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Searching all stock for "mesopotamia":

Travel (128 files)

PMR534-12
Iraq: final glimpse of the River Euphrates.
Keywords: Islam, countryside, landscape, Mesopotamia, Muslim

PMR534-11
Iraq: approaching the Syrian border, the "Rolling Hotel" receives a pictorial velediction from Fieldmarshal Saddam Hussein.
Keywords: street scene, farewell scene, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam

PMR534-10
Iraq, Baghdad: view of "Baghdad Island" and boating lake from the top of the tower, with bridge over the River Tigris in the background.
Keywords: architecture, leisure park, leisure centre, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam

PMR534-09
Iraq, Baghdad: Abbasid Palace, believed to have been built under Caliph Al-Nasser Lidinillah (1179-1225). Some scholars believe it to have been the Sharabiya School, mentioned by historians. Extensively restored after Ottoman use. View from the gardens at the back of the building.
Keywords: architecture, cupola, dome, national heritage, historic, culture, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam

PMR534-08
Iraq, Baghdad: main gate of the Abbasid Palace, believed to have been built under Caliph Al-Nasser Lidinillah (1179-1225). Some scholars believe it to have been the Sharabiya School, mentioned by historians. Extensively restored after Ottoman use.
Keywords: architecture, national heritage, historic, culture, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam

PMR534-07
Iraq, Baghdad: a typical older burgher house, with balcony and ceramic tiling in the facade.
Keywords: architecture, middle-class, residence, dwelling, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam

PMR534-06
Iraq, Baghdad: modern jewellery and silversmiths' bazaar, opposite the Medrese Al-Mustansariya main gate.
Keywords: architecture, buying, selling, silver, gems, market, soukh, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam

PMR534-05
Iraq, Baghdad: street scene with minaret and entrance to a bazaar.
Keywords: colourful, soukh, automobiles, motorcars, traffic, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam

PMR534-04 (2)
Iraq, Baghdad: Medrese Al-Mustansariya, the principal school/university in the Abbasid era. Built under Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah (1226-1242), it provided lecture halls, library, refectory, baths, student accommodation, hospital with pharmacy, and mosque. The curriculum included Arabic, Theology, Astronomy, Mathematics, Pharmacy, Medicine, and especially, Koran studies.
View of the courtyard and colourful minaret from the first-floor gallery.
Keywords: architecture, madrassa, madrasa, centre of studies, education, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage

PMR534-04 (1)
Iraq, Baghdad: Medrese Al-Mustansariya, the principal school/university in the Abbasid era. Built under Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah (1226-1242), it provided lecture halls, library, refectory, baths, student accommodation, hospital with pharmacy, and mosque. The curriculum included Arabic, Theology, Astronomy, Mathematics, Pharmacy, Medicine, and especially, Koran studies.
View of the courtyard and colourful minaret from the entrance.
Keywords: architecture, madrassa, madrasa, centre of studies, education, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage

PMR534-02
Iraq, Baghdad: tower and concert bowl reflected in the lake on "Baghdad Island", a peninsula in the River Tigris.
Keywords: architecture, leisure resort, resort, music, reflections, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, picturesque

PMR534-01
Iraq, Baghdad: tower and concert bowl on "Baghdad Island", a peninsula in the River Tigris.
Keywords: architecture, leisure resort, resort, music, reflections, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, picturesque

PMR533-12
Iraq, Baghdad: memorial to the Iraqi soldiers who fell in the war with Iran, showing the two halves of the cupola and the memorial column, draped with the Iraqi flag.
Keywords: architecture, artistic, sculpture, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque

PMR533-11
Iraq, Baghdad: memorial to the Iraqi soldiers who fell in the war with Iran.
Keywords: architecture, picturesque, natural heritage, colourful, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia, sculpture, artistic

PMR533-10
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
view from the roof of theTemple of the Sun, showing the wall of the temple compound and one of the western gates. The area beyond was the residential quarter (waiting to be excavated).
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, ruined city, desert, historical, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, culture

