Geography of the Middle East and North Africa
"As-Salamu Alaykum! Peace be with you!
Greetings, my friends. My name is Dr. Noor, like the late Queen of Jordan (may she rest in peace). I attended medical school in the United States and returned home to work as an oncologist at the King Hussein Cancer Foundation in Amman, Jordan. I am proud to say there are many female doctors and professionals like me in the Levant region. The work can be stressful though, so I am very much looking forward to our holiday.
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I'm currently finishing up some volunteer work with the UNHCR. Why don't we start from here?"
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"Dating back to the Ummayyid Caliphate, this once magnificent place of worship and prayer was one of the largest and oldest mosques in Aleppo. Famous for being home to John the Baptist's father -- a man revered in both Islam and Christianity -- this UNESCO World Heritage Site was bombed by the blasphemous Dai'esh terrorists in 2013, demolishing the courtyard and toppling its historic minaret (tower). It pains my soul this was done by those mutilating my faith. Please, I would like to pray at the Temple Mount near our next stop. "
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Krak des Chevaliers Battlement​
"Also known as 'Hosn al-Akrad" (Fortress of the Kurds), this hilltop stronghold is one of the most important preserved Crusader castles in the world. Its central location in the region and panoramic views allowed this gleaming white limestone fortress to serve as both an administrative and military base for Crusader knights. That was such a bloody era in Levantine history...why must coexistence be so difficult? At least the ancient traders in the south got it right. Let's go there next."
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"Wow -- What a view! It's like a snapshot of Lebanon all here in one place: the Mosque and Islam on one side, the church and Christianity on the other, with the shared heritage of past civilizations between them. Roman baths such as these played a critical role in maintaining social structures and politics, perhaps something modern Lebanon could resurrect for the benefit of finding common ground."
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Israeli Vineyard, Golan Heights​
"It's lovely here, yes? The fertile soils, reliable rains, and moderate climate all make this area perfect for growing grapes. Most Muslims don't drink alcohol, like Mormons not drinking coffee. However, I will confess to a glass of Levantine wine now and again -- there is such a long and rich viticulture history in the region, I don't think Allah will mind. In fact, nearly all wine produced in the Middle East comes from the Golan Heights region. Maybe I'll treat myself with a glass while we enjoy a little pampering and relax on the shore of our next stop."
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Al-Azraq Refugee Camp, Zarqa​
"Almost looks like a prison, doesn't it? This camp is a sad and desolate place with little more than canvas tents for protection from the bitterly cold desert winters and blistering summer heat -- but it is still preferable to the dire situations most of its residents have fled. At least here they have food, water, medical care, and are free to live without constant fear of widespread violence. The Levant has an unfortunately long history of fighting. Our next stop stands as a testament to that history and was actually built for the sole purpose of waging war on anyone who challenged it."
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Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem
"There are so many beautiful and holy sites in Jerusalem, it was immensely difficult to choose just one to show you, but here we are. This imposing cathedral was constructed in 336 CE around the small ornate shrine encasing the declared tomb of Jesus Christ. Muslims may not believe Jesus was divine, but we have great respect and reverence for his teachings and consider him a deeply holy man. It is an honor for me to visit his resting place -- but look at all these people! Are they tourists or devout pilgrims? It can be so hard to tell in this holy city. I wonder if they use local wine for the Eucharist -- maybe even from our next destination?"
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"You just can't come all the way to the Levant and not experience the strangely decadent sensation of the Dead Sea! Water flows into this terminal lake from the Jordan River in the north and simply has no where to go, so it evaporates and leaves behind all sorts of salts, minerals, and natural oils. It is a relatively short drive from Amman so my lady friends and I will visit often to replenish our skin and enjoy the warm waters. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes or mouth -- it stings! Too bad our next destination is no longer functional, it would have been nice to wash off some of this mud."
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"This dramatic city of rock is Jordan's most important heritage resource and one of the very first UNESCO World Heritage Sites created. Home to an eclectic array of architectural styles and diverse history, Petra is an excellent representation of Modern Jordan: people from everywhere coming together to make something completely its own. Many people think 'Petra' actually refers to this single monument, made famous in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but this is just one of hundreds in this ancient trade hub. You could wander for days and still not see it all. Jordan has proudly maintained this site, but, sadly, that is a lot easier to do when you don't have to worry about enemy shelling -- unlike our next UNESCO destination."
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