Guess this location and win a free travel book!
A flock of doves flies over the tranquil courtyard. Their fluttering wings make the old man look up for a brief moment before he concentrates again on the Book of Koran he is reading.
There are not many places on earth more suited for a dialogue between the world religions than this beautiful mosque. Located in the old quarter of this capital city, it is one of the most important monuments of Islamic culture.
At this spot, the Arameans worshipped their weather god Hadad. The Romans built a temple to Jupiter and Emperor Theodosius erected a basilica here before Caliph al-Walid ibn Abdul Malek had the foundation for the present-day mosque laid in 705 A.D.
Since that time it has been one of the holiest places for Muslims, who travel long distances to pray in its spacious hall decorated with colorful mosaics. It is here that pilgrims will also find the shrine of John the Baptist, worshipped by Muslims and Christians alike, and thus making the mosque a sacred place for both religions.
Where am I?
Send your answer to goworld@goworldtravel.com. All readers correctly identifying this country will be entered in a drawing to receive a Rough Guides travel book on this region.
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Answer to January's Contest:
Namibia
This desert landscape in the Northwestern part of the country is home to a proud pastoral people. |
Answer to the January
"Where in the World" Contest
Last month’s mystery destination was Namibia. The picture shows children of the Himba tribe in remote Kaokoveld, one of the last untouched regions in the northwestern part of the country.
Thanks to all who wrote in with their guesses. Australian Rachel Jones was drawn as the winner. Congratulations, Rachel!
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