PMR533-09
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
five, out of a row of eight, juxtaposed "evans". They are thought to be dedicated to: Marn, the sun god (largest); Marten, the moon goddess; and Bar Marin, the trinity of gods of Hatra.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR533-08
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
stone busts decorate the arches of the largest "evans".
Keywords: architecture, culture, artistic, stone carving, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR533-07
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
view from the temple courtyard, with loose stones for reintegration in the foreground.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR533-06
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
remains of one of the "evans" (arches) which was part of the Temple of the Goddess Allat.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR533-05
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
sculptures of camels adorned the most important gates.
Keywords: architecture, culture, artistic, stone carving, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR533-04
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
Temple of Marn and Northern Gate from the north-east.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR533-03
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
the Northern Gate flanks the Temple of Marn as does its pendant, the Southern Gate, both however facing east in common with all sacral buildings, as befits the worship of the sun.
Keywords: architecture, stone carving, picturesque, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR533-02
Iraq, Hatra: a great Arab city, founded in the 3rd century BC after the fall of the Assyrian empire in 612 BC and Babylon in 539 BC. The buildings combine elements of Hellenistic/Roman and Syrian architecture:
well-preserved Temple of Marn (the sun god), built after 80 AD, as were all the principal remaining buildings.
Keywords: architecture, classical, columns, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR533-01
Iraq, Ninevah: although about 6000 years old, it was the beginning of the 6th century BC before the city was chosen as the third capital of Assyria, after Ashur and Nimrud, by Sennacherib: part of the remaining city wall, 12 kilometres long.
Keywords: Muslim, picturesque, historic, excavations, archeological, archeology, architecture, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia

PMR532-12
Iraq, Bashiqa: the local aniseed liqueur "Arrak", can be purchased in a variety of bottles.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, shop, selling, alcoholic, beverage, drink, Islam, Muslim

PMR532-11
Iraq: Bashiqa, a village in the north where Christians and Yazidi have lived together peaceably for centuries (2001). Yazidi normally speak Kurdish, but in Bashiqa Arabic is the norm. Their religion is a combination of Mithraism, Shamanism, Christianity and Islam. They are forbidden to marry outside their religion.
Yazidi family outside their house in Bashiqa.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, dwelling, Islam, Muslim

PMR532-10
Iraq: Bashiqa, a village in the north where Christians and Yazidi have lived together peaceably for centuries (2001). Yazidi normally speak Kurdish, but in Bashiqa Arabic is the norm. Their religion is a combination of Mithraism, Shamanism, Christianity and Islam. They are forbidden to marry outside their religion.
A traditional, conical Yazidi grave monument.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, burial, graveyard, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim

PMR532-09
Iraq: Bashiqa, a village in the north where Christians and Yazidi have lived together peaceably for centuries (2001). Yazidi normally speak Kurdish, but in Bashiqa Arabic is the norm. Their religion is a combination of Mithraism, Shamanism, Christianity and Islam. They are forbidden to marry outside their religion.
View of the village from the hilltop graveyard.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, panorama, dwellings

PMR532-08
Iraq, Mosul: view from the summit of Mount Maqloub in the mountains of Kurdistan, on the monastery terrace, with local village in the foreground.
Keywords: Muslim, agriculture, geology, countryside, landscape, panorama, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia

PMR532-07
Iraq, Mosul: Mar Mathi (St. Matthew's) Monastery, on the summit of Mount Maqloub, part of the mountains of Kurdistan. The Syrian Orthodox monastery was founded in the 4th century. View of the arcaded galleries with monks' cells surrounding the courtyard.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, culture, architecture, Christian, natural heritage

PMR532-06
Iraq, Mosul: River Tigris near to the camping site, with wild mustard flowers in the foreground.
Keywords: Muslim, peaceful, landscape, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia

PMR532-05
Iraq, Mosul: entrance to the municipal camping site, with the ever-present picture of Fieldmarshal Saddam Hussein.
Keywords: Muslim, street scene, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia

PMR532-04
Iraq, Mosul: a DIY paint stall in the market.
Keywords: Muslim, street scene, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia, bustle, commerce, buying, selling

