Tag Archives: Western Asia

Turkey At 100 – Ataturk’s Dream & Erdogan’s Reality

DW News (October 29, 2023) – Turkey is celebrating its 100th birthday. Events are taking place across the country to mark the anniversary of its founding.

In the capital Ankara, Pesident Recep Tayyip Erdogan laid a wreath at the mausoleum dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the country’s founder, who created a modern, secular republic from the ruins of the Ottoman Empire in 1923.

The centennial is also a personal milestone for Erdogan, who has been in power for more than 20 years. But challenges loom large as Turkey looks to the future. More from our correspondent Julia Hahn in Istanbul.

360° Travel: A Tour Of The Old City Of Jerusalem

AirPano VR (May 5, 2023) – Surrounded by ancient walls, the Old City of Jerusalem is home to holy sites such as the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock Islamic shrine, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which dates to the 4th century.

Shops and markets selling prayer shawls, rosaries, and ceramics fill busy alleys, while food stalls serve falafel, pita, and fresh-squeezed juice. In a medieval citadel, the Tower of David museum chronicles the city’s history. 

Travel & Culture: North In The Mountains Of Iran

Iran’s mountainous terrain has always been an important part of people’s lives. Years ago, these mountains were populated by legendary horsemen. Today, they are the subject of scientific investigation. This film provides the viewer with stunning arial views of these mountains. It unfurls the rich tapestry of Iran’s history, from the legendary Order of the Assassins to the Mongol invasions. We also get to know Iran by meeting some of the fascinating people who live there. Take Ali, a world champion of mounted archery. Despite its waning popularity, the sport has endured in Iran due the importance of horses throughout Iranian history. We get to explore the historic Tabiz bazaar, which is still a bustling market and kaleidoscope of cultures today. There, we meet Dschebrael, a stall owner who speaks Azeri, the official language of Azerbaijan. In fact, Azeri can be heard throughout the market, which serves as a meeting place for Iran’s many ethnic groups, and thus as a microcosm of the country’s cultural diversity. The film introduces us to beekeepers and violinmakers, as well as young people living in Iran who want to travel and express themselves freely on social media — even though it is forbidden.

Views: Blue Mountain Lakes In Afghanistan

The winter landscape around the deep, blue mountain lakes of Band-e-Amir in the central Afghan province of Bamiyan presents an arresting spectacle empty of people – but the absence of visitors is costing locals dearly.

Band-e Amir, situated around 3,000 metres (9,840 ft) above sea level and a couple of hours drive from the renowned Buddhist sites of Bamiyan, usually attracts thousands of visitors a year seeking respite from the endless conflict.

All that changed this year as the Taliban swept through one province after another, culminating in the shock overthrow of the Western-backed government in Kabul in August and plunging the economy into crisis as vital foreign aid dried up.

Aerial Views: The Country Of Georgia (4K Video)

Georgia, a country at the intersection of Europe and Asia, is a former Soviet republic that’s home to Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches. It’s famous for Vardzia, a sprawling cave monastery dating to the 12th century, and the ancient wine-growing region Kakheti. The capital, Tbilisi, is known for the diverse architecture and mazelike, cobblestone streets of its old town.

Views: The ‘Fairy Chimneys’ Of Cappadocia, Turkey’

Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey with Vural Demircioglu, one of the region’s 200 hot air balloon pilots. Our unique aerial perspective allows us to look over these incredible capped pillars called “fairy chimneys” and discover the world’s most unusual high rise neighbourhood.

Walks: ‘Ölüdeniz – Resort Village In Turkey’ (Video)

Ölüdeniz is a resort village on the southwest coast of Turkey. It’s known for the blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parkı and the wide, white Belcekız Beach. Overlooking the village is Babadağ mountain from where paragliders take to the skies. The Lycian Way is a long-distance marked footpath starting in Ölüdeniz, and has coastal views. To the south, Butterfly Valley is a nature reserve with a secluded bay. 

Walking Tours: ‘Antalya – Turkey’ (4K Video)

Antalya is a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled Old Harbor and beaches flanked by large hotels. It’s a gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters. Remnants remain from Antalya’s time as a major Roman port. These include Hadrian’s Gate, built to honor the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 A.D and 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, with harbor views.

Top New Travel Videos: “Awsome Armenia” By Joerg Daiber (2020)

Filmed and edited by: Joerg Daiber

Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhchivan to the south.

Armenia has been one of my favorite countries on my Caucasus trip a while back. The people are lovely, the history is intriguing and the scenery is breathtaking.

However, see for yourself and enjoy this ride through this amazing country in only 3 minute.
Shooting locations: Yerevan, Khor Virab, Smbataberd, Khndzoresk, Tatev Monastery, Shaki, Dilijan, Garni Temple, Jermuk, Sevanavank, Noratus cemetery and Lake Sevan.

Website

Armenia is a nation, and former Soviet republic, in the mountainous Caucasus region between Asia and Europe. Among the earliest Christian civilizations, it’s defined by religious sites including the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni and 4th-century Etchmiadzin Cathedral, headquarters of the Armenian Church. Khor Virap Monastery is a pilgrimage site near Mount Ararat, a dormant volcano just across the border in Turkey.