Muslims have been in settled in Seattle, USA for many decades. Over the past few years, the number of Muslims in Seattle have skyrocketed. A significant percentage of Muslims in the city and surrounding areas can be attributed to the large companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing who employ a large number of Muslims. As a result, many supporting businesses have also sprung up to support the overall community.
Although there are no official numbers but the number of Muslims in and around the Seattle area is estimated to be more than 100,000.
A number of Islamic centers have been founded and built in and around Seattle over the past few years. Some of these are the following:
Islamic House (U-District),
4625 21st Pl NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Downtown Muslim Association of Seattle (Seattle)
Prayer room inside of Plymouth Congregational Church
1217 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Idris Mosque (Northgate)
1420 NE Northgate Way, Seattle, WA 98125
Masjid Umar al-Farooq (Mountlake Terrace)
5507 238th Street SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Dar al-Arqam (Lynnwood)
6210 188th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA
Everett Muslim Community Center (Everett)
500 SE Everett Mall Way Suite #B-110, Everett, WA 98208
Islamic Community Center of Shoreline (Shoreline) (Bosnian)
20001 25th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, USA
Gathering at Idriss mosqueSeattle Night SkylineSeattle SkylineIdriss Mosque Community ActivitiesIslamic markets for Muslims in SeattleAbu Bakr Islamic Center in Seattle Washington USAAbu Bakr Islamic Center in Seattle Washington USA Friday Prayer KhutbahIslam in Seattle Washington USA – Eid Lecture and Celebration Abu Bakr Mosque
Al-Gara Mountain in Hofuf, Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia is located in the eastern province of Saudi-Arabia in the region of Al-Ahsa. It is one of the key natural landmarks in the country. If you are looking for things to do in Saudi-Arabia, then visiting Al-Gara mountains site should be on your list.
Al-Gara Mountain is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. As tourism to the kingdom is still not as open to those travelling from abroad, most of these tourists are locals or locally based expats.
The Al-Gara Mountain site provides a view of many rocks and caves and alleys between the rocks. Tourists can walk around the Al-Gara Mountain site and explore those caves, alleys, and other natural aspects of the site.
Below are some of the pictures from the Al-Gara mountain site in Hofuf, Al-Ahsa.
Al-Gara Mountains Visitor Center. Hofuf Saudi-Arabia.Entering Al-Gara Mountain area near HofufHofuf Al-Ahsa Saudi-Arabia CultureHofuf Al-Ahsa Saudi-Arabia CultureAl-Gara Mountains Hofuf Saudi-ArabiaAl-Gara Mountains Hofuf Saudi-ArabiaAl-Gara Mountains Hofuf in Al-Ahsa ProvinceAlleys through the rocks of Al-Gara Mountains Hofuf in Al-Ahsa ProvinceBeautiful rocksView from the top of Al-Gara Mountain Saudi-ArabiaView from the top of Al-Gara Mountain Saudi-ArabiaView at the top of Al-Gara Mountain Saudi-ArabiaCultural artifacts of Hofuf, Saudi-Arabia (Eastern Province)
Jerash (also known as Gerasa) is a very ancient city of Jordan located in the north of Jordan about 50 kiometers noth of the City of Amman. It is the second most popular toured city in Jordan after Petra.
The city dates back to the bronze age with traces dating to around 3500 B.C. Jerash is known to have been founded by Alexander the Great. The remains that one notices in the city are from the Roman period when the Romans built various temples and fortresses in the area. Jerash is known to bring together cultures of the Roman era as well as from the Middle East.
The city started to see a Muslim influence during the times of the Ayyubid, Mamluk Sultanate, and the Ottomans.
Some of the remains in Jerash city include the following that can be included in the list of things to do when visiting the city:
Numerous Corinthium columns
Hadrian’s Arch – Built to honor the visit of Emperor Hadrian to Gerasa.
The circus/hippodrome
Temples of Zeus and Artemis.
The Oval Forum
The long colonnaded street or cardo
The large South Theatre and smaller North Theatre.
Two communal baths
A number of scattered small temples
A large Nymphaeum fed by an aqueduct
An almost complete circuit of city walls
A water powered saw mill that was used for cutting stone and rocks
Two large bridges across the nearby river.
Other things to do in Jerash, Jordan include the popular Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts. It is one of the largest cultural festivals of the region and is usually held in the month July. When planning a trip in the summer to Jordan, it would be wise to make it coincide with this festival to make the trip quit worthwhile. More information on the festival and its dates can be found here.
The following are some of the pictures related to the city.
