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Originally built in the 16th century, Wat Pho is Bangkok's oldest temple. King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty (1736—1809) rebuilt the temple in the 1780s.<br/><br/> Officially called Wat Phra Chetuphon, it is one of Bangkok's best known Buddhist temples and is nowadays a major tourist attraction, located directly to the south of the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is famed for its Reclining Buddha and renowned as the home of traditional Thai massage.
Originally built in the 16th century, Wat Pho is Bangkok's oldest temple. King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty (1736—1809) rebuilt the temple in the 1780s.<br/><br/> Officially called Wat Phra Chetuphon, it is one of Bangkok's best known Buddhist temples and is nowadays a major tourist attraction, located directly to the south of the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is famed for its Reclining Buddha and renowned as the home of traditional Thai massage.
Gentile Bellini (c. 1429 – 23 February 1507) was an Italian painter of the school of Venice. He came from Venice's leading family of painters, and at least in the early part of his career was more highly regarded than his younger brother Giovanni Bellini, the reverse of the case today.<br/><br/> Now housed at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, this painting reflects Bellini’s passion for Eastern cultures. Originally commissioned by Fatih Sultan Mehmet II in 1479 to go to Constantinople to paint portraits of the sultan for two years, the Venetian painter was strongly influenced by Ottoman traditions and fashions.
Zhangye is an important light industrial and agricultural centre at the heart of the Hexi Corridor with a population of about 200,000. It was originally an important garrison town designed to protect Silk Road traffic and keep the troublesome nomadic invaders out of China Proper.
Zhangye is an important light industrial and agricultural centre at the heart of the Hexi Corridor with a population of about 200,000. It was originally an important garrison town designed to protect Silk Road traffic and keep the troublesome nomadic invaders out of China Proper.
Palm leaf manuscripts are made out of dried palm leaves. They served as the paper of the ancient world in parts of Asia as far back as the fifteenth century BCE, and possibly much earlier. They were used to record actual and mythical narratives in South Asia and in South East Asia.
Loei (Thai: เลย) Province is located in Thailand's upper North-East. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Provinces of Laos.<br/><br/> The province is covered with low mountains, while the capital Loei is located in a fertile basin. The Loei River, which flows through the province, is a tributary of the Mekong which, together with the smaller Hueang River, forms the northern boundary of the province with neighboring Laos.<br/><br/> Although temperatures in the hot season (April-May) can be more than 40 degrees Celsius, the province is the only one in Thailand where temperatures regularly drops below freezing at night in the cold season (December-January).<br/><br/> Loei is rich in national parks, including especially Phu Kradung, Phu Ruea, Phu Suan Sai (also known as Na Haeo) and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary.<br/><br/> In 1853 King Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to administer the increasing population in what was then a remote area. In 1907 the province was created by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The province is also famous for the Phi Ta Khon festival held at Dansai during the 6th lunar month to make merit and honour the spirits of the ancestors - a colourful mix of Buddhism and spirit worship.<br/><br/> The symbol of the province is the stupa (chedi) at Phra That Si Song Rak in Dan Sai, which was built in 1560 by King Maha Chakrapat of Ayutthaya and King Chai Chetha of Lan Xang as a symbol of friendship between the Siamese and Lao kingdoms.
Loei (Thai: เลย) Province is located in Thailand's upper North-East. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Provinces of Laos.<br/><br/> The province is covered with low mountains, while the capital Loei is located in a fertile basin. The Loei River, which flows through the province, is a tributary of the Mekong which, together with the smaller Hueang River, forms the northern boundary of the province with neighboring Laos.<br/><br/> Although temperatures in the hot season (April-May) can be more than 40 degrees Celsius, the province is the only one in Thailand where temperatures regularly drops below freezing at night in the cold season (December-January).<br/><br/> Loei is rich in national parks, including especially Phu Kradung, Phu Ruea, Phu Suan Sai (also known as Na Haeo) and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary.<br/><br/> In 1853 King Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to administer the increasing population in what was then a remote area. In 1907 the province was created by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The province is also famous for the Phi Ta Khon festival held at Dansai during the 6th lunar month to make merit and honour the spirits of the ancestors - a colourful mix of Buddhism and spirit worship.<br/><br/> The symbol of the province is the stupa (chedi) at Phra That Si Song Rak in Dan Sai, which was built in 1560 by King Maha Chakrapat of Ayutthaya and King Chai Chetha of Lan Xang as a symbol of friendship between the Siamese and Lao kingdoms.
