Socotra, the ancient city of Sana’a (the capital), Aden, and Ibb. Socotra is an island known for its strange and alien-like plant species and wildlife, having developed this distinctive landscape after being separated from the African continent six or seven million years ago. It is now a UNESCO natural heritage site.
2. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each governed by an Emir, a constitutional monarch. The seven emirates include Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Abu Dhabi is the capital, and the entire federation is led by a President, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the ruler of Dubai holds the role of Prime Minister for the UAE. Confused? You're not alone.
The image features the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the spectacular Yas Waterworld, and the Al Ain Oasis, which is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the United Arab Emirates.
1. Turkey
Turkey is home to some of the world's most stunning destinations. Troy, the legendary city from the Trojan Wars, is situated in Western Turkey, with numerous ancient landmarks scattered throughout the region due to its pivotal role in Western history. Istanbul, the capital, was formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire from 330 to 395 AD, and later the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) until 1453. The image above highlights Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Safranbolu, and Hagia Sophia.
