This week we travelled to Southwest Asia and Northern
Africa. I decided to take-a-look at the historical sites of Southwest Asia by
travelling to the city of Jerusalem of Israel as well as visiting the city of
Mecca in Saudi Arabia. After my time in Southwest Asia, I travelled around
Northern Africa as well. Here I decided to visit the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt,
as well as Marrakesh of Morocco. So, here’s my trip!
Jerusalem, Israel:
(For these sites I’m choosing to not write about the current
conflicts of the area)
The city of Jerusalem has been a place of pilgrimage and
worship for Jews, Christians and Muslims since the biblical era. The city is
home to countless historical holy sites that are extremely sacred towards each
of these religions. While I was in the city, I first visited the Tower of David,
also known as the Jerusalem citadel. This ancient citadel is located near the
Gate entrance to the Western part of the city, this gate is called the Jaffa Gate.
This citadel contains important archaeological finds that date back to over
2,000 years. The amount of history of this site is truly indescribable in
words.
The next stop I made while in the city was the Western Wall.
The Western Wall can also be recognized by the names, Wailing Wall, Kotel, or
Al-Buraq Wall. This ancient wall is composed mostly of limestone, it is
considered holy due to its connection to the Temple Mount – the elevated plaza
above the Western Wall, home to the Dome of Rock as well as the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Overall, the Western Wall is used today as a designated place of prayer for Judaism.
Mecca, Saudi Arabia:
Mecca or Makkah is known as the holiest of Muslim cities, as
Muhammed – the founder of Islam – was born in Mecca. Mecca is a religious center
for Muslims, home to the Great Mosque of Mecca, which holds the Kaaba. This is
known as Islam’s holiest site. This site is a shrine where Muslims orient themselves
toward during the five daily prayers. The structure of the Kaaba is about 50
feet tall and 35 by 40 feet at it’s base. Made up mostly of stone and marble,
and the interior is just simply three pillars to support the roof. The Kaaba
can be seen covered with a black cloth known as the Kiswah for a majority of
the year. The sight of such an important piece of Islam religion was truly magnificent.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt:
The Pyramids of Giza are located just outside of the city Cairo
in Egypt, just off the west bank of the Nile River. The pyramids themselves are
over 4,000 years old, said to be constructed between 2560 and 2540 BCE. The
three pyramids (from left to right) are called Menkaure, Khafre, and Khufu. The
largest of the three pyramids, Khufu, is known as the “Great Pyramid”, standing
at 455 feet tall. However, erosion has taken part in the “shrinking” of the
pyramids height.
The building of the pyramids is still unknown to this day,
just little evidence has provided ideas to theorize how they were built. Most
likely spiral staircases were used to slowly stack the stones.
Unfortunately, as a visitor you are not able to see many
artifacts from the chambers within the pyramids. Mostly everything from the
Pyramids has been stolen! None-the-less, the Pyramids are a truly mind-boggling
site to visit. Remaining as the oldest, and last standing Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World.
Marrakesh, Morocco
My last stop was in the city of Marrakesh, located in
Morocco. Marrakesh is the former imperial city in wester Morocco. The city is
home to many beautiful mosques, palaces gardens.
While I was in the city I began my tour by visiting the
daily square of Marrakesh, this area is known as Jemaa el-Fna. The center is thriving
with artists, entertainers, fresh food and drinks, and many other events. If
you’re looking to experience the culture of the locals in the area, this is the
place to be!
My next stop had to be one of the mosques in the area, so I
decided to visit the Koutoubia Mosque. This is the largest Mosque in Marrakesh.
The mosque is filled with magnificent architectural designs, showcasing
beautiful 12th-century minaret art.
The whole city is filled left and right with something new
and different, yet another experience of a lifetime!
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