Loei (Thai: เลย) Province is located in Thailand's upper North-East. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Provinces of Laos.<br/><br/> The province is covered with low mountains, while the capital Loei is located in a fertile basin. The Loei River, which flows through the province, is a tributary of the Mekong which, together with the smaller Hueang River, forms the northern boundary of the province with neighboring Laos.<br/><br/> Although temperatures in the hot season (April-May) can be more than 40 degrees Celsius, the province is the only one in Thailand where temperatures regularly drops below freezing at night in the cold season (December-January).<br/><br/> Loei is rich in national parks, including especially Phu Kradung, Phu Ruea, Phu Suan Sai (also known as Na Haeo) and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary.<br/><br/> In 1853 King Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to administer the increasing population in what was then a remote area. In 1907 the province was created by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The province is also famous for the Phi Ta Khon festival held at Dansai during the 6th lunar month to make merit and honour the spirits of the ancestors - a colourful mix of Buddhism and spirit worship.<br/><br/> The symbol of the province is the stupa (chedi) at Phra That Si Song Rak in Dan Sai, which was built in 1560 by King Maha Chakrapat of Ayutthaya and King Chai Chetha of Lan Xang as a symbol of friendship between the Siamese and Lao kingdoms.
Palm leaf manuscripts are made out of dried palm leaves. They served as the paper of the ancient world in parts of Asia as far back as the fifteenth century BCE, and possibly much earlier. They were used to record actual and mythical narratives in South Asia and in South East Asia.<br/><br/> Asgiriya Vihara, the ‘Monastery of the Horse Mountain’, was built by the family of Pilima Talauve in the early 19th century, on a plot adjoining the ancient royal cremation ground. The Asgiriya Vihara is a rather smallish, inconspicuous temple, but as one of the seats of Goyigama religious power, of great significance.<br/><br/> From the early 19th century onwards, during the Esala Perahera, the sacred Tooth Relic would be deposited for the last night of the festival at the Asgiriya Vihara. Together with the Malwatte Vihara, it is also one of the wealthiest temples in Sri Lanka.
Palm leaf manuscripts are made out of dried palm leaves. They served as the paper of the ancient world in parts of Asia as far back as the fifteenth century BCE, and possibly much earlier. They were used to record actual and mythical narratives in South Asia and in South East Asia.<br/><br/> Asgiriya Vihara, the ‘Monastery of the Horse Mountain’, was built by the family of Pilima Talauve in the early 19th century, on a plot adjoining the ancient royal cremation ground. The Asgiriya Vihara is a rather smallish, inconspicuous temple, but as one of the seats of Goyigama religious power, of great significance.<br/><br/> From the early 19th century onwards, during the Esala Perahera, the sacred Tooth Relic would be deposited for the last night of the festival at the Asgiriya Vihara. Together with the Malwatte Vihara, it is also one of the wealthiest temples in Sri Lanka.
Palm leaf manuscripts are made out of dried palm leaves. They served as the paper of the ancient world in parts of Asia as far back as the fifteenth century BCE, and possibly much earlier. They were used to record actual and mythical narratives in South Asia and in South East Asia.<br/><br/> Asgiriya Vihara, the ‘Monastery of the Horse Mountain’, was built by the family of Pilima Talauve in the early 19th century, on a plot adjoining the ancient royal cremation ground. The Asgiriya Vihara is a rather smallish, inconspicuous temple, but as one of the seats of Goyigama religious power, of great significance.<br/><br/> From the early 19th century onwards, during the Esala Perahera, the sacred Tooth Relic would be deposited for the last night of the festival at the Asgiriya Vihara. Together with the Malwatte Vihara, it is also one of the wealthiest temples in Sri Lanka.
Palm leaf manuscripts are made out of dried palm leaves. They served as the paper of the ancient world in parts of Asia as far back as the fifteenth century BCE, and possibly much earlier. They were used to record actual and mythical narratives in South Asia and in South East Asia.<br/><br/> Asgiriya Vihara, the ‘Monastery of the Horse Mountain’, was built by the family of Pilima Talauve in the early 19th century, on a plot adjoining the ancient royal cremation ground. The Asgiriya Vihara is a rather smallish, inconspicuous temple, but as one of the seats of Goyigama religious power, of great significance.<br/><br/> From the early 19th century onwards, during the Esala Perahera, the sacred Tooth Relic would be deposited for the last night of the festival at the Asgiriya Vihara. Together with the Malwatte Vihara, it is also one of the wealthiest temples in Sri Lanka.
Palm leaf manuscripts are made out of dried palm leaves. They served as the paper of the ancient world in parts of Asia as far back as the fifteenth century BCE, and possibly much earlier. They were used to record actual and mythical narratives in South Asia and in South East Asia.<br/><br/> Asgiriya Vihara, the ‘Monastery of the Horse Mountain’, was built by the family of Pilima Talauve in the early 19th century, on a plot adjoining the ancient royal cremation ground. The Asgiriya Vihara is a rather smallish, inconspicuous temple, but as one of the seats of Goyigama religious power, of great significance.<br/><br/> From the early 19th century onwards, during the Esala Perahera, the sacred Tooth Relic would be deposited for the last night of the festival at the Asgiriya Vihara. Together with the Malwatte Vihara, it is also one of the wealthiest temples in Sri Lanka.
