Karnak Luxor Egypt

Karnak Temples Visitor Center

 Karnak is situated in Upper Egypt near modern Luxor. The complex of temples and other builidings are mostly from the New Kingdom but data from the Middle Kingdom (c2,000 BCE) to the Ptolemaic Kingdom, which ended  c 30 BCE.

Only part of the temple complex has been restored and is open to the public. Nevertheless, the available structures are immense.

The great hall contains massive columns.

And a giant statue of Ramses II.

At one point in history, there was a marble floor. A small section remains.

Some obelisks were gifts to other nations (e.g., England, France) but the obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose I remain.

Toward the back of the available area is a sanctuary.

Link to our cruise and other ports of call.

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Ephesus Turkey

Grand Theatre, Ephesus, Turkey featuring Geoffrey W. Sutton

Permission granted to download the photos for personal use and not-for-profit educational use provided you acknowledge the source.

http://suttontravels.blogspot.com/2017/03/ephesus-turkey.html

Our visit to EPHESUS remains in our memories as one of the more outstanding cities. After a short cruise with island stops, we crossed the Agean Sea from Athens and landed at Kusadasi in Western Turkey. From there we took a bus to Ephesus where a guide provided a walking tour.

Depending on the source, a city has been here for about 4,000 years. An early settlment dates from the 11th Century BCE- founded by Androcles from Athens. Other groups ruling the city were the Lydians and Persians. Alexander the Great liberated the city in 334 BCE.

Egyptians and Syrians had their turn until the Romans arrived in 190 BCE. Much of the city was destroyed when the Goths invaded in 263 CE.

Constantine I rebuilt part of the city, which was ruined by an earthquake in 614 CE.

You can follow a route using many available maps.

Our route began near the Odeon. A small theatre for concerts and performances near the State Agora.

We walked along Curetes street past the Temple of Domitian. Although named as dedicated to the Roman Emperor, Domitian, more recent research indicates it was to honor Titus.

Temple of Domitian by Geoffrey W. Sutton

There's a monument to Memmius near the Heracles Gate. The Memmius memorial was reportedly ordered by Augustus in the first century CE to honour Caius, grandson of Sulla.

Memmius Monument by Geoffrey W. Sutton

You will pass the Trajan Fountain built in honor of the Roman Emperor Trajan, second century CE.

Trajan Fountain by Geoffrey W. Sutton

Some columns remain of the Hadrian Temple built by Theodosius to honour his father in the second century CE.

Nearby is a favourite photo spot -- the Men's Latrines with a duck pond. Reportedly, these were public toilets. Water flowed beneath the benches.

Men's Latrines, Ephesus; Geoffrey W. Sutton

Duck Pond by Men's Latrines, Ephesus

Further along are the amazing remains of the Celsus Library built by Gaius Julius Aquila to honour his father in 135 CE. It is reported that thousands of scrolls could be housed at the Library. It is one of the most attractive buildings along Curetes Street.

Celsus Library, Ephesus, Geoffrey W. Sutton

Close to the Library are the local brothel, agora, and the Harbour Road. The brothel was reportedly dedicated to Aphrodite (Venus) and a statue of Priapus can be seen in the Ephesus Museum. Remains of the Agora (public square/marketplace) can be seen to the side of the road.

The Harbour Road, Ephesus, Geoffrey W. Sutton

There's not much left of the Temple of Artemis. You can find a statue of Artemis in the local museum.

Statue of Artemis, Internet, Free to Share

Tradition has it that St. John was the designated carer for Mary, mother of Jesus. And that John and Mary ended their days in Ephesus. Nearby buildings are erected in their memory.

The Bible mentions the presence of the Apostle Paul in Ephesus during the first Century. For example, see Acts 19.

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Jama Masjid Delhi India

Jama Masjid is the largest Mosque in India. It is located in Old Delhi.  The courtyard is large enough for 25,000 people. Construction began in 1644 and was organised by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort at Agra.

There are three gates, four towers, and two minarets, each 40 metres tall.

At the top of the steps, those who wish to enter must remove their shoes.

And women are to don provided robes, which creates a photo op for Westerners.




Close ups reveal the artistry in sandstone and marble.



























A link to more information http://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/jama-masjid.html

Notes
A small fee is charged for photography but there is no charge to enter the Mosque.
A youth expects a tip for minding your shoes.
Outside is the Chawri Bazaar, which we toured via pedal Rickshaw following our visit to the Mosque.

Connections

   My Page    www.suttong.com

   My Books   AMAZON     GOOGLE PLAY STORE

   FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton

   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton

   PINTEREST  www.pinterest.com/GeoffWSutton

Publications (many free downloads)

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton   (PhD)     

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Sikh Gurdwara (temple) Delhi India

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is a Sikh gurdwara or house of worship located in Delhi, India. We visited at lunch time when the kitchens were busy with members preparing food in massive kitchens to feed the thousands who visit each day.













After removing footwear and donning head coverings (provided), guests may walk through the kitchen and enter the place of prayer and worship.

There is a large courtyard with a pool and attractive architechture.

Here's a brief video from my YouTube channel presenting the sights and sounds of our visit along with views of the kitchen, meal area, courtyard and pool. No photography is permitted within the place of worship.

Read more online at this Sikh site.

Connections

   My Page    www.suttong.com

   My Books   AMAZON     GOOGLE PLAY STORE

   FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton

   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton

   PINTEREST  www.pinterest.com/GeoffWSutton

Publications (many free downloads)

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton   (PhD)     

  ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton   (PhD)

Elephanta Island and Caves India

On our second day in India, we walked to  the India Gate in Mumbai where we boarded a ferry to Elephanta Island (World Heritage site).


The trip took about an hour to travel approximately 10 km to the islands located in Mumbai harbour of the Arabian Sea.


The ferry boats are well worn but the plastic seats are comfortable. We paid 400 Rs for two - you can save a few Rs if you but direct at the dock. On board we paid 10 Rs each to sit on the upper deck.

















You'll have good views of the India Gate and Taj Mahal Hotel from the back of the boat.







After arriving at the Island, it is a steep walk past numerous vendors to the park where the caves are located.














You pay to enter the small island village and again to enter the park near the top of the hill.





You will see a main temple with a long hall. Various stone sculptures are taken from stories of Shiva. These date from about the 6th century.

Along the way, locals offer to be your guide.

At the end of the trail is a toilet- plan to bring your own paper and hand cleaner if you must use it.


Monkeys are everywhere- and will steal your snacks if you put them beside you whilst resting (happened to my wife).

On the return, some locals fed the gulls, which show no fear of coming close.