PMR532-03
Iraq, Mosul: a dress shop in the bazaar.
Keywords: Muslim, soukh, market, street scene, colourful, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia, commerce, buying, selling

PMR532-02
Iraq, Mosul: a young man selling cakes, carried on his head.
Keywords: Muslim, street scene, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia, bustle, commerce, buying, selling

PMR532-01
Iraq, Mosul: in the vegetable market.
Keywords: Muslim, street scene, selling, buying, commerce, bustle, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, colourful

PMR531.01
Iraq, Samarra: Islamic tokens of remembrance (souvenirs?) for pilgrims to the Askari Shiite Shrine.
Keywords: Muslim, buying, selling, street trader, Mesopotamia, Islam

PMR531-12
Iraq, Mosul: a street scene near the market.
Keywords: Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia, bustle, commerce, buying, selling

PMR531-11
Iraq, Mosul: crooked minaret of the Nurid (Big) Mosque, built by Nuriddin Zangi in 1172 AD.
Keywords: architecture, bent, ancient, historic, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim

PMR531-10
Iraq, Mosul: ruins of Bash-Tapia fortified palace and all that remains of the city wall facing the River Tigris.
Keywords: architecture, defence, Muslim, Islam, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, archeology, archeological

PMR531-09
Iraq, Mosul: a modern mosque with minaret, seen through an arched doorway.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim

PMR531-08
Iraq, Mosul: Monastery of the Martyr St. Behnam lies about 35 kilometres east of the town. It was founded about 382 AD, shortly after the martyrdom of the saint, but an inscription in the church refers to a restoration in 1164.
The monastery complex from above; under the dome is an ancient crypt, connected to the church by a tunnel, where the bones of the martyr lie. This is an object of pilgrimage throughout the region, but particularly for Catholic Syrians.
Keywords: architecture, Christian, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, Mesopotamia

PMR531-07
Iraq, Mosul: Monastery of the Martyr St. Behnam lies about 35 kilometres east of the town. It was founded about 382 AD, shortly after the martyrdom of the saint, but an inscription in the church refers to a restoration in 1164. The facade is modern.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, Christian

PMR531-06
Iraq, Kalhu/Kalach (now known as "Nimrud"): refounded in 13th century BC on ancient foundations by the Assyrians, it became the seat of the royal house after Ashur:
view of the ziggurat from the entrance to the north-west palace, with oblique view of the "Lamassu" guarding the door.
Keywords: architecture, Kalach, Kalhu, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR531-05
Iraq, Kalhu/Kalach (now known as "Nimrud"): refounded in 13th century BC on ancient foundations by the Assyrians, it became the seat of the royal house after Ashur:
one of a pair of remaining winged bulls with human heads ("Lamassu") guarding the entrance to the throne room of the north-west palace.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, ruined city, desert, historical, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, Kalhu, Kalach

PMR531-04
Iraq, Ashur/Assur: the capital of the Assyrian empire in the first millennium BC until Ashurnasirpal transferred the government to Nimrud in the 9th century BC:
three reconstructed arches, or "evans", belonging to the royal palace.
Keywords: architecture, Assur, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR531-03
Iraq, Ashur/Assur: the capital of the Assyrian empire in the first millennium BC until Ashurnasirpal transferred the government to Nimrud in the 9th century BC:
remains of the ziggurat, built of sun-baked mud bricks.
Keywords: architecture, Assur, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR531-02
Iraq, Samarra: Ma'shouq Palace ("Lovers' Palace") stands about 10 kilometres north-west of the town on a plateau. It was built in the 9th century by Al-Mu'tadhid before he moved to Baghdad.
Keywords: architecture, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia, archeology, archeological

PMR530-12
Iraq, Samarra: Askari Shiite Shrine, where the 10th and 11th Imams, Ali Al-Hadi and his son, are buried under a huge golden dome; the main entrance and two minarets, from the courtyard.
Keywords: architecture, coloured tiles, mosaics, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim

