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OTT-DVD-141 - The journey to the desert castles of the Omaijades begins south of the Jordanian capital of Amman close to the Queen Alia Airport. The winter residence of Qasr Mushatta is no more. In spite of its poor condition this desert castle is exceptional among the former residences of the Omayyad monarchy as according to the wishes of Kalif Walid The Second the Qasr Mushatta was meant to outshine all other palaces in respect of both size and splendour. On the southern Azraq Amman Road is the impressive Qasr El-Kharaneh, the most well-preserved desert castle in Jordan. Some of its architectural features such as the Mesopotamian walls and decorative elements of the upper section indicate Persian influence. Azraq is located a hundred kilometres east of Amman on the edge of a sandy desert. Even today the Qasr Al Azraq Castle impresses with its dark basalt stone. It is more like a fortress than a noble residence and is believed to date back to Roman times and Emperor Septimius Severus. Entrance to the Qasr Al-Hallabat Mosque was highly restricted and only the caliph and members of his court were allowed to enter. Nevertheless, the Omayyad monarchs were not as religious as they made out. In fact the opposite was true as their desert castles often featured wild festivities! Any journey to the ancient and mysterious Ommayad kingdom with its fairy-tale castles and ancient bathing houses is an unforgettable and atmospheric adventure.
On Tour... THE CASTLES OF...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 209 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m24s
Views: 10  | Comments: 0
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GTR-DVD-1243 - Damascus is one of the most fascinating cities in the Orient and its colourful history is still very much apparent in its magnificent palaces.Today an impressive statue serves as a reminder of the city's famous monarch, Saladin. In the twelfth century he did much to improve the city.A walk through the historic centre of Damascus is like a journey through more than two thousand years of oriental history. In contrast to many other cities in the Near and Middle East, most of the original buildings within the old town have survived the test of time.The city's strategic location at the junction of several important caravan routes gave rise to a large number of fortified inns or 'Caravansaries', such as the Khan As'ad Pasha Al Azem.The Omayyad Mosque was for many years the largest and most revered in the Islamic world and the splendid furnishings of its interior make this building a veritable treasure trove.The historic splendour of Syria's remarkable capital city really is like a Paradise On Earth.Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures DAMASCUS...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 209 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m29s
Views: 11  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
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