Who cares what destination is in sight?

Centuries have passed, and time is on the move!

better trip

When a traveler sets out on a long journey, no matter how passionate and ambitious the journey may be, he experiences a strange world of mixed emotions in his heart: separation from his homeland and family, concern for their well-being, thoughts about the stages of his journey, a sense of the distance of his destination, assumptions and fears about the new environment and the new country, and the desire to return home safely and comfortably and to find his family safe and sound. So, there are so many thoughts and feelings in the turmoil of which a person leaves home.

Thoughts and feelings: What has always given me great comfort in this crowd, my heart longs to present its gift to people before starting the journey, and that is the pure and effective supplications of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he used to recite whenever he set out on a journey. The fact is that there is no corner of a traveler’s needs that is not covered by these effective words. Who could have known the human psychology of a traveler better than you, may God bless you and grant you peace? Therefore, you, may God bless you and grant you peace, did not leave any aspect of him that was not covered in these supplications.

The meaning of these supplications is:

In the name of Allah, I seek refuge in Allah, I put my trust in Allah, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the greatest, O Allah, You are my companion on my journey, and You are the protector of my family, my wealth and my children in my absence, O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of the journey, from the sights that are sad. And from the fact that when I return to my family, wealth and children, I will be in a bad state. O Allah, make the journey easy for us and make its distance easy for us. O Allah, I beseech You for righteousness and piety throughout this journey, as well as for actions that are pleasing to You.

If the heart and eyes are deprived of the ability to see beyond matter, then it is a different matter. Otherwise, what better journey could there be for a traveler?

In this tripvo, I will mention 20 of my travels. You will read them, enjoy them, and comment on my travels.

A trip Arab countries

A journey through 20 Arab nations represents a considerable endeavor, showcasing a variety of cultures, landscapes, and historical narratives throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The Arab League, also known as the League of Arab States, officially recognizes 22 member nations. This list includes countries like Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and the United. Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Best places to visit in the Middle East

The Middle East…

That vast expanse of land is frequently disregarded in its entirety and is typically perceived merely as the realm of the most magnificent and expansive deserts, the unending markets of spices, and the hospitable nature of the Bedouins. Furthermore, the international media often prefers to depict only the calamities and negative occurrences in the Middle East. This skewed representation alters public perception to such a degree that the entire region of the Middle East is viewed as a perilous destination for travelers, as if it were a singular nation. However, it is important to recognize that the Middle East comprises 14 distinct countries, each vastly different from the others, with established borders and shared frontiers.

Which countries are part of the Middle East?

In my opinion, the nations that constitute the Middle East are as follows:

Bahrain-Egypt-Iran-Iraq-Israel-Jordan-Kuwait-Lebanon-Oman-Palestine-Qatar- Saudi Arabia-Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Officially, Turkey and Cyprus are also considered part of the Middle East; however, this is my blog, and I have chosen not to include them, opting instead to add Libya to this list.

Regardless.

Having spent many years living in and traveling throughout the region, I have, based on my personal experiences and opinions, compiled a list of the 39 best destinations to visit in the Middle East.

These selections are determined by their security levels, historical significance, and natural beauty.

My aim is to demonstrate not only that the Middle East is a safe travel destination but also to highlight the vast natural and cultural diversity among the countries and their significant roles in our history.

1 – Amadiya – The Place Where the Three Wise Men Reside

Situated in the northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan, merely 10 kilometers from the Turkish border, Amadiya is a charming and highly photogenic village perched atop a mountain, boasting a rich history that spans over 5,000 years. Throughout its history, Amadiya has been influenced by various civilizations and religions, including the Assyrians, Persians, and numerous Jewish and Christian communities, all of whom have left their mark on this significant site. Furthermore, it is thought that Amadiya was the dwelling place of the Three Wise Men, who traveled to Bethlehem to observe the birth of Jesus Christ.

In contemporary times, Amadiya is recognized as a Muslim Kurdish village, enveloped by breathtaking mountain landscapes that are characteristic of northern Iraq, making it one of the most exquisite destinations to visit in the Middle East.

2 – Shibam, the Manhattan of the desert

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, Shibam is a town with a population of 7,000, situated in a remote area, characterized by its 9-story mud-brick structures. This unique feature has led to its nickname, the ‘Manhattan of the desert’, although I personally find such comparisons unappealing. In contrast to other notable locations in Yemen, Shibam is found in the Hadramut region, which is considered relatively safe within Yemen and offers direct flights from Cairo, Egypt.

3 – Esfahan – Jaw-dropping Islamic architecture

Esfahan is undoubtedly the most remarkable city in Iran, with its mosques featuring enormous domes and breathtaking ceilings adorned with intricate geometric designs, making them the most striking structures in the Middle East. As one of the most historically significant cities in the area, Esfahan has consistently housed a vibrant community of scholars and esteemed intellectuals, and its significance and impact in this region have frequently been likened to that of Athens and Rome.

4 – The Old City of Damascus

This was the first statement made by the hotel receptionist upon my arrival in the city. Damascus is undoubtedly among the oldest cities in the world, possibly the most ancient capital, established in the second millennium BC. Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750, which was one of the most significant caliphates in history, stretching from Spain to Iran. My preferred location in Damascus was the Umayyad Mosque, an exceptional mosque that transitioned from a Jupiter Temple during the Roman period to a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist, and eventually became one of the largest mosques worldwide. Currently, Damascus is a secure city and, thankfully, the Old City has largely remained intact throughout most of the conflict.

5 – Baalbek – Giant Roman ruins, all by yourself

Spanning from Western Europe to North Africa and the Middle East, the Roman Empire stands as the most significant empire in history. In the present day, many of its remnants, some of which are in relatively excellent condition, serve as prominent tourist destinations attracting hundreds of visitors daily. Beyond Rome, the ruins of Baalbek rank among the most remarkable, not only because of their size and impressive preservation but also due to the likelihood of having the site to yourself. This is particularly true in Lebanon, a destination that is relatively less frequented in the region, where one can encounter the most extraordinary Roman ruins unlike any other, making it one of the premier travel locations in the Middle East.

 

 

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