Ever thought about the cities of tomorrow? Let's travel through some:
Showing posts with label architect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label architect. Show all posts
Ten of the World’s Most Religious Cities
written by Deanna Hyland
Religion plays a large important role in the lives of many people in the world. It can unite and bring peace and harmony to large groups, but it can also cause anger, strife, and long-lasting, deadly wars. Throughout history these ten cities have been significant spots for major religious events. They continue to be pilgrimage sites for millions. If you get the opportunity to visit any of them it’s sure to be an unbelievable experience.
Religion plays a large important role in the lives of many people in the world. It can unite and bring peace and harmony to large groups, but it can also cause anger, strife, and long-lasting, deadly wars. Throughout history these ten cities have been significant spots for major religious events. They continue to be pilgrimage sites for millions. If you get the opportunity to visit any of them it’s sure to be an unbelievable experience.
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Mecca is the holiest of cities in Islam. In 2008, the yearly Hajj pilgrimage attracted two to three million people to the city. This pilgrimage is part of the Five Pillars of Islam, and is required of any capable Muslim at least once in their life. Saudi law forbids non-Muslims to enter Mecca.
The history of Mecca is old, old, old, with the first story coming from a pre-Islamic legend. The tale tells of Adam and Eve being cast out of Paradise, with Adam landing in what is now Sri Lanka and Eve landing in Arabia. They wandered for 200 years before finally reuniting on Mt. Arafat near Mecca. God eventually allowed Adam to build a shrine, and the legend states that he was buried in what is now Mecca.
Perhaps a more accurate historical account begins in 2,000 BC when Abraham and his son Ishmael built the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building in Mecca and now the most sacred of all sites in Islam. The Kaaba is the place that all Muslims face during their prayers, no matter where they are in the world.
The prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570. In 630 he took control of the city, destroyed 360 pagan idols, declared the city a place of Muslim pilgrimage and dedicated it to the worship of only Allah, thus forming the Islam faith.
Lhasa, Tibet
Lhasa literally translates to “place of the gods.” The city was the home of the Dalai Lamas, political leaders of Tibet and religious leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, from the 1600’s until the Chinese invaded and the 14th Dalai Lama fled into exile in 1959. Today you’ll find the Tibetans a minority of the population compared to the Chinese.
Lhasa has many sites that are of historical significance including Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka and the Potala Palace, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites; and Sera and Drepung Monasteries, and Zhefeng Temple.
Over one million people go to Tibet each year. You’ll often see the devout pilgrims in Lhasa kneeling or lying prone with their foreheads on the ground. These pilgrims will be trying to gain spiritual merit by following one of the three concentric pathways that go inside or around Johkhang Temple.
Bethlehem
This small town of 30,000 people is located six miles outside of Jerusalem and is thought to be the birthplace of Jesus by most Christians. It is home to one of the largest Palestinian Christian communities, even though it is primarily a Muslim city.
History abounds in this almost 2,000-year-old city. It is the birthplace of David and the location where he was crowned king of Israel. Records show that over the centuries it has been attacked and conquered many times by many people - the Romans, Samaritans, Muslim armies, Crusaders, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, Ottomans, and the British during WWI. Most recently it was occupied by Israeli troops. Currently, it is controlled by the Palestinian National Authority.
The city is most renowned for the biblical story surrounding Jesus. Two different accounts in the New Testament mention Bethlehem as the place of his birth, but modern day scholars question the accuracy of this. Regardless, Christian pilgrims flock to the city especially at Christmas and Easter, to see the Church of the Nativity, which is thought to mark the place of Christ’s birth, and to be one of the oldest churches in the world.
Varanasi, India
Located in northern India, Varanasi is a holy place for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. According to legend the city was started by the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and is the most sacred place of all of the seven sacred cities of Hindu. But, if you look at historical records Varanasi was probably founded about 3,000 years ago as an industrial center for muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes and ivory.
Over one million pilgrims visit the city each year. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges River forgives sin and that dying in this area ensures the release of a person’s soul. There are about 100 ghats (a series of steps leading down to the river) in the city. Many are privately owned and most are used for bathing, cremation or disposal of partially burned corpses. Friends from India report that the water is pretty dirty, so you might want to think twice before you attempt a bathing experience.
Varanasi is also one of four important Buddhist pilgrimage sites appointed by Guatama Buddha. He is said to have given his first sermon on the basic principles of Buddhism here.
