Key Monuments in the Middle East

 

The growth of the Middle East in recent years has increased its global recognition and expanded its national income. Most Middle Eastern nations are vital oil suppliers to other nations, boosting their economies.

Another critical source of national income for Middle Eastern nations is their investment in tourism. Almost all Middle Eastern countries have monuments that attract an audience from different parts of the world.

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is one such monument. At 2,722 feet and 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest skyscraper globally. The construction of the building commenced in 2004 with the UAE government looking to diversify from their oil economy and provide international recognition to Dubai. Unveiled on January 4th, 2010, the building named in honor of President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan oozes wealth and luxury and is one of the most impressive structures built by man.

In Egypt, the Giza Pyramid Complex in Cairo is one of the key monuments in the Middle East. The Pyramid Complex houses the great Pyramid of Giza, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkuare, along with the Sphinx of Giza. Built between 2600 and 2500BC in the fourth dynasty of the old kingdom of ancient Egypt, the pyramid complex is 5.6 miles west of River Nile and is on the edge of the Western Desert. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the only one still standing today, making it the oldest monument.

The Blue Mosque in Instanbul is another significant monument in the Middle East. It's called the Blue Mosque because the walls are blue tiles; built between 1609 and 1616 under the rule of Ahmed, the Blue Mosque is still a place of worship to date. It's admired for its architectural brilliance and is one of the major tourist sites in Istanbul.

Luxor is a city in southern Egypt that includes the site of the city of Thebes. It is the oldest inhabited city globally, with 422,407 people living in the area. The town gained its importance in 3000BC, becoming Egypt's political, military, and religious capital for over 1500 years. Luxor is home to the Luxor Temple that's been standing for 3400 years, Karnak Temple Complex, and the stone head states known as the Colossi of Memnon; hence, it's sometimes called the greatest open museum. Every year, people worldwide visit Luxor to view their monuments, contributing significantly to their economy.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel, is another key monument in the Middle East. The wall is about 160 feet long, 60 feet high, and extends deep into the earth. The wall is the only remnant from Jerusalem's first and second temples. Babylonians destroyed the former in 587-586BC and the latter in 70BC.

The Aliabad Tower is a historic tower of the 14th century in Keshmar, a town in the Iranian province. At 59 feet in height, 138 feet outer circumference, and an internal height of 69 feet, the Aliabad tower is a national monument of Iran. The cone-shaped top composes of bricks.