PMR530-11
Iraq, Samarra: Askari Shiite Shrine, where the 10th and 11th Imams, Ali Al-Hadi and his son, are buried under a huge golden dome; this entrance is completely silvered.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim

PMR530-10
Iraq, Samarra: view of the Great Mosque, built in 852 AD, from the top of the spiral minaret (Al-Malwiya = spiral shaped). It is in the course of reconstruction.
Keywords: architecture, panorama, archeological, archeology, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim

PMR530-09
Iraq, Samarra: the spiral minaret of the Samarra Mosque, once the largest mosque in the world of Islam, rises 52 metres to a flat platform at the top.
Keywords: architecture, archeological, archeology, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim

PMR530-08
Iraq, Fortress/palace of Al-Ukhaidar: standing alone in the western desert, 48 kilometres south-west of kerbela, little is known of the builders, although thought to date from the early 8th century AD. However it stands on an important desert trade route. The entire building has recently been extensively renovated.
One of the courtyards, surrounded by arcades.
Keywords: architecture, fortifications, defence, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia, picturesque, archeology, archeological

PMR530-07
Iraq, Fortress/palace of Al-Ukhaidar: standing alone in the western desert, 48 kilometres south-west of kerbela, little is known of the builders, although thought to date from the early 8th century AD. However it stands on an important desert trade route. The entire building has recently been extensively renovated.
Courtyard from the outer wall parapet; single storey buildings provide accommodation, the state rooms being at the rear.
Keywords: architecture, fortifications, defence, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia, picturesque, archeology, archeological

PMR530-06
Iraq, Fortress/palace of Al-Ukhaidar: standing alone in the western desert, 48 kilometres south-west of kerbela, little is known of the builders, although thought to date from the early 8th century AD. However it stands on an important desert trade route. The entire building has recently been extensively renovated.
View of the fortress/palace from the road.
Keywords: architecture, fortifications, defence, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, Mesopotamia, picturesque, archeology, archeological

PMR529-12
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
Processional Way (original) leading under the Ishtar Gate, which would have been BASED on this structure (original is now in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin).
Keywords: architecture, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-11
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
assumed site of the Tower of Babel, totally removed (by Alexander the Great?), and surrounded by a square ditch/moat now full of water.
Keywords: architecture, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-10
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
reconstructed throne-room and dais in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-09
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
line of the old city wall, originally 8 kilometres long, and "wide enough for two 4-horse chariots to pass" according to Herodotus.
Keywords: architecture, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, colourful, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-08
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
excavated ruins, with the rebuilt walls of the Processional Way in the background.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, archeology, archeological

PMR529-07
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
the Lion of Babylon (head missing), sculpted from basalt, devouring a person; this animal is the symbol of the goddess "Ishtar", who would have been riding the lion.
Keywords: architecture, sculpture, statue, monument, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-06
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
the Processional Way, walls reconstructed, roadway original, looking north, out of the city.
Keywords: architecture, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, colourful, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-05
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
original walls of the Processional Way, with dragons (symbol of City God "Marduk") and bulls (symbol of Storm God "Adad")
Keywords: architecture, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, colourful, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-04
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
reconstructed gates and successive courtyards of the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, colourful, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-03
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
tourist map of Irag in the reconstructed palace.
Keywords: natural heritage, Mesopotamia, Muslim, Islam, colourful

PMR529-02
Iraq, Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the third millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC):
loose reconstruction of the Ishtar Gate (the original is in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin).
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, colourful, Islam, Muslim, Mesopotamia

PMR529-01
Iraq, Najaf: souvenirs for sale to pilgrims to the mausoleum of Imam Ali (a Shiite shrine), including "the hand of Fatima", daughter of the Prophet.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, ceramics, Muslim, Islam, colourful

PMR528-12
Iraq, Najaf: mausoleum of the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, nephew of the Prophet:
small traders offering their wares, with the golden dome of the mausoleum in the background.
Keywords: architecture, coloured tiles, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque, historic, Mesopotamia

PMR528-11
Iraq, Najaf: mausoleum of the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, nephew of the Prophet:
main entrance to the shrine from the street.
Keywords: architecture, coloured tiles, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque, historic, Mesopotamia

