Kazakhstan is a country with a predominantly Muslim population but after years of religious suppression under Soviet rule, people are now openly expressing their religious belief. Masjids are overflowing and bad weather and snow notwithstanding, people pray in the streets. In December 1991 Kazakhstan became an independent country and after twenty years Muslim revival is quite evident every Friday.
The Central Mosque of Almaty is an example of the efforts being undertaken to provide prayer facilities to the people but despite the building of new mosques, a large number of worshipers have to offer their prayers in the snow covered streets outside.
Kazakhstan is a landlocked country and has
bitterly cold winters but a pleasant climate from April to October - although summer temperatures may reach a slightly uncomfortable 30C between July-September.
Kerak Castle is a magnificent crusader's castle just outside the town of Kerak. Construction began in the 1140s, at a strategic location on top of a hill. It was part of the Crusader's Kingdom of Jerusalem. In the ensuing decades the castle was expanded. Towers and a moat were added. In 1183 Saladin besieged the castle, but was turned back by King Baldwin IV. In ...
When visiting Bali it is essential to take back a piece of art as a keepsake. Here in the Batuan Village you will see artists at work, using the traditional Balinese style of painting called batuan. If you visit on the 1st or the 15th of the month, you can enjoy the dance sequence Gambuh. Jalan Raya Sakah Batuan Ubud Phone: +62 361 23 5600 (Toursit helpline) ...
Rebels against communist Czechoslovakia praised Western rock musicians such as John Lennon and when he died in 1980 this wall was painted in his honor; repainted again and again every time the secret police white-washed it. Today it stands proudly though a bit graffiti splattered. Address: Velkoprevorske namestri ...
This mountain is located opposite Jabl-e-Noor. Twice as high, 5413 feet high, Jabl-e-Saur had a cave at the top where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companion Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) hid from their Quraish pursuants. This is the cave in which the spider spun his web over the entrance and the pigeon laid eggs to save the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from the pagans. Located at a 10 minute drive from the...