The main attraction in the city is the ghats, but there are also many temples to see. Over the centuries the temples in the city have been destroyed numerous times by invading Muslims, who then used the materials to build mosques. There is still some racial tension in the city today.
10 of the World’s Most Beautiful Ancient Cities
Written by Matthew Rogers on June 3rd, 2009 - Topics: Geography and Travel, History and Trivia
Children always think the town they grew up in has been there since the dawn of time, just like they think their parents are giants that will never die. As we grow older, we discover that where we live is quite often merely as old as our grandparents, or an antique car. Sometimes this can be a startling revelation, but it couldn’t possibly match the awe that must be felt to realize the city you live in has existed for 10,000 years!
Damascus
(images via french irish, ben taher)
The Capital of Syria, it’s generally agreed upon that Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. With its population estimated at over 4 million people, this city is as crowded as it is old, and it’s believed to have been settled nearly 12,000 years ago! At that time, mankind was barely out of the Stone Age.
Plovdiv
(images via Emilofero, horstgeorg)
While only the second largest city in Bulgaria, behind the Capital, Sofia, Plovdiv has its own fame. This city has been inhabited by man since at least 4,000 BCE, with some believing it to be closer to 6,000. It’s easily one of the most overlooked cities in the world, as it’s stunningly beautiful and packed full of historic artifacts and monuments.
Beirut
(images via SwaitoSlaw WojTkowiak, Ageel)
This city makes the news these days for its on-again off-again involvement in regional strife, but it used to be called the Paris of the Levant, even though it out-dates Paris by thousands of years. Beirut has been a city of Man for at least 5,000 years, and theories suggest it could actually be more like 20,000, making it the oldest city on Earth.
Jerusalem
(images via ashi, cbrodzky, Ula…)
No other city in all of human history has ever been so hotly contested for such a long period of time. Jerusalem is called Holy by billions of people world-wide, and has been for centuries. While the city’s involvement with major religions may only span roughly 3,000 years, the settlement itself is believed to have been founded over 6,000 years ago.
Children always think the town they grew up in has been there since the dawn of time, just like they think their parents are giants that will never die. As we grow older, we discover that where we live is quite often merely as old as our grandparents, or an antique car. Sometimes this can be a startling revelation, but it couldn’t possibly match the awe that must be felt to realize the city you live in has existed for 10,000 years!
Damascus
(images via french irish, ben taher)
The Capital of Syria, it’s generally agreed upon that Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. With its population estimated at over 4 million people, this city is as crowded as it is old, and it’s believed to have been settled nearly 12,000 years ago! At that time, mankind was barely out of the Stone Age.
Plovdiv
(images via Emilofero, horstgeorg)
While only the second largest city in Bulgaria, behind the Capital, Sofia, Plovdiv has its own fame. This city has been inhabited by man since at least 4,000 BCE, with some believing it to be closer to 6,000. It’s easily one of the most overlooked cities in the world, as it’s stunningly beautiful and packed full of historic artifacts and monuments.
Beirut
(images via SwaitoSlaw WojTkowiak, Ageel)
This city makes the news these days for its on-again off-again involvement in regional strife, but it used to be called the Paris of the Levant, even though it out-dates Paris by thousands of years. Beirut has been a city of Man for at least 5,000 years, and theories suggest it could actually be more like 20,000, making it the oldest city on Earth.
Jerusalem
(images via ashi, cbrodzky, Ula…)
No other city in all of human history has ever been so hotly contested for such a long period of time. Jerusalem is called Holy by billions of people world-wide, and has been for centuries. While the city’s involvement with major religions may only span roughly 3,000 years, the settlement itself is believed to have been founded over 6,000 years ago.
The most wonderful skybars we've ever seen (Part 2)
6. Hong Kong Azure Restaurant Slash Bar (30 floors)
View from Azure / Photo from specialfx
More than the drinks, what draws tourists here is the prospect of looking down at the city lights from such a dizzying height. However, if you want your drinks all the same, you can discover separate modes for relaxation in the 29th and 30th floors and feel the vibrant spirit of the city in the soft jazz played in the background.
Photo from anotherview
7. Los Angeles Skybar
Los Angeles - Mondrian Skybar / Photo from Jess & Jason
Located in West Hollywood’s Mondrian hotel, this skybar is known for offering splendid sunset views of the Pacific. Normally the hot spot for the assembling of the movie stars, this deluxe skybar lounge promises to leave you starry-eyed. But the external view consisting of the glittering Los Angeles nightlife and the clouds is no less captivating.