PMR528-10
Iraq, Najaf: mausoleum of the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, nephew of the Prophet:
two storeys of exquisitely decorated alcoves for the use of pilgrims, surround the courtyard.
Keywords: architecture, coloured tiles, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque, historic, Mesopotamia

PMR528-09
Iraq, Najaf: mausoleum of the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, nephew of the Prophet:
entrance arch, viewed from the inner courtyard.
Keywords: architecture, coloured tiles, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque, historic, Mesopotamia

PMR528-07
Iraq: Uruk, the city which succeeded Ur and was continuously inhabited from about 4000 BC until 500 AD, where the first writing system (cuneiform) was developed. The 9.5-kilometre-long city wall was built by King Gilgamesh and described in his Epic:
examples of the coloured, baked-clay cones which were pressed into the soft clay of the walls during building to form mosaic designs.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, historical, archeological, archeology, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, ruined city, desert

PMR528-06
Iraq: Uruk, the city which succeeded Ur and was continuously inhabited from about 4000 BC until 500 AD, where the first writing system (cuneiform) was developed. The 9.5-kilometre-long city wall was built by King Gilgamesh and described in his Epic:
partially reconstructed temple with sanctuary well protected from outside eyes.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, desert, ruined city, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical

PMR528-05
Iraq: Uruk, the city which succeeded Ur and was continuously inhabited from about 4000 BC until 500 AD, where the first writing system (cuneiform) was developed. The 9.5-kilometre-long city wall was built by King Gilgamesh and described in his Epic:
part of the facade of a more recent temple, decorated with blue ceramic tiles, from about 110 AD.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, desert, ruined city, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical

PMR528-04
Iraq: Uruk, the city which succeeded Ur and was continuously inhabited from about 4000 BC until 500 AD, where the first writing system (cuneiform) was developed. The 9.5-kilometre-long city wall was built by King Gilgamesh and described in his Epic:
view of the ziggurat, built of unbaked mud bricks and thus very weathered.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, desert, ruined city, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical

PMR528-03
Iraq: Uruk, the city which succeeded Ur and was continuously inhabited from about 4000 BC until 500 AD, where the first writing system (cuneiform) was developed. The 9.5-kilometre-long city wall was built by King Gilgamesh and described in his Epic:
view of the excavations from the ziggurat, with the desert behind stretching through Saudi Arabia.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, desert, ruined city, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical

PMR528-02
Iraq: reed house, as used by the marsh arabs of Shatt-Al-Arab, in a group of date palms. Rotel parked to left.
Keywords: traditional houses, Mesopotamia, dwelling, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage

PMR528-01
Iraq: reed house, as used by the marsh arabs of Shatt-Al-Arab.
Keywords: traditional houses, Mesopotamia, dwelling, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage

PMR527-12
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees":
the approach stairway to the ziggurat from the north.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR527-11
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees":
the partially reconstructed ziggurat from the north-west.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR527-10
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees":
a reconstructed house (without roof) in the residential quarter, known as "Abraham's House".
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, ruined city, desert, historical, archeological, archeology, natural heritage

PMR527-09
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees":
western corner of Ekhursag of Ur-Nammu, excavated by Sir Leonard Woolley between 1922 and 1934.
Keywords: architecture, walls, foundations, Mesopotamia, ruined city, desert, historical, archeological, archeology, natural heritage

PMR527-08
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees":
the remaining walls of Ekhursag palace/shrine showing the bitumen used as mortar, with the ziggurat in the background.
Keywords: architecture, bricks, Mesopotamia, ruined city, desert, historical, archeological, archeology, natural heritage

PMR527-07
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees":
a surviving arched doorway.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, ruined city, desert, historical, archeological, archeology, natural heritage

PMR527-06
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees":
view to the east from the ziggurat with the foundations of Ekhursag palace/shrine, and the Euphrates in the far distance.
Keywords: architecture, natural heritage, archeology, archeological, historical, desert, ruined city, Mesopotamia

