As we just started the Holy month of Ramadan in my country Egypt. When Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking from the dusk to the dawn. Ramadan is a great opportunity for those who observe it to get more inward, contemplate their own spirituality; its limits, level of tolerance and acceptance of the Other. Although I strongly adhere and practice one of the 3 monotheist religions, traveling has totally change my perspective on faith and beliefs. Believing in one religion doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to it and not learning and open up to the others. Whichever country I visited, I was equally finding peace in a church, a synagogue or a temple. My faith is Muslim, my heart is Jewish, my soul is Christian and my thoughts are Buddhist. Here are some religious places I visited that helped me finding peace during my travels. |
Built in 1926, in honor of Muslims who fought with France during World War I, the Mosque served also as a secret refuge for Jews when France was under German occupation. Beside its fascinating history, the Mosque nowadays serves as a meeting place for Parisian and foreigners whatever their faith is. They don't to visit this beautiful construction that resembles Andalusian Palaces, but more to taste some oriental food and delicacies served in the Mosque's restaurant and jardin café that you can read more about here. Despite the tremendous decrease in the number of its Jewish community, Morocco has a very rich Jewish heritage and a record number of Synagogues. Some estimate that the city of Casablanca alone is home to around 80 synagogues. This was also my first time ever to actually visit a synagogue. But what triggered me is that my first visit was in an Arab country, a reminder of how Muslims and Jews once coexisted peacefully side by side, and a reminder that they still can! That's one of the places that very few Egyptians would know about. Located on Cairo - Alexandria desert road, Annafoura is a farm and retreat founded by Egyptian and Swedes. The place offers its visitors with free accommodation, free home-cooked meals with products planted and cultivated in the farm, in return to a small donation for those who want. What's inspiring is more this little church inside Annafoura. Each night they hold a mess at 8pm, during which Egyptians and foreigners come together with each reciting part of the Bible in its own language: In German, Dutch, Danish, French, Italian and of course Arabic, hearing God's words in so many different languages give you inner peace that you can't experience elsewhere. And a great reminder that God doesn't need a language to reach you! Just like everything in Monaco, you will get that classy feeling once you step into the city's cathedral. Located on a hill just overlooking the Mediterranean sea, the Cathedral is like a indoor cemetery, with many of the Grimaldis buried inside, including the famous Grace Kelly. One of the largest and oldest mosque in the World, the Ummayad Mosque is considered the fourth holiest place in Islam. It was built on the 7th century on the site of a Christian Basilica dedicated to the Prophet John the Baptist and its believed that his head is buried somewhere inside the mosque. Also the tomb of Salah Eldin is located in a small garden adjacent to the mosque. Its architecture and radiant golden color on its façade have no precedent. During my visit in 2005, the mosque was packed with a huge number of worshippers Sunna and Shia alike, beside foreigners from all over the world. Today unfortunately it stands in ruins I came across this small synagogue located in one of the narrow streets of Budapest. As I approached by the door, which seemed locked, all of a sudden someone came of the window and told me to wait till he comes downstairs. I was a bit terrified, felt like I did something wrong and wanted to run. But somehow I heart told me to wait. "where are you from?", he asked. That's a hard question, shall I confess or lie. "Egypt", I said. "Do you wanna get inside?"... Of course I do. The nice rabbi opened the door for me a guided me inside this tiny synagogue, chitchatting, but no politics involved, which made me feel much relaxed. All he wanted is to show me his little world, nothing more. I left with a little story that I keep telling my friends till today. Here in Egypt, saying that you visit synagogue and chat with Jews is unfortunately quiet a big deal for many. Despite all the chatting I forgot to ask what was the name of this unknown peaceful place! Nowhere else except Beirut you can find mosques and churches so close together, embracing each others. Amazingly the Harriri mosque in Down Town, which I was so lucky to witness its first construction till it finishes after the assassination of Harriri himself, is surrounded by two Saint George Cathedrals, a Catholic one in the first picture and an Orthodox one in the second. Lebanon with its 19 communities never fail to surprise me each time I visit it! Lutheran churches might look simplistic on the outside, but its gothic style of the interior is something worth contemplating. Its unique sculpture of dragons, Viking ships and bricks gave it a distinguish feeling from Catholic or Orthodox churches. Built in the 13th century, the most famous of its treasures is a wooden statue of St George and the dragon. Also something very unique to Lutheran Protestant churches in Scandinavia, is the way the place lit candles inside an iron ball as shown in the picture. Also named Swayambunath, this religious complex atop of a hill in Kathmandu valley is inhabited by hundreds of monkeys which are believed to be holy monkeys. It is the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. It consists of a stupa, a variety of temples, a Tibetan monastery, museum and library, in addition to many small shops. Once you reach the top through a 365 steps stairway, you can read "We were breathless and sweating as we stumbled up the last steep steps and practically fell upon the biggest vajra (thunder-bolt scepter) that I have ever seen. Behind this vajra was the vast, round, white dome of the stupa, like a full solid skirt, at the top of which were two giant Buddha eyes wisely looking out over the peaceful valley which was just beginning to come alive". It says it all! This unconventional Basilica might seem gross for some and exceptionally beautiful for others. The controversy it creates make it even more attractive. But once you realized it was designed by Gaudi, you stop being surprised. With its flowery crosses on the top, cobras and snakes all around, weird shapes of grapes as ornaments, La Sagrada Familia is still an incomplete work since Gaudi's death in 1920s. Unfortunately I didn't have the chance to visit it from inside in 2010, as work towards its completion were still ongoing on this year. It was hard to identify what's this colorful, Aladdin like construction is about. With the main facade displaying a large Islamic arch and a rosette window with the Star of David in the centre and a biblical verse along the perimeter: “This is the gateway to the Lord – the righteous shall enter through it”, an innovative design combining Moorish Revival and Art Nouveau. From the inside, it's the most spacious and most beautiful synagogue I've ever been to so far. Definitely worth a visit while in Prague. Originally from Gol, Norway, this stave church built in 1212 has been relocated to Oslo Open Museum. Once you step into this wooden construction you smell the odor of the centuries, hear the cracking floors beneath your feet, a worship that have witnessed thousands and thousands of old and new souls coming to seek God's benediction. Alhambra complex as a whole with its mosque, palaces, towers and halls is the most beautiful of all Islamic architectures one can ever see. You will just get lost into this breathtaking calligraphy and details, a place where once the East and West became one. By Ingy Sedky
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Your travel blog is a beacon illuminating the path for wanderlust seekers. Thanks for being a reliable source of inspiration, offering not just tips but a profound understanding of the destinations you explore. Your commitment to authenticity and passion for exploration make each post a captivating journey. Much appreciated!
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Hi, I'm IngyI am a part time traveler from Egypt, and I travel mainly to collect Hats :) I have visited more than 30 countries and around 50 different cities. I am sharing interesting cultural stories, photos, travel tips and itineraries of places I visited that could help you plan your next trip.
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