One of the best ways to see history in person is by visiting the cities along the Ancient Silk Road. Religion was the driving force behind many of history’s greatest battles, and the force which leaders used to expand their empires. The faces numerous cities and villages reflect the styles, ideals and philosophies of the dominantContinue reading “Xian: The Gateway to the Silk Road”
Tag Archives: Silk Road
A Far-Flung Silk Road connection – the Great Mosque of St. Petersburg Russia
St. Petersburg’s skyline says it all. From the banks of the Volga the views include the golden cathedral towers of the Peter and Paul Fortress and the pointed towering Minerats and bright blue tiles of the mosque dome just to the right of it. Peter the Great wanted his capital to reflect the cultural makeContinue reading “A Far-Flung Silk Road connection – the Great Mosque of St. Petersburg Russia”
The four Iwans of the Jameh Mosque of Esfahan
At the first encounter, there is a courtyard of the Friday Mosque in Esfahan is composed of four prayer halls or Iwans, the east and west are similar in hight and frame but the west is more colorful. The north and south are much larger and both compete for who is fairest. Each iwan designContinue reading “The four Iwans of the Jameh Mosque of Esfahan”
Yazd: Windcatchers of the Desert Oasis
The top two things that come to mind when I think of my stay in Yazd are Windcatchers and its ancient Qanat water systems. Further confirming that I am a travel geek. Just off of the Ancient Silk Road Highway It survived Mongol invasion and its famous visitors include explorer Marco Polo in the 13thContinue reading “Yazd: Windcatchers of the Desert Oasis”
A moonlight night at the Zein-o-din
Caravanserai’s were the hostels of the Silk Road hundreds of years ago. The Zein-o-din Caravanserai is a special place in the middle of the desert in Yazd Province. This one was one of two which is circular since most were square. Some visitors take day trips here and others treat themselves to an overnight stay.Continue reading “A moonlight night at the Zein-o-din”
Farflungistan 