PMR527-05
Iraq: part of a modern Iraqi mud-built village - a group of youngsters, just returned from school.
Keywords: street scene, Mesopotamia, traditional houses, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, dwellings, homes, mud-houses, schoolboys, scholars

PMR527-04
Iraq: part of a modern Iraqi mud-built village, with donkey and dung-heap, for making fuel cakes.
Keywords: street scene, Mesopotamia, traditional houses, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, dwellings, homes, mud-houses

PMR527-03
Iraq: part of a modern Iraqi mud-built village, with one of the families in front of the house.
Keywords: street scene, Mesopotamia, traditional houses, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, dwellings, homes, mud-houses

PMR527-02
Iraq: part of a modern Iraqi mud-built village.
Keywords: street scene, Mesopotamia, traditional houses, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, dwellings, homes, mud-houses

PMR527-01
Iraq, Ctesiphon: the ruins of this city, 30 kilometres northwest of Baghdad, date back to the 2nd century BC, but include this enormous vaulted roof, or "evan", 37 metres high and 25.5 metres wide, built without scaffolding in the third century AD. It is the largest vault known to antiquity. View from the side, showing the leaning facade, saved by a buttress. The subsidence is due to the high water table in this area.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, historic, archeological, archeology, Muslim, Islam, natural heritage

PMR526-12
Iraq, Ctesiphon: the ruins of this city, 30 kilometres northwest of Baghdad, date back to the 2nd century BC, but include this enormous vaulted roof, or "evan", 37 metres high and 25.5 metres wide, built without scaffolding in the third century AD. It is the largest vault known to antiquity. The arch reflected in a pool of water.
Keywords: Muslim, archeological, archeology, historic, architecture, picturesque, natural heritage, Islam, Mesopotamia

PMR526-11
Iraq, Ctesiphon: the ruins of this city, 30 kilometres northwest of Baghdad, date back to the 2nd century BC, but include this enormous vaulted roof, or "evan", 37 metres high and 25.5 metres wide, built without scaffolding in the third century AD. It is the largest vault known to antiquity.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, natural heritage, Islam, Muslim, historic, Archeology, archeological

PMR526-10
Iraq: Khadimain Shrine, near Baghdad, was founded in 1515; two Shiite Imams, Musa Al-Khadim and Mohamed Al-Jawad, are buried here: main gateway and clocktower from the street.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, picturesque, natural heritage, colourful, Islam, Muslim, mosaics, mosque

PMR526-09
Iraq: Khadimain Shrine, near Baghdad, was founded in 1515; two Shiite Imams, Musa Al-Khadim and Mohamed Al-Jawad, are buried here: one of the alcoves with colourfully ornate tiling, which surround the courtyard, for the accommodation of pilgrims.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque

PMR526-08
Iraq: Khadimain Shrine, near Baghdad, was founded in 1515; two Shiite Imams, Musa Al-Khadim and Mohamed Al-Jawad, are buried here: pilgrims in the courtyard.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque

PMR526-07
Iraq: Khadimain Shrine, near Baghdad, was founded in 1515; two Shiite Imams, Musa Al-Khadim and Mohamed Al-Jawad, are buried here: the richly ornamented entrance to the shrine itself, taboo to non-believers.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque

PMR526-06
Iraq: Khadimain Shrine, near Baghdad, was founded in 1515; two Shiite Imams, Musa Al-Khadim and Mohamed Al-Jawad, are buried here: the shrine with portico and two of the four gilded minarets.
Keywords: architecture, Mesopotamia, historic, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque

PMR526-05
Iraq: Khadimain Shrine, near Baghdad, was founded in 1515; two Shiite Imams, Musa Al-Khadim and Mohamed Al-Jawad, are buried here: the entrance gateway, from the inner courtyard.
Keywords: architecture, mosque, mosaics, Muslim, Islam, colourful, natural heritage, picturesque, historic, Mesopotamia

PMR526-04
Iraq: Aqar Quf, the city of Dur Kurigalzu of antiquity, believed to have been founded by the Cassites in the 16th century BC: embossed stamp on the side of a mud brick, identifying the king responsible for the building in which it was used.
Keywords: natural heritage, Mesopotamia, excavations, archeological, archeology, historic

