It was time to say goodbye to lovely Djibouti. After a week of visiting fascinating places and making wonderful friendships, I made my way to Somalia, or, to be more specific, Somaliland. I secured and paid for a front seat in the solid jeep. A fifteen-hour journey through rough terrain was awaiting me. It took… Continue reading Adventurous ride to Hargeisa, Somalia
Exploring a Mysterious Abandoned House in Jeddah
Wandering through the outskirts of the city of Jedddah, Saudi Arabia I came across this mysterious house. More like the ruins of it. I found it very difficult to learn anything about this place and its owner. The maps gives us the name Abdullah Omar Batwil. Who is this person? No restriction to access the… Continue reading Exploring a Mysterious Abandoned House in Jeddah
Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, Kuwait
The Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy is a captivating destination for tourists and art lovers alike, situated in the heart of Jabriya, Kuwait. This museum is dedicated to Islamic calligraphy, featuring an extensive collection of beautifully crafted pieces spanning centuries. Visitors can explore the intricate designs and styles of various calligraphers, each reflecting the… Continue reading Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, Kuwait
Al-Baqi – The holiest pilgrimage destination for Muslims
Jannatul Baqi (Arabic: جنة البقيع; “Garden of Baqi”), also known as Baqi al-Gharqad (Arabic: بقیع الغرقد; “Baqi of the Boxthorn”) is the main cemetery in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. It contains the graves of many prominent members of Mohammed’s family, as well as graves belonging to the Sahaba, Tabi’in, and many prominent scholars. Some structures were built over the graves… Continue reading Al-Baqi – The holiest pilgrimage destination for Muslims
Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum
In the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion in 1990, several cells of popular resistance arose throughout Kuwait. One of these groups was formed by 31 young men who took a collective oath to defend their native land. They called themselves the Al-Messilah Group. First, the group collected all the weapons they could get their hands on,… Continue reading Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum
The Artistic Journey Behind Kuwait’s Mirror House
The House of Mirrors or Mirror House, also known as the Khalifa & Lidia Qattan Art Museum is the residence of Artists Khalifa Qattan and his wife Lidia Qattan, both intellectual and pioneer artists in their field. The creator of the Mirror House, Lidia, is an Italian-born artist and writer who moved to Kuwait when she married her husband… Continue reading The Artistic Journey Behind Kuwait’s Mirror House
Myth or Reality? Eve’s Tomb in Jeddah
The claim that the tomb of Eve, mother of mankind, is in the Cemetery of Eve in central Jeddah has sparked a controversy. It is difficult to locate the tomb of Eve and to determine the exact date of her death. Some accounts claim that Eve was buried in this cemetery, while many academics stress… Continue reading Myth or Reality? Eve’s Tomb in Jeddah
Kalashnikov Experience in Ethiopia
It was about time to have a long and adventurous ride to Semera from where I and newly met friends would go to explore Danakil Depression, Dallol, and Earta Volcano. The journey started in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. The reliable and comfy jeep only added to the enjoyment of the ride. After a… Continue reading Kalashnikov Experience in Ethiopia
Quirks of Hargeisa, Somaliland
Money MarketThe money market in Hargeisa is known for its unique way of trading money, where shoppers sit in rows and trade money in kilograms. The local currency, the Somaliland shilling, is not just used for transactions but is also traded as an item. These shoppers sit in orderly rows, not to barter for produce… Continue reading Quirks of Hargeisa, Somaliland
Amound University in Borama, Somaliland
Borama (Somali: Boorama, Arabic: بورما) is the largest city in the northwestern Awdal region of Somaliland. The town is located near the border with Ethiopia. During the Middle Ages, Borama was ruled by the Adal Sultanate. It later formed a part of the British Somaliland protectorate in the first half of the 20th century. Amoud University has a rich history spanning over several decades. Established in 1952 as… Continue reading Amound University in Borama, Somaliland
Exploring Failaka Island: A Hidden Gem in the Persian Gulf
Failaka Island is located in the Persian Gulf, about 20 kilometers northeast of Kuwait City. Failaka Island is developing a local tourist industry, with activities including fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, and other water sports.Failaka Island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. It was a… Continue reading Exploring Failaka Island: A Hidden Gem in the Persian Gulf
Following the Prophet Muhammad’s Battle of Uhud
The Battle of Uhud is the second most essential battle in Islamic history. The Uhud War took place in the valley of Mount Uhud near Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The Battle of Uhud was a military conflict between the early Muslims and the Quraysh tribe that took place on March 23, 625 AD. According to the… Continue reading Following the Prophet Muhammad’s Battle of Uhud
Frog on the border 