Palm leaf manuscripts are made out of dried palm leaves. They served as the paper of the ancient world in parts of Asia as far back as the fifteenth century BCE, and possibly much earlier. They were used to record actual and mythical narratives in South Asia and in South East Asia.<br/><br/> Asgiriya Vihara, the ‘Monastery of the Horse Mountain’, was built by the family of Pilima Talauve in the early 19th century, on a plot adjoining the ancient royal cremation ground. The Asgiriya Vihara is a rather smallish, inconspicuous temple, but as one of the seats of Goyigama religious power, of great significance.<br/><br/> From the early 19th century onwards, during the Esala Perahera, the sacred Tooth Relic would be deposited for the last night of the festival at the Asgiriya Vihara. Together with the Malwatte Vihara, it is also one of the wealthiest temples in Sri Lanka.
Palm leaf manuscripts are made out of dried palm leaves. They served as the paper of the ancient world in parts of Asia as far back as the fifteenth century BCE, and possibly much earlier. They were used to record actual and mythical narratives in South Asia and in South East Asia.<br/><br/> Asgiriya Vihara, the ‘Monastery of the Horse Mountain’, was built by the family of Pilima Talauve in the early 19th century, on a plot adjoining the ancient royal cremation ground. The Asgiriya Vihara is a rather smallish, inconspicuous temple, but as one of the seats of Goyigama religious power, of great significance.<br/><br/> From the early 19th century onwards, during the Esala Perahera, the sacred Tooth Relic would be deposited for the last night of the festival at the Asgiriya Vihara. Together with the Malwatte Vihara, it is also one of the wealthiest temples in Sri Lanka.
Now housed at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, this painting reflects Bellini’s passion for Eastern cultures. Originally commissioned by Fatih Sultan Mehmet II in 1479 to go to Constantinople to paint portraits of the sultan for two years, the Venetian painter was strongly influenced by Ottoman traditions and fashions.
The Cairo Geniza is an accumulation of almost 280,000 Jewish manuscript fragments that were found in the ‘genizah’, or store room, of the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Fustat, presently Old Cairo. The documents were written from about 870 CE to as late as 1880.
Ge'ez (also transliterated Gi'iz, and less precisely called Ethiopic) is an ancient South Semitic language that developed in the northern region of Ethiopia and southern Eritrea in the Horn of Africa. It later became the official language of the Kingdom of Aksum and Ethiopian imperial court. Ge'ez is written with Ethiopic or the Ge'ez abugida, a script that was originally developed specifically for this language. In languages that use it, such as Amharic and Tigrinya, the script is called Fidäl, which means script or alphabet.
Part of a four-volume work written in Kufic script, the remains of this manuscript are divided among Ardabil (a historical city in northern Iran), the Istanbul University Library and the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin.
The Qur’an (literally “the recitation”) is the main religious text of Islam. Muslims believe the Qur’an to be the verbal divine guidance and moral direction for mankind. Muslims also consider the original Arabic verbal text to be the final revelation of God. Muslims believe that the Qur’an was revealed from God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel from 610 to 632 CE, the year of the Prophet’s death. Muhammad recited the Qur’an to his thousands of followers, who recited it until they had memorized it. He also dictated it to his scribes (Muhammad is said to have been illiterate) who wrote down its verses during his life. Shortly after Muhammad's death the Qur’an was established textually into a single book form by the order of the first Caliph Abu Bakr.
The texts in the stylized headings on the top and bottom of the illustration indicate the chapters and the year of the work, 1307. The inscription in the centre reads: ‘Ahmad ibn al-Suhrawardi al-Bakri [the calligrapher’s name], who thanks God and sends prayers and greetings to the Prophet Muhammed, his family and companions’.
With the exception of the banner heading, then text is written in Maghribi hand, probably in the 13th century in Grenada, the last bastion of Islam in Spain.
Fabriano in central Italy was the first European centre of paper-making, developed after 1296 CE. Miliani also introduced the watermark technique. The technology for pulping and pressing paper in this 15th century factory was not dissimilar to Chinese paper mills some 16 centuries earlier.
A mihrab, or‎ maharib, is a niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla—the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which is the direction that Muslims should face when praying. The wall in which a mihrab is located is called the ‘qibla wall’.
The page is one of 2,000 similar folios that make up this copy of the Qur’an, which is bound in 30 volumes, one for reading each day of the month.