PMR526-03
Iraq: Aqar Quf, the city of Dur Kurigalzu of antiquity, believed to have been founded by the Cassites in the 16th century BC: the ziggurat with approach stairway, the upper part restored; it was the largest ziggurat in Mesopotamia.
Keywords: natural heritage, Mesopotamia, excavations, archeological, archeology, historic

PMR526-02
Iraq: Aqar Quf, the city of Dur Kurigalzu of antiquity, believed to have been founded by the Kassites in the 16th century BC: remains of the ziggurat, originally 78 metres high, showing layers of reed matting.
Keywords: natural heritage, Mesopotamia, excavations, archeological, archeology, historic

PMR526-01
Iraq: the "Rolling Hotel" in the Iraqi desert near Rutha Wells.
Keywords: colourful, Mesopotamia

PMR017K-02
Iraq, Baghdad: Bandstand in the lake by "Baghdad Island", a peninsula in the River Tigris, showing observation tower in the distance.
Keywords: Mesopotamia

PMR017K-01
Iraq, Baghdad: View from the observation tower on "Baghdad Island", a peninsula in the River Tigris, showing hotel.
Keywords: Mesopotamia

PMR016K-27
Iraq, Ninevah: although about 6000 years old, it was the beginning of the 6th century BC before the city was chosen as the third capital of Assyria, after Ashur and Nimrud, by Sennacherib. Here, part of the remaining city wall, 12 kilometres long. Most of the movable items are to be found in the world's museums.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, archeology, excavations

PMR016K-26
Iraq: Bashiqa, a village in the north of Iraq where Christians and Yazida live together peaceably (2001). Members of this Yazid family make visitors very welcome.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, family group

PMR016K-25
Iraq, Khorsabad: Stele with cuneiform inscription, still in the ground (not yet discovered by the archeologists - the locals keep it covered with rubble!)
Keywords: excavations, archeology, Mesopotamia

PMR016K-23
Iraq, Mosul: PIlgrims in the Mosque of the Prophet Jonas where he is reputed to be buried.
Keywords: religion, Mesopotamia, Islam, Mohamed, Muslim

PMR016K-22
Iraq, Mosul: Monastery of the Christian Martyr, St. Behnam, lies about 35 kilometres east of Mosul. It was founded about 382 AD, shortly after the martyrdom of the saint, but an inscription in the church refers to a restoration in 1164. Here, the ancient crypt where the bones of St. Behnam have lain since 382 AD.
Keywords: religion, Mesopotamia, architecture

PMR016K-21
Iraq, Mosul: Monastery of the Christian Martyr, St. Behnam, lies about 35 kilometres east of Mosul. It was founded about 382 AD, shortly after the martyrdom of the saint, but an inscription in the church refers to a restoration in 1164. Here, fine stone carvings believed to be from the 12th century. The stones over the lintel are cut "as with a jig saw", but fit together perfectly. How was it done?
Keywords: religion, Mesopotamia

PMR016K-20
Iraq: Fertile agricultural land and pasture near the River Tigris, with tractor in the foreground.
Keywords: agriculture, irregation, Mesopotamia, crops

PMR016K-18
Iraq, Kalhu or Kalach (now known as "Nimrud"): refounded in the 13th century BC on ancient foundations by the Assyrians, became the seat of the royal house after Ashur. Entrance to a burial chamber discovered by Dr Mussachim, who was in charge of the excavations in Nimrud. Over 30 kilograms of gold ornaments have been recovered from this and similar tombs.
Keywords: archeology, Mesopotamia, excavations

PMR016K-17
Iraq, Kalhu or Kalach (now known as "Nimrud"): refounded in the 13th century BC on ancient foundations by the Assyrians, became the seat of the royal house after Ashur. Details of the burial chambers being explained by Dr Mussachim, who was in charge of the excavations in Nimrud. Over 30 kilograms of gold ornaments have been recovered from this and similar tombs.
Keywords: archeology, Mesopotamia, excavations

