Middle East Cuisine - Top 10 Travel Destinations

Middle East Cuisine

The Middle East is a place that was home to ancient civilizations and the region has a rich and diverse culture. In this part of the world, you will find breathtaking architecture and mostly sunny weather throughout the year. Here are 10 incredible places to see in the Middle East and be prepared for the journey that will come soon after.

1. Burj Khalifa - Dubai, UAE

The visit of the Burj Khalifa is an ode to the modern. It enhances luxury and wealth and attracts holidaymakers throughout the year. At over 828 meters and over 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. 

Burj Khalifa in Dubai-UAE

It also holds the record for the most stories in the world. Among the Burj Khalifa, among other things, you can enjoy jaw dropping and stomach-turning views, enjoy gastronomic delights in luxury restaurants or relax in a world-renowned spa while enjoying royalty treatments.

2. Petra - Jordan

The site attracts visitors from all over the world. This is the true proof of the lives of the Arab Arabs, who existed around 2000 years ago and are considered the heart of their civilization.

Petra - Jordan

Petra is known as the rose-red city due to the color of the rocks. From the ancient monastery site to the treasury front that offers the cover of travel literature everywhere, Petra is a place of wonder. You can fly to Amman and drive to Petra, however, King Hussain Airport in Aqaba is close.

3. Giza Necropolis - Egypt

The Giza Necropolis in Egypt, also known as the Giza Pyramid Complex, is the site of three pyramids, as well as the Great Sphinx of Giza. Pyramids rise against the dusty landscape and are striking from far away. 

Egypt-Camels and Pyramids

From temples, statues, tombs and sphinxes, much is discovered and reflected on the Giza necropolis. At least how such huge, grand and imposing structures were built so many years ago with incredibly heavy stones.

4. Sheikh Zayed Mosque - Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an impressive and awe-inspiring place which is one of the most visited attractions of the United Arab Emirates. Magnificent domes and towers, magnificent tiles and white sun-reflecting structures reminiscent of fairy palaces and you will find plenty to explore and take in here. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

It is a wonderful backdrop against which to take some memorable photos.

5. Goreme - Cappadocia, Turkey

Goreme National Park in Turkey provides a whimsical and picturesque landscape. The area is attractive because it is considered completely sculpted by erosion. Jerome is located close to the Open Air Museum. Apart from this, it is near Ukisar Mahal which offers stunning views of the area from its terrace. The landscape of the Pasabagh Valley to the north is known for the "fairy chimney" of Cappadocia. These are cone-shaped rocks that lie on the mountainside.

Cappadocia-Turkey

The entire region and its magnificent landscape all provide evidence of Byzantine art. It is in the form of houses, troglody villages and underground cities, which can be seen and explored by all visitors.

6. Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque - Shiraz, Iran

The Nasir-ol-molk mosque also dubbed the Pink Mosque because the color of its tiled interior is a beautiful and magnificent structure that attracts visitors from everywhere. When light shines through the windows, you feel as if you are sitting amidst a bright rainbow. 

Nasir-ol-Molk-Mosque-interior

The warm glow all makes for the interior of a peaceful and comfortable mosque, which welcomes all who walk through its doors. It is a journey for people traveling around the Middle East.

7. Al-Aqsa Mosque - Jerusalem

Jerusalem has long been celebrated as the heart of the Abrahamic beliefs. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all have their roots in this magnificent and ancient city. Travelers going to Jerusalem can either cross the Allenby-King Hussein bridge which is just an hour away from Amman or fly straight into Tel Aviv and make their way to Jerusalem from there.

Al-aqsa-Mosque-Jerusalem

Jerusalem is breathtakingly beautiful in every way. The old city, in particular, is eccentric. With narrow lanes, streets with many steps and lanes, it is a place full of apathy. The presence of soldiers is hard to ignore which makes it clear that it is a city under occupation. However, it is a place where life grows and continues every day, and tourists continue to pour in throughout the year.

The heart of Jerusalem is, without doubt, the Al-Aqsa complex. The complex is beautifully serene, filled with olive trees and beautiful stones and the magnificent dome of rock can also be seen from a great distance. Every prayer, and a call to pray for local people as well as religious pilgrims can be seen coming to the mosque. The complex has guards at the door which do not always let tourists in. They are allowed to enter one day a week, usually on Sundays, but this may be subject to change at any time.

Jerusalem is a great place to try Palestinian cuisine. From hummus and falafel to savory shawaram and sweet, juicy cunefa, your taste buds will not disappoint here. There are some restaurants in front of Damascus Gate which always affect the quality of food and service.

8. Wadi Bani Khalid - Oman

For those who want luxury in the open air, the plaintiff Bani Khalid must go. This extraordinary oasis is in the middle of the mountains. Water is particularly known for its emerald green color. Dipping into it is irreversible, especially during the warmer months. 

Wadi Bani Khalid - Oman

The water views are incredible. Old mountains, beautiful waterfalls and tall palm trees all witness this wonderful wadi. As you pass through Oman, Wadi Bani Khalid is a place to spend a relaxing day.

9. Blue Mosque - Istanbul, Turkey

It is also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Due to the color of the tiles, it has been dubbed the Blue Mosque, which has been praised within the walls. The mosque is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and is considered one of the most spectacular places to visit in Istanbul. 

The Blue Mosque Sultanahmet-Camii

The place still operates as a mosque, highlighting its importance in Turkish and Islamic culture to this day.

10. Madain Saleh - Saudi Arabia

Mada'in Saleh is home to the second city of ancient Nabataean Arabs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Western Hijaz province of Saudi Arabia, it is a huge archaeological site that will attract more visitors if located elsewhere in the region. Madine Salah has some 111 memorial mausoleums, 94 of which are decorated with magnificent facades. The tombs vary in size, with the smallest grave being 2-3 meters and the largest being about 22 meters.

Madain Saleh archeological site-Saudi Arabia

The site also has places called triclinium. They are like modern divans, dedicated to dinners, rituals and feasts. At least six of these were found in Madan Saleh, of which the famous Jibal was in Ithlib.

Summary

The Middle East is a region that is filled with both historical and modern sights. Exploring these sites will leave you in astonishment as to what mankind can and has achieved. From the luxurious tower of Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the historic site of Petra, there is a lot to see, contemplate and indulge. An adventure through the Middle East will give you a more authentic insight into the real stories of people and places. This region, past, present and future.