What happens when we want to visit Iraqi Kurdistan described by some as the ‘Switzerland of the Middle East’ and how can tourism flourish in a quiet corner of Iraq, away from the bombs and bullets of the rest of the country. Geoff Hann, of Hinterland Travel explores the newest frontier in cultural tourism. Iraqi Kurdistan is a region steeped in history: Erbil is a very ancient city, dominated by the great mound in the centre -probably the site of one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities already in decline by the time Alexander reached it. Geoff Hann also describes tourist sites in Dohuk, Molusl and Kirkuk.
In the remainder of war-thorn Iraq Mesopotamia’s ancient legacy is in danger of becoming history. Karen Dabrowska points out that Iraq is a country of firsts: the earliest villages and cities, writing, poetry, epic literature, temples, codified religion, armies, warfare, world economy and empire. Tragically it is also the first entire country to be designated an 'endangered site' by the World Monuments Fund (WMF). Abdul-Amir Alwan describes one of the ancient universities in the Middle East, Al- Moustansiriya, founded by the Abassid Caliph Al-Moustansir Billah in Baghdad in the thirteen century.
Weekend breaks for Londoners in Libya? This the dream Amelia Stewart of Simoon Travel is determined to turn into reality before long.
The Moroccan National Tourist Office is inviting night owls to view a star-studded celestial display in Ouarzazate. But, as Ian Stalker discovered, much of the region’s appeal is also firmly rooted on the ground. Among southern Morocco destinations is Ouarzazate, found some 220 kilometres from better-known Marrakech, the cornerstone of interior Morocco’s tourist trade. There are many cultural wonders for tourists.
Moslems have unique ways of celebrating the month of Ramadan. Government officials are eager to publicise their celebrations and encourage the media to tell the world about the festivities. This is what Abdul-Ali Tayr, General Manager of the National Office of Algerian Tourism, did when he strongly insisted that a delegation from Islamic Tourism visit his country in Ramadan last year. Mounir El-Fishawy reports on the Algerian celebrations which include much cultural entertainment plus the local cuisine.
Al-Hajr or Madain Salih, is a magnificent archaeological site, an open air museum covering 13.39km2 with numerous relics, some still to be discovered. There are temples, stone engravings and ruins, the legacy of the Thamoudienses, the Lahyanienses and the Nabateenses. Abdellah Chtioui Al-Jahani visits the area between Madina and Sham (Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon). There are carved dwellings in the mountains and 131 cemetries - Thirty two have been identified as dating from the first year B.C. until the year 75 A.D.
Dominick Merle tours Ronda, the last Spanish Moorish city to fall to the Crusaders and visits the Bandit Museum (Los Bandoleros), dedicated to the romantic figures of yesteryear who were murderous cutthroats to some and Robin Hoods to others.
Pyramids, treasures and traffic: Derick McGroarty saw them all in Cairo and highlights the legendary city’s main attractions. He also visited Antalya, popular with Germans and Russians. The Turkish Mediterranean coast between Fethiye and Alanya now increasingly attracts UK holiday makers. In the bustle of Antalya's commercial city, is a compact maze of narrow streets in the old walled area of Kaleici rising steeply from an attractive harbour
Brunei never fails to disappoint as a unique Asian destination which caters to all tastes, likes and dislikes. In this issue we introduce the island of Borneo, which is fast becoming one of the world’s “must dive†destinations, due to its location in the “epicenter†of marine bio-diversity.
International tourism delivers a model of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and cultural exchange. That is why tourism and tourists are so much hated and attacked by terrorists.
Dr Ala Al-Hamarneh provides a penetrating flash of insight into how international tourism versus terrorism.
Islamic Tourism’s publisher, Mr A. S. Shakiry urges the Iraqi government to mention international tourism in the constitution to ensure that the country’s values are not compromised when tourists return in large numbers. The Editor-in-Chief, Dr Abdul-Rahim Hassan describes new frontiers for tourism and peace. We really need to get to know each other and use travel as a means of doing so. We still have cultural and economic divisions. There are great misunderstanding and injustices around the globe giving rise to violent actions. What humanity should be working towards is one peaceful world based on justice and high ethical values.
In this issue Islamic Tourism reviews two exhibitions in China: the Beijing International Tourism Exhibition, 2005 and the Qingdao International Tourism Exhibition, held between the 16th - 18th June. The magazine participated in both exhibitions and was represented there by Motaz Othman, head of the magazine’s Amman Office.
Motaz Othman also previews the first International Tourism Fair Of Islamic Countries which will be held in Istanbul in November. He also has a date with Jupiter when he visits the Dana nature reserve in south Jordan at the invitation of the Royal Association for the Protection of Nature, in collaboration with the Jordanian Astronomy Society.
Islamic Tourism is a bimonthly magazine published in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. Its website (www.islamictourism.com) publishes four weekly news bulletins in the afore mentioned languages. You can browse the news free of charge and read past issues of the magazine. Your comments are always welcome and will be gratefully received. |