PMR016K-14
Iraq, Kalhu or Kalach (now known as "Nimrud"): refounded in the 13th century BC on ancient foundations by the Assyrians, became the seat of the royal house after Ashur. Entrance to a burial chamber discovered by Dr Mussachim, who was in charge of the excavations in Nimrud. Over 30 kilograms of gold ornaments have been recovered from this and similar tombs.
Keywords: archeology, Mesopotamia, excavations

PMR016K-13
Iraq, Kalhu or Kalach (now known as "Nimrud"): refounded in the 13th century BC on ancient foundations by the Assyrians, became the seat of the royal house after Ashur. Wall decoration showing leaders of Assyrian fighting men, with an inscription describing their achievements.
Keywords: archeology, Mesopotamia, excavations

PMR016K-12
Iraq, Kalhu or Kalach (now known as "Nimrud"): refounded in the 13th century BC on ancient foundations by the Assyrians, became the seat of the royal house after Ashur. Wall decoration from an inner room of the north-west palace, possibly a divine being.
Keywords: archeology, excavations, Mesopotamia

PMR016K-11
Iraq, Kalhu or Kalach (now known as "Nimrud"): refounded in the 13th century BC on ancient foundations by the Assyrians, became the seat of the royal house after Ashur. Head of one of the winged bulls ("Lamassu").
Keywords: archeology, excavations, Mesopotamia

PMR015K-36
Iraq: The "Rolling Hotel" near the public entrance to the Babylon excavations.
Keywords: archeology, Bible, Mesopotamia, excavations

PMR015K-35
Iraq: Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the 3rd millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC): copy of one of the ceramic lions from the Processional Way.
Keywords: archeology, excavations, Mesopotamia, Bible

PMR015K-34
Iraq: Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the 3rd millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC): plan of the city under Nebuchadnezzar II in 600 BC.
Keywords: archeology, excavations, Mesopotamia, Bible

PMR015K-33
Iraq: Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the 3rd millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC): assumed site of the Tower of Babel, which was pulled down by Alexander the Great, preparatory to building an even grander construction. However he died before the work had begun.
Keywords: archeology, excavations, Mesopotamia, Bible

PMR015K-32
Iraq: Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the 3rd millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC): reconstructed gateway to the Northern Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II.
Keywords: archeology, excavations, Mesopotamia, Bible

PMR015K-31
Iraq: Babylon ("Bab El" = "Gate of the Gods"): probably dating from the 3rd millennium BC, capital of southern Mesopotamia under Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC), later the greatest city of its day under Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC): mark of the builder, stamped on the side of a brick.
Keywords: archeology, Bible, Mesopotamia, excavations

PMR015K-24
Iraq: Uruk, the city which succeeded Ur in prsperity and was continuously inhabited from about 4000 BC until 500 AD, where the first writing system (cuneiform) was developed. The 9.5 kilometre-long city wall was built by King Gilgamesh and described in his Epic: the remaining blue, ceramic tiles from about 110 AD in an excavated building.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, first civilisation, archeology, excavations

PMR015K-20
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, excavated by Sir Leonard Woolley between 1922 and 1934, was the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees": view of the ziggurat from the north-west.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, Bible, first civilisation, archeology, excavations

PMR015K-19
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, excavated by Sir Leonard Woolley between 1922 and 1934, was the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees": view of a reconstructed house, known as "Abraham's House".
Keywords: Mesopotamia, excavations, archeology, first civilisation

PMR015K-18
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, excavated by Sir Leonard Woolley between 1922 and 1934, was the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees": close-up of the original bitumen used as mortar between the stones of the buildings.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, first civilisation, archeology, excavations

PMR015K-17
Iraq: Ur, the oldest known large city, founded perhaps 6000 years ago, excavated by Sir Leonard Woolley between 1922 and 1934, was the Sumerian capital in its heyday, the third millennium BC, and according to the Bible, birthplace of Abraham as "Ur of the Chaldees": close-up of the mark of the builder, stamped on a brick.
Keywords: Mesopotamia, excavations, archeology, first civilisation

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