Yemen Travelling

Travelling in Yemen has become a common practice for educated Europeans - one of the poorest countries in the world that was once the richest power during the reign of Queen of Sheba. Caravans of gold, spices and diamonds came through Yemen. From former luxury remained temples, fortresses and millennial ruins - and two Seas, the Red and Arabian, 110 islands and the endless chains of hungry mountain villages.

Even the risk of kidnapping by some tribe doesn't stop the travelers. According to the World Tourism Organization, in 1997, when it was kidnapped a record number of foreigners - 36 people, Yemen attended by the biggest number of tourists - 75 thousand. Revenues from tourism jumped to 69 million dollars, that is 64 per cent more than in 1996. The two most thorough European airlines - Lufthansa German and Dutch KLM - by the end of the year increased the number of flights to Yemen from two to three times a week, and Yemenia Airlines performs flights to London, Rome and Madrid. Hence, it is profitable. The main market for tourism in Yemen is Italy and Germany (leaders), but it appears more interested in Belgium, Britain, France and Spain.


Yemen authorities tried to decrease the risk of kidnaps, but this has not prevented 115 foreigners, among whom were mainly tourists, to be held hostage by armed tribes in the past five years. But they were all released, including British family, whicn was held 2 weeks and then released. In such kidnapping cases no harm is caused to people. For 100 years it no one foreigner has been killed - in contrast to the Egypt. By the hostages, tribal members are treated as guests and are often sent home with a souvenir - a memento of the adventure. Still, the elementary precaution is necessary. It is better to travel in groups with security, to use the services of major travel agencies and avoid risky areas - such as Maarib, Shabwa and Al-Dzhouf. In Sana'a - Yemen's capital since 1993, was kidnapped only one person.


Hotels, however, are not enough. Especially the four-and five-star. Of 229 local hotels only few meet international standards. And the hotel of an international network of "Meridien", which opened in 2000 in Sana'a, didn't change the situation - there is no investments here. The only thing that can really compensate for the lack of comfort are historical monuments and nature reserves, this fabulous open-air museum. Will the tourists - will be money. And the great country of Sheba will be called again, as once, Arabia felix - happy Arabia.

The first Christian church in the world...

Jordanian archaeologists have discovered a church that can be considered the first Christian church in the world. The discovery was made in the village of Rihab, which is located 40 kilometers northeast of the Jordanian capital Amman.

The finding dating from 33 to 70 year AD, is located under the church of St. George in Rihab. In the cave, found under the temple, there is a circular apse, and several stone seats for clergy.

According to archaeologists, the early Christians fled from Jerusalem, where were persecuted and secretly practiced their rites in this underground church. Ministry of Tourism of Jordan has promised that this unique monument can be visited by the tourists.


It should be noted that Jordan and the opening in Rihab was a country on the territory of which were placed first among the extant Christian churches. In particular, in the town of Mafraq in the east is a church built in 230 year - 82 years earlier than the temple in Turkey, which has long been considered the oldest. In addition, in Aqaba were discovered during excavations in the ruins of the ancient church, which also date from the third century.

Medical Tourism in the Middle East

Middle East has all opportunities for the development of medical tourism

Given the rising price of medical care in Europe, America and Asia, the Middle East promises to become a popular destination for travelers wishing to combine rest with treatment. However, according to experts, in order to get the appropriate reputation, the authorities in the region must first improve the environment.

Middle East -is a nominally-named region of West Asia, situated between Europe and Pakistan, usually it is the combination of the Middle East with Iran and Afghanistan. The number of medical centers in the Middle East is constantly increasing, they are known for quality service, good equipment and relatively low prices. The main competitor of Arab clinics at the moment are Asian: tourists prefer to be treated in exotic locations. However, the peculiarity of Eastern culture can not fail to attract new guests. Authorities of the region intend to increase investment in health and medical tourism in particular.

In its turn, the recent publication Nuwire Investors, specializing in information on investments, totaled rating states - leaders of the international medical tourism. First place was awarded to Panama, followed by Brazil, Malaysia, Costa Rica and India.

Water from the Red Sea will be pumped into the Dead Sea

Water from the Red Sea will be pumped into the Dead Sea...

The government of Jordan will perform the "rescue operation" to save the Dead Sea.

The water level in the lowest and most saline body of water on the planet each year goes by 1,2 meters, indicating the impending ecological catastrophe.

To save the Dead Sea the waste salt water will be pumped from desalination complex, carrying out cleaning for a year more than 10 billion cubic meters of water from the Red Sea. Despite 2 years of research, experts can not give an objective assessment of the feasibility and risks of this initiative.

According to ecologists, pumping water from the Red Sea would increase the concentration of salt in it that could harm the unique fauna and flora. Noting that the mixing of 2 types of sea water may disturb the ecological balance and lead to algae in the Dead Sea.

Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a young state with a rich history, a bridge between East and West, the sea and desert, - bridge, which never ceases brisk movements in both directions. Jordan - one of the safest and friendliest countries not only in the region, but in the world. To rest in Jordan and travel to the Jordanian cities and beyond may be safely at any time.

Jordan combines oriental exotics with a European style of tourism infrastructure. Kingdom offers many options for tourism: beach recreation departments, health centers, a rich sightseeing program.

The main resorts are located on the Jordanian Red and Dead Seas, including Aqaba (Red Sea), SPA-resort Ma'in (near the Dead Sea), the famous city of Petra, Wadi Rum desert.

