Gaziantep is one of the modern provinces of the region and also one of the oldest of Hittite origin. Being the center of pistachio nut cultivation in Turkey and with its extensive olive groves and vineyards, Gaziantep is one of the important, industrial centres of Turkey.
In the center of the city stands the Gaziantep Fortress and the Ravanda citadel as the reminders of past. The Archaeological Museum, with its important collections from neolithic and the Hittite ages as well as the Roman and Commagene times, attracts many visitors. The surroundings of the city are also full of valuable Hittite remains. The Suzer House, which has been restored to its original beauty, now houses the Ethnographical Museum. The Yesemek Sculpture Workshop, 30 kms south of the town of Islahiye, is one of the world's first of this kind. Some of the other historical remains are the Belkis, and Kargamis Ruins by the town of Nizip. Dulluk which is close to the city center is ideal for those who would like to rest in a natural setting amidst forest and has camping facilities.
Gaziantep is famous for its three regional specialties. First is the copper-ware products you will not want to pass up. The delicious lahmacun (a kind of pizza) is the second, while the third is the sweet pastry baklava, which Gaziantep makes the best in the world
Giza (Gizeh or Gisa) Egypt
Located near the ancient city of Memphis and across the Nile from modern Cairo, Giza is the most important known archeological site in Egypt and probably the world. This burial ground of the Pharaohs is well known for the Pyramids and the Sphinx and is still contributing a steady stream of artifacts to the Cairo Museum.Recently a series of tunnels has begun to be explored, tunnels that appear to be conduits for water - water from the west, not from the current location of the Nile east of the site. The Nile did previously flow west of the Giza plateau, but geologists place the time of that long before the known occupation of Giza. Yet one must wonder, if the plateau was a major spiritual center for thousands of years before the first dynasties, as some speculate, why burials from those times are not being found.
Jerusalem (Al-Quds), Holy Land
Jerusalem: the name itself evokes an idea of universality and peace reaching beyond nationalisms, racial disputes, religious faiths and political barriers.
Jerusalem has always been the crossroads between different races and worlds. Concentrated in only a few hundred feet are Al-Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulcher, and Wailing Wall the most important sacred sites of the three principal monotheistic religions.
Interactive Map of Jerusalem
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Chapel of the Ascension
Church of Dominus Flevit
Church of St. Anne & Pool of Bethesda
Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu
Coenaculum and King David Tomb
Dome of the Rock
Gates and Walls of the Old City
Gethsemane and Church of All Nations
Grotto of Gethsemane
Holy Sepulcher - Details
Mount Zion and Dormition Abbey
Mt of Olives and Virgin Tomb Church
The Citadel (Tower of David)
The Garden Tomb
Valley of the Kidron
Via Dolorosa
Western Wall
Within the city: the holy Christian sites of the youth of prophet Jesus (pbuh); his crucifixion; burial and resurrection, the third holiest site for Muslims; Al-Haram Al-Sharif from where prophet Mohammad (pbuh) rose to heaven can be seen, and the holiest Jewish sites; Wailing Wall and Tomb of King David (pbuh).
It is the Holy City of humanity, and is the City of Peace, in spite of the invasions and pillaging that over the centuries have succeeded each other there.
The Arabs (Muslims and Christians) call it Al-Quds or Baytel Maqdis, the Holy One.The Jews call it Yerushalayim, the City of Peace.The World call it Jerusalem.
The origins of Jerusalem are lost in the remote past. Recent archaeological excavations reveal that it is at least as old as the 15th century BC, where it is called Urusalimu in the Egyptian and Babylonian literature. The first mention of it in the Bible is probably under the name of Salem, the city of Melchisedek Priest of the High God. In the third century under the reign of Constantine, Jerusalem became a Christian Shrine, the Emperor's mother Helena, ordered the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on the site; she was determined the site of Christ's crucifixion. From established traditions, advice of the Bishops and revelations in her dreams, Helena established a number of official sites connected with the life of Christ that are still recognized today by most Christians.
Few Places in the world have commanded the division of so many people for so long a period as has Jerusalem. During your first day in the Holy City, you will be awed by a sense of history and spiritual significance. Yes, Jerusalem is a city with a special design; its effect on visitors is unique and eternal.