The North Theater – Jerash, JordanFertile areas of Jerash, JordanOverlooking the Jersah city in JordanOverview of Jerash city and the outskirtsPanoramic view of Jerash cityPanoramic view of the columns of ancient Jerash cityThe Oval Forum, JerashThe Arch of Hadrian in Jerash, Jordan.The Oval ForumPanoramic view of the columns of JerashTourists in Jersah Jordan around the columns of the ancient city
Ajloun is a city in Jordan that is located approximately 80 kilometers northwest of the city of the capital, Amman. Ajloun is a collection of about 27 villages with a population approaching 200,000. Both Muslims and Christians live in the Ajloun city but the Christians are in minority.
One of the notable places in Ajloun is the Ajloun castle. The castle played a central role of controlling traffic between Damascus and Egypt during the twelfth century. The castle was renovated numerous times during the reigns of various rulers such as the Mamluks, and Salahuddin Ayyubi. The castle was destroyed during the times of the Mongols and it later suffered more damage during the earthquake that struck the area in the early twentieth century.
The Ajloun castle gets hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Ajloun is a great place for visitors as it not only gives them a sense of history dating back to the time of the early Muslims, the fertile landscape makes it an excellent place for sightseeing.
Below are some of the pictures of the Ajloun area and the collection of villages that make up Ajloun.
Sightseeing in Ajloun, Jordan
The Ajloun Castle near Amman in JordanThe Ajloun Castle near Amman in JordanOverlooking the Ajloun Governate and Ajloun villagesOverlooking the Ajloun Governate and Ajloun villagesThe Ajloun Castle in Jordan (near Amman)The Ajloun Castle in Jordan (near Amman) – Top closeup shows the fortress like structureThe Ajloun Castle in Jordan (near Amman) – One of the towers of the fortress like structure
This post samples Islamic calligraphy works of various artists. Most of the works in Islamic calligraphy is centered around on Quranic verses and other Islamic terms. The art of Islamic calligraphy is practiced in almost all parts of the world where you can find Muslims, which is almost all countries of the world. You are bound to find some artist (freelance as well as professional) who practice this art. With the advancement of digital technologies, many have brought that art to the digital world as well.
Below you can find original Islamic calligraphy works as well as pictures of other hand drawn works. For most pictures, the transliteration of the words is included below the picture as a caption.
Janadriyah Festival is an annual festival held on the outskirts of Saudi-Arabia’s capital city of Riyadh in the town of Janadriyah. The festival showcases the culture of Saudi-Arabia since it was founded in the early 20th century by its founder Kind Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud.
The following pictures depict the various facets of the Saudi culture.
These tools represent the Saudi farmer .
Janadriya festival Riyadh Saudi-Arabia
The following jars and pots were used to store clean water for drinking and cooking.
Early Saudi-Arabia – Pots and Pans for drinking water
The following pictures shows the many postage stamps that the Saudis have had in circulation for the past century.
The many stamps put in circulation through Saudi history
An old Quran from the year 1051 A.H. that corresponds approximately to the early 1630 AD.
Old copy of a Mushaf Quran in circulation throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Dates to 1051 AH
Another old Quran that was printed around 1780 AD.
Another old Mushaf Quran from the year 1198 AH. Arabian Peninsula
The following picture shows the weaponry that the early Saudis carried and used during the early to mid twentieth century.
Common weaponry in the Arabian Peninsula during the early to mid twentieth century. Swords, pistols, and daggers.
More weaponry samples.
More weaponry from the Arabian Peninsula used during the early to mid twentieth century. Swords, pistols, and daggers.
This picture shows the weaponry as well as the tea and coffee pots that are traditional in the Saudi culture.
Mix of weaponry and cooking utensils
Islamic calligraphy with the name “Muhammad” carved in stone. The name symbolizes Prophet Muhammad.
Islamic calligraphy stating “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, Peace be upon him”
Traditional Saudi Tea pot with small serving cups.
Saudi tea pot
The picture below shows the traditional tea pot in red (on the left) and a traditional coffee pot in gold / silver color on the right. The small cups are usually used to serve Arabic coffee.
Saudi coffee and tea pots
The following shows the various currency denominations that Saudis have had in circulation for the past century.
old Saudi currency. Various denominations
More Saudi currency below.
old Saudi currency. Various denominations
Below are the traditional pots that were used for eating and drinking.
More food utensils used in the early to mid twentieth century. These designs are still prevalent today and have come to represent the Saudi culture.
Old Saudi Pots and Pans
In the festival ground of Janadriyah, structures are built to mimic the forts, houses and other buildings of the early Saudi era and culture. The following is a replica of the actual fort that the founder of Saudi-Arabia conquered before he founded Saudi-Arabia.
Saudi fort replica erected for the festival in Janadriyah
The black tent below symbolizes the traditional dwelling places that Saudis used when they lived in the deserts of Arabia throughout the Arabian peninsula.
Saudi tents used in the desert
Below, visitors to the Janadriyah festival take a break to offer the evening Muslim prayers.
