Ramadan in London is a vibrant and spiritual time for the city's Muslim community. Mosques like the East London Mosque and Regents Park Mosque hold special prayers (Taraweeh) and community iftars. Many restaurants and cafes offer late-night meals to accommodate fasting hours. The city also hosts charity events and food drives to support those in need. With London’s diverse population, Ramadan is marked by a mix of traditions from different cultures, making it a unique and inclusive experience.

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.

Explore Istanbul: A City Where East Meets West in Turkey!

Discover Istanbul, a vibrant metropolis that straddles two continents, offering a rich tapestry of culture, history, and architecture. This unique city, formerly known as Constantinople, serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia and is known for its captivating blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Visit iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia mosque, masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has stood as a church, a mosque, and now a museum. Explore the majestic Topkapi Palace, the sprawling complex where sultans once ruled. Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of shops offering everything from spices to intricate jewelry.

Stroll along the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy the scenic views, dine on delicious Turkish cuisine, and soak in the rich history and dynamic atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city. Whether you're exploring ancient sites, enjoying local coffee in quaint cafes, or watching the sunset over the skyline, Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience.

#IstanbulTurkey #TravelTurkey #CulturalCrossroads #HistoricCities #discoveristanbul

Turkish coffee

Turkish Coffee and Culture

Turkish coffee is a big part of the culture in Turkey and it’s a custom they hold dear. The country’s so enamoured with the beverage that the Turkish word for breakfast ‘kahvalti’, literally means ‘before coffee’, and the word for brown ‘kahverengi’ means coffee coloured.

Steeped in lore and rich history, Turkish coffee is far more than a morning drink, it’s full of tradition that’s been carried down through the ages from ancestor to ancestor. In fact, Turkish coffee is so unique that it was inscribed to Unesco’s Intangible Culture Heritage List in 2013, due to the unique practices that goes into the preparation and presentation

17 Facts You May Not Know About Yemen:

(1). Yemen is located in the Middle East on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
(2). It is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years.
(3). Sana'a is the capital and largest city of Yemen.
(4). Yemen has a population of over 30 million people.
(5). Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion.
(6). The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including architecture, literature, and music.
(7). Yemen is famous for its ancient cities, including Shibam, known as the "Manhattan of the Desert" for its mud skyscrapers.
(8). The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with qat (a mild stimulant) being a significant cash crop.
(9). Yemen has been historically known for its coffee, with the port city of Mocha giving its name to a famous coffee variety.
(10). The country has faced political instability and conflict in recent years, leading to humanitarian crises.
(11). Yemen has a diverse landscape, including mountains, deserts, and coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.
(12). The Old City of Sana'a is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique architecture and bustling souks.
(13). Yemeni cuisine is flavorful and diverse, featuring dishes like mandi (slow-cooked meat and rice) and salta (a spicy stew).
(14). The country has a rich tradition of poetry, with Yemeni poets being highly esteemed in Arab literature.
(15). Yemeni weddings are elaborate affairs, often lasting several days and featuring traditional music, dance, and feasting.
(16). The country has a high rate of child marriage, with many girls married off before the age of 18.
(17). Yemen's Socotra Island is renowned for its unique biodiversity, including the iconic dragon's blood tree.

#historicalfacts
#middleeast
#fareast

OSMANLI MACUNU, the Turkish lollipop

Osmanlı macunu is a traditional Turkish confectionery that has been part of Turkish culture since the Ottoman period. It is typically made from a mixture of natural ingredients such as saffron, rose water, Damascus rose oil, musk, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, among others. This mixture is highly valued for its health benefits and delicious taste. During the Ottoman era, it was often served as a luxurious treat, and it remains popular among traditional sweets today. Have you had a chance to taste it?

#best0fturkiye #toffee #turkishfood #lollipopcandy #foodies #videooftheday #sweetlover #reelsinstagram #coffeetime #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #foodpics #yummilicious #sweetlovers #reelsfb #foodphotography #yummi #reelsvideo #sweet #foodforlife #foodstyling #reels #foodlovers #foodstagram #foodart #yummyinmytummy #yummyfood #yumminess #yummyyummy #yummies

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.

Medan Grand Mosque or Al - Mashun Grand Mosque is a mosque located in the city of Medan, Indonesia
This mosque was designed by a Dutch architect, with ornaments that adopted Indian, Spanish, Middle Eastern culture, and mixed and matched with Malay culture. This mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Ma'mun Alrasyid Perkasa Alam from the Melayu Deli sultanate in 1906 and was completed in 1909.

Geographical Distribution of Turkic Languages

The estimated spread of Turkic languages encompasses a vast geographical area from Eastern Europe to Central Asia and parts of Siberia and Western China. This linguistic group includes languages such as Turkish, Uyghur, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Kazakh, Turkmen, Kyrgyz, and many others. The Turkic languages are spoken by millions of people and have diverse dialects and variations within each language. They are also influenced by the cultures and histories of the regions where they are spoken.