March 23, 2012

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Imam Mosque, Iran: Colorful UNESCO World Heritage Site photo essay

Shah Mosque or Imam Mosque, Iran

TweetThe Imam Mosque, Iran: A colorful photo essay! Continuing our love for Persian architecture, today I introduce you to the Imam Mosque, Iran (Masjed-e Imam). It is a fitting day for such a gem to be talked about at Travel The Middle East, as Friday is the day that most Muslims flock into mosques to […]

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March 20, 2012

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Persepolis, Iran: A Majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site

TweetPersepolis, Iran: This week’s Travel Tuesday feature! (Persepolis at sunset photo: Pourhassan, Alireza, Wiki Commons) Background Literally meaning “Persian City” in Greek (Πέρσης), the ancient site of Persepolis, Iran is located about 70 km northeast of the contemporary city of Shiraz. It used to be “the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (Wikipedia). It is believed that two rulers must […]

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March 16, 2012

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Green Middle East: Plethora of photos ahead (plus Iran)! #FriFotos

green Middle East, Pereshkaft, Iran

TweetToday’s theme is “Green Middle East” and these photos are meant to show you another beautiful side of one of my favorite regions in the world. Indeed, there is much more than vast deserts found in the Arab world. Hope you enjoy the shots! Green Iran Gorgeous green landscape in Iran – WHOA! Green Egypt […]

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March 13, 2012

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Things to do in Morocco: A feast for the senses (photo essay)

things to do in Morocco, Ouarzazate kasbah

TweetI learned about the best things to do in Morocco after living there for a semester abroad. I had the opportunity to take many road trips and visit many cities more than once. For this reason, today I’m curating certain cities and telling you which are my favorite things to do in Morocco. Part 2 likely […]

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March 8, 2012

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Couscous history: A delicious photo essay!

couscous history, modifications

TweetI decided to do something fun today and share with you a brief post about couscous history–my favorite Moroccan dish. Just had lunch, but writing about this made me hungry again! Origins Did you know that couscous is actually a Berber pasta dish? As such, it’s funny to hear several rumors about couscous history and […]

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February 24, 2012

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Locals in the Middle East: A short photo essay

Bedouin girl, locals in the Middle East

TweetEver wondered what the locals in the Middle East and North Africa look like or where they come from? In celebration of this week’s FriFotos topic, I will give you a short intro and cultural background of some of the different peoples of the region. Bedouins Bedouins are the desert nomads of Arabia. Divided into […]

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February 16, 2012

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Marsa Alam: Egyptian Red Sea Hidden Gem (photo essay)

TweetAre your eyes tired of temple viewing, needing a little breather? Yet, you think Luxor is a little too far from relaxing beach towns? Think again: Escape to Marsa Alam! Location Located about 237 km from ancient Thebes, this relaxing beach town is no secret to experienced divers. For years now, Marsa Alam has been […]

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February 10, 2012

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Travel the Middle East sands: Photo essay

Palm Jumeirah's Fronds

TweetToday we will travel the Middle East SANDS as the latter is the FriFotos theme this week! I’ll present a variety of photos including deserts I have visited, some interesting tours I have taken, and other locales that are still on my Middle East bucket list! Hope you enjoy the shots Travel the Middle East: […]

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February 3, 2012

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Ifrane, Morocco: Africa’s Little Switzerland (photo essay)

TweetIfrane (إفران‎), Morocco is one of the few places in the African continent where snow falls almost every winter. For this very reason, the French developed this town after an Alpine village in the early 20th century (Protectorate Era), which explains the village’s extremely European flair. And at an elevation of 5,460 ft., this Moroccan town also […]

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February 1, 2012

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Abu Dhabi: The rising Emirate (photo essay)

Abu Dhabi skyline at night

TweetThought Dubai was the new “It” of the Middle East? Think again. A different Emirate is soaring to new highs and prospering much more than its sister. Its name? Abu Dhabi. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is one of seven states (called “Emirates”) of the UAE. Here, the capital of the “constitutional federation of absolute […]

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