Skybar - Mondrian / Photo from hellomartin
8. Berlin TV Tower (368 meters)
Bar at the observation deck of Berlin TV Tower (203,78 m high above ground) / Photo from Vlastula
This TV tower located in Alexanderplatz built by the East German government is reportedly the tallest structure in the entire Berlin. Its shiny steel sphere just under the antenna of the tower is the most eye-catching aspect of the tower and you can take a close look from 203 meters above ground. To make matters grander, the government lends out the tower for fancy weddings.
Berlin TV Tower viewing platform
/ Photo from balinx
The Fernsehturm (”television tower”) in the city centre of Berlin; from the top of the Berlin Dom. / Photo from Marco Bellucci
9. Dubai Vu’s Bar (51 floors)
Dubai from Vu’s Bar at the Emirates Tower / Photo from watchful mind
This bar is raised at a grand height of 1,024ft at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where you can enjoy a wholesome menu along with the most select range of cocktail lists. You can actually look around a sweeping view of the Dubai skyline along with the Arabian Gulf and feel the world at your feet.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Vu bar / Photo from bumblefreakcalifornia
Emirates Towers / Photo from elvis_payne
10. Sky Bar, Virginia Beach, Virginia (21 floors)
The Skybar on top of the Hilton Hotel in Virginia Beach, VA / Photo from jordanwinders
Posed above the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, this waterfront rooftop bar seems to float in the air. You can have fantastic time looking out the shorelines of Virginia stretching towards the north and south and the Atlantic horizon in the east. You have a full scope to indulge in a splurge of the finest cocktails, menu, wine and beer.
The most wonderful skybars we've ever seen (Part 1)
From the inception of civilization, man has always aspired to go up near the clouds through his elevating handiworks. The modern skybars that we see towering over some of the major cities of the world are an evidence to man’s love for heights. These not only serve as stunning structures kissing the skies but also attract visitors with a sweeping view of the surrounding urban stretch. Here is a list of the top ten skybars of the world for all who have a crave for dizzying heights:
1. State Tower, Bangkok (63 floors)
Sirocco Restaurant on top of State Tower, Bangkok / Photo from williwieberg
The Dome at State Tower looks gorgeous because of its heady height and stunning color effects from where you could catch a breath-taking view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok. You would love to dine in the famous Sirocco restaurant situated on this tower simply because of the splendid city view coupled with the Mediterranean food it offers.
Top of Town by williwieberg.
Let’s have a drink at the Skybar. Enjoy the jaw dropping views from its location on the 63rd floor of the State Tower, Bangkok. / Photo from williwieberg
Sirocco Roof Bar Restaurant / Photo from UK Ryan
Photo from Rizon Parein
2. Traders Hotel in Kuala Lumpur (33 floors)
Petronas Twin Towers view from 33F / Photo from Tomorrow Bystander
Simply because of its location in the magnificent SkyBar of Kuala Lumpur, the Traders Hotel enjoys a magical rapport with lovers of intoxicating cosmopolitan views and chilled drinks. From this unique rooftop lounge, you can enjoy a superb view of the glowing Petronas while listening to some soothing music.
Skybar, Traders Hotel, KL / Photo from James and Esther
The Sky Bar in Kuala Lumpur with a view of Petronas / Photo from Stuck in Customs
3. Tokyo New York Bar (52 floors)
Bar from the film “Lost in Translation” / Photo from j.d.ripper
This skybar featuring in the movie ‘Lost in Translation’ is made from ebony, walnut and black leather. Here you can enjoy an assortment of live jazz music and cocktails like brandies an cognac while looking around the panoramic view of glittering Shinjuku. You can also order a range of sophisticated Japanese dishes.
Tokyo Park Hyatt - 52nd Floor Night View / Photo from jackson.chu
Tokyo Park Hyatt Hotel of Lost in Translation fame / Photo from pokpok313
4. Sydney Blu Horizon Bar (36 floors)
The view from Blu Horizon Bar / Photo from Kama82
Located in the Shangri-La hotel above The Rocks, this skybar enjoys a close proximity to the famous structures of the city like Harbor Bridge, Opera House and Circular Quay. In addition, you can get a full view of the Darling Harbor while enjoying a pampering treatment by LaClinica beauty therapists or some urban cocktail delicacy.
Blu Horizon Bar / Photo from downunderendeavours
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