Did you know that Australia’s Highway 1 is not just the longest national highway in the country, but also one of the longest in the world? Spanning an extraordinary 14,500 kilometers (9,009 miles), this iconic highway forms a loop around the entire continent, connecting all of Australia’s major coastal cities. Traveling along this route, you’ll experience breathtaking views that range from rugged coastlines and pristine beaches to lush rainforests and arid outback landscapes.

As you journey along Highway 1, you’ll pass through world-famous cities like Sydney, where the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge await; Melbourne, known for its vibrant arts scene and coffee culture; Brisbane, with its riverside parks and lively cultural precincts; Perth, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean; and Adelaide, the gateway to some of the world’s best wine regions.

Known as the "National Highway" or simply "The One," this vast road network is vital for connecting Australia’s coastal regions and urban centers. But it’s more than just a transportation route—it’s a road that tells the story of Australia’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage.

For travelers, Highway 1 is the ultimate road trip, offering a unique way to explore the vast and varied landscapes of Australia. Whether you’re stopping to surf at a secluded beach, hike through a national park, or discover the history and culture of a new city, each segment of Highway 1 offers its own adventure. This highway is a journey in itself, a pathway to discovering the natural beauty and cultural richness that make Australia a truly unique destination.

Source: Teachers Travelers

Islamic World

The Islamic world refers to countries and regions where Islam is dominant, influencing various aspects of life, including culture, politics, law, and education. It is not just limited to the Middle East; it spans Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Critical Aspects of the Islamic World:
1. Geographical Spread:
Middle East and North Africa (MENA): The heartland of Islam, including countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, and Turkey.
South Asia: Countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, where Islam plays a central role.
Southeast Asia: Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Somalia have significant Muslim populations.
Europe: There are significant Muslim communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and growing populations in Western Europe due to migration.
2. Cultural and Religious Practices:
Religious Practices: The Five Pillars of Islam (Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj) are central to Islamic life.
Islamic Law (Sharia): In many Muslim-majority countries, Sharia law influences or directly governs legal systems, covering everything from criminal law to personal status issues like marriage and inheritance.
Language: Arabic is the liturgical language of Islam, but other languages, such as Persian, Turkish, Urdu, and Malay, are widely spoken in the Islamic world.
3. Historical Contributions:
The Golden Age of Islam (8th to 14th century) was a period of significant advancements in science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy, with learning centres in cities like Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba.
Architecture: Islamic architecture is renowned for its mosques, madrasas (schools), and palaces, featuring minarets, domes, and intricate geometric designs.
4. Modern-Day Dynamics:
Political Landscape: The Islamic world includes various governance systems, from monarchies in the Gulf States to republics in Iran and Turkey. Political Islam and movements like the Muslim Brotherhood have had significant influence in some regions.
Economic Power: The Islamic world includes some of the world's largest oil producers, like Saudi Arabia and Iran, which play a critical role in global energy markets.
Social Issues: The Islamic world faces diverse social challenges, from modernisation and globalisation to debates over women's rights, democracy, and the role of religion in the state.
5. Global Influence:
Diaspora: Significant Muslim communities in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world contribute to the global influence of Islam.
Interfaith Relations: Islam is one of the world's major religions, with interfaith dialogue becoming increasingly important in promoting understanding and cooperation between different religious communities.
The Islamic world is diverse and complex, with a rich history and significant impact on global culture, politics, and economics.

#BREAKING: Playing their fourth match in #EURO2024 Türkiye’s national football team defeat Austria with a 2-1 score, advancing to quarter-finals.

16 years on from their famous 3-2 win over the Czech Republic, Türkiye will attempt to recreate that historic moment which saw them win and advance to the final 16.

At their Euro 2008 game in Geneva, Türkiye came back from 2 goals down to ultimately win the match.

Arda Turan’s goal in the 75th minute and a double from Nihat Kahveci in the 87 and 89th minutes helped the Crescent Stars finish second in their 2008 group.

Türkiye would go on to beat Croatia in a penalty shootout during their quarter-finals match before ultimately losing 3-2 to Germany in the semi-finals.

Spain will request to participate in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel’s actions in Palestine’s Gaza before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the country’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on June 6.

Spain is the second European nation after Ireland to join the case, which has also been joined by Chile and Mexico.

“Our sole goal is to put an end to the war and to advance on the road of applying the two-state solution,” Albares said in a press conference held in Madrid.

South Africa brought the case before the top court last year, alleging that Israel’s Gaza offensive breached the 1948 UN Genocide Convention — a charge Israel strongly denies.

In a ruling on January 26, the ICJ ordered Israel to do everything it could to prevent acts of genocide during its military operations in Gaza.

