Tatev

Armenia,Georgia and Azerbaijan occupying a mountainous zone on the southern flank of the Caucasus Mountains, sit on one of the earth’s greatest crossroads. Their fate and history have been to a great extent influenced or decided by their powerful neighbours namely Turkey, Russia and Iran. I planned a 23-day trip to see three countries and spend 10 days in Armenia.  The Armenians are nice, hospitable and proud of their ancient civilization. I visited a total of nine impressive churches and monasteries including the World Heritage properties at Echmiatzin, Zvartnots, Haphpat, and Geghard. I also ventured to Nagorno-Karabakh and visited the Gandzasar monastery.

Chıldren safe behınd fence, Iraq

Iraq, home of the earliest civilisation namely the Sumerian civilisation in the fertile Tigris-Euphrates river valley, is the birthplace of writing and wheel. Modern Iraq corresponds to the Mesopotamia (Land between the rivers) of the Old Testament. Iraq with its legendary Babylon has been on top of my must-see list. My friends thought I was crazy to join an 11-day tour to Iraq. I had an unusual holiday visiting Baghdad, Babylon, holy shrines for Shia Muslims at Karbala and Najaf, fabulous archaeological sites at Uruk, Ur and Lagash and a nature wonderland, the Marshes.   Read more »