Travelers are interested in the monuments of past civilizations, Jordan offers a constellation of legendary attractions from different eras of human history - a constellation which is rightfully crowned Peter, this remarkably preserved in the desert the ancient city, carved directly into the living rock. Peter is not by chance was made by experts between people's organization in the UNESCO list of Masterpieces of the International Heritage.

The main attraction of modern Jordan - genuine friendliness of its inhabitants, which you can feel if you visit here. You will be happy in any part of this young beautiful country, officially founded by King Abdullah, the first relatively recently, shortly after the First World War, and nearly 46 years managed Abdullah's grandson, King Hussein.

For such a relatively short period, Jordan was able to become stable in all respects,a promising state, the main distinguishing feature of which is always peaceful domestic and foreign policy, coupled with high rates of economic growth.

After the death of King Hussein on Feb. 7, 1999 the new king of Jordan was his son, King Abdullah II. The form of Jordan has been and remains a constitutional monarchy.

Jordanian cuisine is an integral part of Arab culinary tradition, while keeping many of their characteristics. Local cuisine is not so sharp and spicy, as is commonly thought. Throughout the meal added mint, various greens and herbs, lemons all kinds, onions, marinated olives, pine nuts, etc. Among the appetizers are popular all possible versions of salads, meat and vegetable stews, pastries with different fillings, pickles and pickled vegetables. Chocolates made in Jordan are considered among the best in the Arab world. Meals in restaurants and cafes are not expensive. Alcoholoc beverages of local and foreign production can be purchased at any time, except for the Muslim month of fasting.

In Jordan, the tip never required, but there will always be greeted with great appreciation. In hotels and restaurants, you can simply add to the score of approximately 10% of the total cost of dinner, however, more common to give a small tip directly to the waiter.

Photo: You can only photograph people with their consent, and strategic objects (border crossings and airports) is prohibited.

Clothing: Evening in Jordan can be quite chilly, so do not be amiss to take a trip to this hot country and a warm sweater, scarf or shawl. For tours of Jordan will need strong comfortable shoes and clothing sporting type. Women's clothing, if possible, should not be appealing.

Shops:
Souvenirs include totes from Madaba, bottles with colored sand from Petra, crafts from olive wood, pottery and copper utensils, jewelry, Bedouin jewelry from silver, black and more. You can buy cosmetics production on the basis of the Jordanian Dead Sea products.

Medina - the holy city of Islam

Medina - the city in Saudi Arabia, one of the three (along with Mecca and Jerusalem) holy cities of Islam.

Its present name (shortly for Madinat Al-Nabi in "city of the Prophet") Medina got in Islamic times. This name was given to the Muslim city-oasis Yathryb, where in 622 AD. the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca in order to escape persecution of opponents of the new religion. In Medina, Muhammad spent the rest of his life, leaving the city only to direct military operations and the pilgrimage to Mecca.

In Medina, the Prophet established the first mosque (Masjid Al-Nabi), and proclaimed a significant part of the Qur'an, concerning above all the rules of life of the Muslim community. In Medina, Islam acquired the character of an independent religion. It also laid the foundations of an Islamic state, the first capital of which was the Medina.

In Medina, Muhammad was buried in the mosque Masjid an-Nabi, which was adjacent to his house. Pilgrims always visit the grave of the Prophet, even though the worship is not one of the rites of the hajj.

Like Mecca, Medina is a city closed to non-Muslims.

The rights of Muslim Women

For many people, by means of propaganda, Islam is often associated with purely patriarchal religion. Yes, and life itself as it confirms this. Today, when the count went to the third millennium, the Arab countries where Islam is dominant, the women still wear the burqa and the law gives men the right to have several wives. At present, however, some women with progressive views, from those who were educated in Europe and America, advocating the rights of Muslim women against discrimination.

But the traditions of Islam are so strong that changes in the lifestyles of Arab women are taking place very slowly. And many women do not really aspire to and a radical change of his position. Many people might get the impression that Muslim women do not have any rights and perform only the will of their husbands. At first glance it may seem that this is so.

In fact, women who honor the traditions of their ancestors, and steadily adhered to enjoy social respect and, despite the fact that they wear the veil, it does not prevent them taking part in social and political activities. Respect and reverence for Muslim women has a very ancient tradition. According to legends, the most revered woman in Islam - Holy Fatima (? - 633) - the daughter of Muhammad and Khadija, the wife of Ali, the mother of Hassan and Hussein, which means - "mother of all descendants of the Prophet (including the Mahdi - the coming of the Messiah of Muslims).

In 2004 a Spanish court sentenced the town of Imam Mohammed Kamal Mustafa Fuengirola to one year and three months in prison for his book "Women in Islam", in which, according to the court, calling for violence against women.

In 2007 it was extended record Lebanese television «Ramadán TV Show», in which Dr. Mohammad Al-Arifi, imam of the mosque of the Saudi fleet Rey Fahd, said that, as one should not beat his wife. Imam forbids batter his wife. And the beat is not to inflict pain, but to influence the emotions. But, in general, to beat a woman, according to the Scriptures, is not precluded. It should be borne in mind that about killing his wife is a last resort to quell her bad temper: first of all to influence it in short, the abandonment of the intimate caresses, and if all this does not work, they are permitted to resort to beat their wifes.