Architecture - AnArt4Life

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A collection of 64 posts

Sydney Town Hall Grand Organ

Sydney Town Hall Grand Organ

English company William Hill & Son manufactured the organ in 1890, at the time, the largest organ in the world. Read the history of the organ with its 5 keyboards, the numerous pedals as well as the 2 panels of stops.

A brief visit to Oman

A brief visit to Oman

Oman is one of the few countries in the world where there is no terrorism. The men wear kumar hats and dress in pristine white almost-floor-length gowns known as dishdasha - it defines the country’s identity, so much so, the government has standardised the design to preserve Omani culture.

The Caucasus - Armenia - Part 3 - Yerevan

The Caucasus - Armenia - Part 3 - Yerevan

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and one of the oldest capitals in the world, even older than Rome! These days it is alive with bustling cafes and restaurants, locals relaxing in parks, bars and coffee shops.

The Caucasus - Armenia - Part 2

The Caucasus - Armenia - Part 2

We continue exploring Armenian – at Garni we marvelling at the Symphony of Stones and its pagan temple, Geghard Monastery partly carved into the sheer rock face, Khor Virap – one of Armenia’s most sacred sites and learn how the local women made lavash – the national bread.

The Caucasus - Armenia - Part 1

The Caucasus - Armenia - Part 1

Monasteries and churches abound in Armenia, all located on atop steep hills and mountainsides. Join me as we visit Haghpat Monastery, Sevanavank Monastery overlooking Sevan Lake, known as the Emerald of Armenia, Noravank Monastery and Selim Caravanserai.

The Caucasus - Georgia - Part 3 - Tbilisi

The Caucasus - Georgia - Part 3 - Tbilisi

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, rises up along the banks of the Mtkvari River. In the old town where I stayed, houses crowd along higgledy-piggledy alleyways, ornate balconies jump out from all angles, ancient churches, mosques, synagogues jostle with the domed 17th century baths.

The Caucasus - Georgia - Part 2

The Caucasus - Georgia - Part 2

Georgia has a population of only 3 million people - today 1/3rd live in Tbilisi, the capital. Fought over by Persia, the Ottomans and by the 19th century annexed to Russia. Now an independent state. The Georgians have always found strength from their religion – the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The Caucasus - Georgia - Part 1

The Caucasus - Georgia - Part 1

The picturesque Kakheti region of Georgia is dotted with churches atop hills and wineries nestled in valleys against a backdrop of the majestic Caucasus Mountains. Its known for its ancient wine making traditions, fermented for 4-6 weeks in Qvevri - giant clay pots, buried in the ground.

The Caucasus - Azerbaijan - Part 3

The Caucasus - Azerbaijan - Part 3

Once a whistle stop on the Great Silk Road, connecting East and West, Sheki is an attractive town, with an atmospheric caravanserai. Here also the Khans’ Summer Palace, built in 1752-1762, the façade richly painted with drawings displaying intricate geometrical and plant patterns.

The Caucasus - Azerbaijan - Part 2 - Baku

The Caucasus - Azerbaijan - Part 2 - Baku

Baku's old town is a UNESCO site, a complex of cobbled laneways, winding up to the Shirvan Shah Palace, while the Heydar Aliyev Centre is a modern masterpiece designed by the well-respected Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid.

The Caucasus - Azerbaijan - Part 1

The Caucasus - Azerbaijan - Part 1

There are 700 volcanoes in the world - half of them in Azerbaijan - the Land of Fire. The Persian word Azer means fire, referring to extensive petroleum deposits, known since ancient times, and as a former centre of the Zoroastrian faith (who worshipped fire).

From Central Asia to The Caucasus

From Central Asia to The Caucasus

The Caucasus were also part of the USSR which existed from 1922 to 1991. Like the other 12 provinces, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia also broke away to each become independent states. They are all quite different.

Central Asia - Tajikistan

Central Asia - Tajikistan

Things are looking up for Tajikistan currently one of the world's poorest countries -with enormous growth potential of water, hydropower, agriculture and food processing, mineral resources such as gold and silver and a budding tourism industry.

Central Asia - Turkmenistan - Koneurgench

Central Asia - Turkmenistan - Koneurgench

We spent our final day in Turkmenistan on a 3 hour return trip to Koneurgench, capital of the region in the 10th and 11th centuries - a center of Islamic culture and an important stop on the famous Silk Road.

Central Asia – Turkmenistan - Merv

Central Asia – Turkmenistan - Merv

After an overnight stay in modern Mary we headed to the ancient remains of Merv - the oldest and best-preserved of the oasis-cities along the Silk Route in Central Asia, spanning 4,000 years of human history.

Central Asia - Turkmenistan - Ashgabat - Part 2

Central Asia - Turkmenistan - Ashgabat - Part 2

Continuing our tour in Ashgabat - the capital of Turkmenistan. A showcase city filled with at least 500 white marble buildings. multi lane roads with large white and gold sculptures adorn every roundabout and overpass yet there not many people around.

Central Asia - Turkmenistan - Ashgabat - Part 1

Central Asia - Turkmenistan - Ashgabat - Part 1

Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan. A showcase city filled with at least 500 white marble buildings. Multi lane roads with large white and gold sculptures adorn every roundabout and overpass yet there not many people around.

Central Asia - Uzbekistan – Khiva

Central Asia - Uzbekistan – Khiva

Khiva is one of the most intact Silk Road cities in the world. We arrive as dusk fell, the call to pray ringing out, Khiva resembled an ancient town with clay-coloured houses and glittering minarets enclosed within gigantic fortress walls.

Central Asia - Uzbekistan - Bukhara - Part 2

Central Asia - Uzbekistan - Bukhara - Part 2

Continuing in Bukhara, so many highlights, including the Chashmai Ayyub Mausoleum, Summer Palace of Bukhara Emir Said Olimkhan and The Ark.

Central Asia - Uzbekistan - Bukhara - Part 1

Central Asia - Uzbekistan - Bukhara - Part 1

The old town of Bukhara’s small streets lined with brick buildings - cobbled lanes, arches and cupolas drawing us back in time, a subtle invitation to explore this city of poetry and legends. With blue domes and majolica tiled walls, the lace of stone masonry covered in the dust of centuries.

Central Asia - Uzbekistan - from Samarkand to Bukhara

Central Asia - Uzbekistan - from Samarkand to Bukhara

Leaving Samarkand we travel along more of the Silk Road to Bukhara. Some stops along the way - a caravanserai and a family business specialising in tradition pottery, textiles and carpets.

Central Asia - Uzbekistan -Samarkand - Part 2

Central Asia - Uzbekistan -Samarkand - Part 2

Continuing to explore Samarkand - The Pearl of the Eastern Muslim World - an UNESCO World Heritage.

Central Asia - Uzbekistan -Samarkand - Part 1

Central Asia - Uzbekistan -Samarkand - Part 1

Poets and historians described Samarkand as The Pearl of the Eastern Muslim World and it’s easy to see why it’s listed as an UNESCO World Heritage

Central Asia - Uzbekistan -Tashkent Metro

Central Asia - Uzbekistan -Tashkent Metro

Construction of the Tashkent Metro began two years after the destructive earthquake in 1966, with the first line opening in 1977 in honor of 60th anniversary of the USSR. Let's explore some of the station with unique architectural features.

Central Asia - Uzbekistan - Amir Timur

Central Asia - Uzbekistan - Amir Timur

Amir Timur is a controversial figure of the 14th century as he sacked and destroyed many cities during his reign. But for Uzbekistan, he is a national hero - a unifying figure of strength and courage.