Muhaqqaq is a type of calligraphic script in Arabic derived from Thuluth by widening the horizontal sections of the letters in the Thuluth script. It was abandoned after the 16th century and only a very few examples survive.
The Shahnameh (Book of Kings) is a Persian epic of 60,000 verses written by Persian poet Ferdowsi in 1000 CE. It tells of Persian history from the creation of time until the Arab invasion of the 7th century.
Naskh script is considered one of the most renowned styles of Islamic calligraphy. Naskh emerged from changes in Kufic script. The widespread use of the style is due to its suitability for writing. Thuluth script, along with Naskh script, was applied to a great many texts. This particular style was mostly used for inscriptions in mosques, religious places and architectural monuments.
The Qur’an (literally “the recitation”) is the main religious text of Islam. Muslims believe the Qur’an to be the verbal divine guidance and moral direction for mankind. Muslims also consider the original Arabic verbal text to be the final revelation of God. Muslims believe that the Qur’an was revealed from God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel from 610 to 632 CE, the year of the Prophet’s death. Muhammad recited the Qur’an to his thousands of followers, who recited it until they had memorized it. He also dictated it to his scribes (Muhammad was illiterate) who wrote down its verses during his lifetime. Shortly after Muhammad's death the Qur’an was established textually into a single book form by the order of the first Caliph Abu Bakr.
Wat Puttha En (วัดพุทธเอ้น) is a typically northern Thai-style temple, established in 1868. It is chiefly remarkable for its small, wooden bot nam (โบสถ์น้ำ) or ordination hall, built atop pillars in the centre of a square lotus pond. Such ‘water chapels’ are rare across Thailand. The newly renovated viharn is attractive but unremarkable, but behind, on etiolated red wooden piles, stands a northern-style ho trai (scripture library), decorated with red and gold lai kram patterns.<br/><br/> Tucked away in a narrow valley, Mae Chaem (แม่แจ่ม) must rank as one of the least accessible corners of Chiang Mai. Located on the westernmost frontier of the province, it is isolated from the main Chiang Mai valley by the East Thanon Thongchai Range dominated by Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์; at 2,565m Thailand’s highest mountain), and from neighbouring Mae Hong Son province to the west by the Central Thanon Thongchai Range, including Doi Khun Bong (ดอยขุนบง; 1,772m).
Wat Puttha En (วัดพุทธเอ้น) is a typically northern Thai-style temple, established in 1868. It is chiefly remarkable for its small, wooden bot nam (โบสถ์น้ำ) or ordination hall, built atop pillars in the centre of a square lotus pond. Such ‘water chapels’ are rare across Thailand. The newly renovated viharn is attractive but unremarkable, but behind, on etiolated red wooden piles, stands a northern-style ho trai (scripture library), decorated with red and gold lai kram patterns.<br/><br/> Tucked away in a narrow valley, Mae Chaem (แม่แจ่ม) must rank as one of the least accessible corners of Chiang Mai. Located on the westernmost frontier of the province, it is isolated from the main Chiang Mai valley by the East Thanon Thongchai Range dominated by Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์; at 2,565m Thailand’s highest mountain), and from neighbouring Mae Hong Son province to the west by the Central Thanon Thongchai Range, including Doi Khun Bong (ดอยขุนบง; 1,772m).
Wat Puttha En (วัดพุทธเอ้น) is a typically northern Thai-style temple, established in 1868. It is chiefly remarkable for its small, wooden bot nam (โบสถ์น้ำ) or ordination hall, built atop pillars in the centre of a square lotus pond. Such ‘water chapels’ are rare across Thailand. The newly renovated viharn is attractive but unremarkable, but behind, on etiolated red wooden piles, stands a northern-style ho trai (scripture library), decorated with red and gold lai kram patterns.<br/><br/> Tucked away in a narrow valley, Mae Chaem (แม่แจ่ม) must rank as one of the least accessible corners of Chiang Mai. Located on the westernmost frontier of the province, it is isolated from the main Chiang Mai valley by the East Thanon Thongchai Range dominated by Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์; at 2,565m Thailand’s highest mountain), and from neighbouring Mae Hong Son province to the west by the Central Thanon Thongchai Range, including Doi Khun Bong (ดอยขุนบง; 1,772m).
The Qur’an is the religious text of Islam. It is widely regarded as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language. Muslims hold that the Qur’an is the verbal divine guidance and moral direction for mankind. Muslims also consider the original Arabic verbal text to be the final revelation of God and believe that the Qur’an was repeatedly revealed from Allah to Muhammad verbally through the angel Jibril (Gabriel) over a period of approximately 33 years, beginning in 610 CE.
Wat Yai Suwannaram dates from the 17th century Ayutthaya period.
Wat Yai Suwannaram dates from the 17th century Ayutthaya period.