On May 24, the court ordered Israel to “immediately” halt its military offensive in the city of Rafah and keep open the key border crossing there for “unhindered” humanitarian aid.

ICJ rulings are legally binding, but the court has no concrete means to enforce them.

Why does Drogheda, an Irish football club have a star and crescent as an emblem?

Because it's Ottoman ! Wait, WHAT?! Yes! So, during the Great Famine in Ireland the Ottomans sent financial assistance as well as food to the Irish. In 1847, the Sultan, Abdulmajid I, donated £1,000 (equivalent to approximately £100,000 today) to alleviate the suffering of the Irish people. He had originally offered £10,000 to the British Relief Association but had been advised by British diplomats that the British Royal protocol meant that nobody should contribute more than the Queen. It was suggested that he gave half the sum contributed by Queen Victoria. The Sultan complied with this suggestion. His donation was entrusted to the Ambassador in Istanbul and forwarded to the British Relief Association.

Furthermore, the Ottoman Empire sent ships carrying grain and food to the island. The ships departing Istanbul were not allowed to enter the Port of Dublin, and thus had to unload their cargo secretly at the Port of Drogheda, a town 70 km further north of Dublin.

In remembrance of the aid and gratefulness, the people of Drogheda put the star and crescent of the Ottoman flag on their town's and football club's emblem.

Imam Darimi narrated that after the Prophet left the world, Madinah faced severe drought and famine. The people of the city came to Sayyidah 'A'ishah seeking help and advice so she instructed them to make an opening above the Beloved's grave ﷺ so there would be no barrier between him and the sky. As soon as they did this, it immediately began to rain until all the plants grew and the animals became extremely healthy, and the city rejoiced. The Ottomans later build a dome on the mosque and placed a specific tile on the dome to commemorate this event.

During the time when Madinah was being attacked by Yazid, the adhan was not allowed to be said out aloud and the prayer was not allowed to be performed in the Masjid. Sa'id ibn Musayyib said, "I hid in the masjid and I would know the time for the prayer because I would hear the adhan from the resting place of the Messenger of Allah." If you went to Madinah with your heart in a state of drought, famine, loneliness and darkness, Imagine what one standing before Rasūlullāh ﷺ and giving salam to would do ﷺ. It would change your dunya and akhira.

Turkmenistan

Sitting on the edge of the Silk Road, Turkmenistan today is characterised by sharp contrasts, from the futuristic building projects of the capital to remote communities living among the sands.

Offering a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, explore the ruins of ancient cities like Merv, witness the surreal beauty of the Darvaza Gas Crater, and experience the hospitality of Turkmen people. It's a destination off the beaten path, promising unforgettable adventures.

Diyanet Vakfı Bağışlarınızı İhtiyaç Sahiplerine Ulaştırıyor

Avustralya Diyanet Vakfı Ramazan Ayında, sizlerin emaneti olan fitre, zekat ve diğer bağışlarınızı ihtiyaç sahibi kardeşlerimize ulaştırıyor.

Vakfımız ve Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı iş birliğiyle 10-16 Mart 2024 tarihleri arasında Endonezya’da mağdur kardeşlerimize yardım dağıtımı yapılmaktadır. Bu amaçla Sidney ve Melbourne'den birer gönüllü kardeşimiz Endonezya’ya gönderildi. Türkiye’den gelen görevlerle birlikte gönüllüler ekibi sahada yardım paketlerinin dağıtımına başladı.

Diyanet Vakfı sizlerin güveni ve desteğiyle, iyilik yolunda çalışmalarına devam edecektir. Vakfımıza bağışta bulunan ve destekleyen bütün kardeşlerimize teşekkür ederiz.

#AvustralyaDiyanetVakfı #DiyanetFoundationofAustralia #adv

Sidney’de Ramazan Sevinci

Müslümanlar için sevinç kaynağı, rahmet ve bereket mevsimi, yardımlaşma ve dayanışma ayı olan Ramazan’a kavuştuk.

Sidney’de camilerimiz ilk teravih namazının kılındığı pazar akşamından itibaren her yaştan cemaatimizle dolup taştı.

Ramazan Ayı boyunca camilerimiz bünyesinde, derneklerimiz, hayırsever vatandaşlarımız, sivil kuruluşlar tarafından günlük veya haftalık iftar davetleri organize edilmektedir. Bu iftar buluşmaları, toplumumuzdaki birlik beraberlik duygularını en üst seviyeye taşımaktadır.

Ramazan Ayı'nın hayırlı ve bereketli olmasını niyaz eder, anne-babaların teravih namazlarına özellikle çocuklarıyla birlikte gelmelerini istirham ederiz.

#AvustralyaDiyanetVakfı #DiyanetFoundationofAustralia #adv #ramazan