Visitors and artists praying during a break in the Janadriyah Festival
Visitors are shopping for various Saudi cultural artifacts. In the background, the traditional Saudi pots are visible.
Visitors shopping in the Janadriyah Festival
Below is another picture of the fort during the early days of founding of Saudi-Arabia.
Large number of visitors during the Janadriyah Festival
The pictures below show the early and present days of the Saudia Airlines and the planes it used to have in service. The first plane was a DC-3.
Old Saudi PlaneNew models Saudi Plane
The founder of Saudi-Arabia, King Abdul Aziz takes the first plane ride on Saudia’s first airplane.
King Abdul-Aziz during his first flight on the first Saudia plane
Women visitors in the foreground can be seen in their traditional Abaya dresses shopping for various cultural artifacts.
Visitors shopping during the Janadriyah Festival
A mill used in the earlier days operated by a camel.
Camel used to run the mill for grinding sesame seeds
The exhibits below showcase the city of Jazan, which is located near the south west border of Saudi-Arabia bordering Yemen and the Red Sea.
Jazan Saudi ArabiaBoating is quote in Jazan
A cultural folk dance from the area of Jazan in the south west of Saudi-Arabia.
Jazan folk dance in Saudi-Arabia
Artifacts from a traditional Saudi sitting for guests. The round mat is used to serve food. People would normally sit around a large plate and share the food that is served on that large plate.
Saudi traditional sitting
The following show the coins that were used during the early years of Saudi-Arabia. These coins were continuing from the Ottoman period.
Currency and coins from the Ottoman EmpireCurrency and coins from the Ottoman Empire
Dubai is one of the emirates of the UAE and is most visited place in the worlds. The interesting thing about Dubai is that even though it is an Arab Muslim city, the city reflects little of the traditional Arabic culture. Due to the vast majority of expats in the city (more than 85%), the city is a mix of many cultures. In fact, it has taken on a culture of its own.
Here are some of the things that you can do and watch in Dubai. Take a look to get a sense of the culture of the city.
Burj Al-Arab Hotel
This is one of the most expensive hotels of the world where a one night stay can cost you more than four thousand dollars.
Music Fountain at Burj Al-Khalifa
This fountain operates on the rhythm of music and is very popular among visitors. It is located in front of the Burj Al-Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world.
Dubai Skyline
With tall buildings touching the sky throughout the city, you can spend the day and night simply enjoying the skyline of the city. Here are some of those pictures.
Dubai Skyline at Night
Dubai, UAE Skyline at night – City of LightsDubai, UAE Skyline at night – City of Lights
Burj Al-Khalifa
Burj Al-Khalifa is the tallest tower in the world. These pictures will give you a good idea of the enormous structure.
Burj al-kalifa on a cloudy dayBurj Khalifa Dubai at sunset
One of the very common road trips through the Arabian deserts is one that takes you from Riyadh, Saudi-Arabia to Abu-Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE. The road trip through Kharj, Saudi-Arabia is an old road that takes through the sand deserts of Saudi-Arabia to the border of the UAE. The following pictures shows some of what you may see on that trip.
Leaving Kharj takes you through these deserts.
The desert is different from the typical sand dunes that one would expect. This is rock and sand and the landscape is mostly flat.
This road from Riyadh through the town of Kharj is the old road but shorter in distance by about 100 kilometers.
Approaching the town of Batha at the border between Saudi-Arabia and the UAE.
The following picture is the ‘border area’ between Saudi-Arabia and the UAE.
As soon as you cross into UAE, you will be required to buy car insurance from this plaza.
You can browse some of the styles of dishdashas and thobes from the Arabic countries below.
Different Dishdasha Styles
A short sleeved thobe and dishdasha that you can wear at home and outside. The embroidery around the neck area gives it an appealing look and makes it a nice style to wear. You can find others in similar styles.
This dishdasha is similar to the one above with a different flair and style.
Another one similar to the above dishdasha. However, such elaborate styles are not worn publicly in certain Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi-Arabia. They prefer more of a plain look thobes and dishdashas.
This disdasha has a unique style in that it doesn’t have the embroidery like the above diishdashas but make it a nice style.
1. The word Taj Mahal literally means “Crown of the Palace”. The word “Taj” means Crown, while “Mahal” means Palace.
2. Taj Mahal was built with large blocks of real marble, which is known to have been transported from the areas of Rajasthan about 400 kilometers away on more than 1000 elephants.
3. The Taj Mahal was ordered to be built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a resting place for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The construction took about 17 years for the entire building to complete.
4. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”.
5. It is considered as one of the man made wonders of the world. It attracts about 10 million visitors annually.
6. The tomb of the Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent features of the building.
7. The building is adorned with fine Islamic calligraphy all over.
