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When a friend dropped the bombshell about a camping trip to Çilingoz Nature Park, I had no clue what I was signing up for. I'm usually a meticulous planner, so the mere thought of spontaneity had me quaking in my boots when I hopped on that Istanbul-bound flight. My grand plan of mastering the city's public transportation in under five hours from midnight felt like an episode of "Mission Impossible." Predictably, things began to unravel faster than a discount sweater in a dryer. I missed the first metro, my backup Uber seemed determined to take me on a scenic tour of the city's wrong turns, and there I was, stranded in a metro station with a less-than-stellar salami sandwich. My chances of making it to the meeting point on time were about as likely as finding a unicorn in Taksim Square. But, by some miracle, I did, and for that, I'm more astonished than an Istanbul street cat trying to understand quantum physics.
That golden sunrise, alone, was worth it all.
#camping #turkiye #travelphotography #sunrise #blacksea #seasunrise #earth #travel #adventure #nature
In the heart of Malaga, I embarked on a journey to the Malaga Nasrid Palace as the sun gently bathed the landscape.
While it may not possess the enchantment of the Alhambra or the grandeur of the Alcazar of Seville, or the splendour of the Masjid in Cordoba, the Malaga Nasrid Palace possesses a distinct allure, akin to a long-lost relative. Its beauty resonates with echoes of a time when Islamic artistry flourished, albeit in the humble shade of its renowned counterparts.
I couldn't help but imagine the footprints of those who trod these paths centuries ago. The very stones seemed to absorb their faith and devotion, creating a profound connection to their culture and heritage. Amidst fragrant blossoms and softly babbling fountains, I felt a yearning to commune with the souls who once called this place home.
I wandered, feeling like a time-traveler, transported to an era when this fortress stood as a vibrant symbol of Islamic culture and artistry. Each step resonated with the craftsmanship of a bygone time, a testament to the creativity and devotion of those who crafted this exquisite palace with unwavering love.
With the absence of crowds, the palace unveiled its mysteries, divulging winding pathways and concealed chambers, as if it held secrets whispered in hushed tones by its ancient walls. It was as though the very stones whispered the stories of those who sought refuge and inspiration within these hallowed walls.
The climax of my sojourn occurred atop the palace, where I gazed upon the city and the sea. The setting sun painted the world in hues of awe, a heartfelt ode to twilight's tender embrace.
Standing there, I sensed an unbreakable connection to this place's history, culture, and spirit—a poignant reminder that the echoes of the past persist in the present, bearing the essence of an era that indelibly shaped history's course.
#art #malaga #picasso #travel #explore #travelgram #photography #moorish #spain #alcazar #quotes #artphotography #adventure #blog #traveldiairies
Walk alone, across mountains or through forests. You are nobody to the hills or the thick boughs heavy with greenery. You are no longer a role, or a status, not even an individual, but a body, a body that feels sharp stones on the paths, the caress of long grass and the freshness of the wind. When you walk, the world has neither present nor future: nothing but the cycle of mornings and evenings. Always the same thing to do all day: walk. But the walker who marvels while walking (the blue of the rocks in a July evening light, the silvery green of olive leaves at noon, the violet morning hills) has no past, no plans, no experience. He has within him the eternal child.
- Frédéric Gros
#hiking #spain #outdoors #outdoorphotography
#travelphotography #travel #explore #adventure #hike #nature #naturephotography #hiker #backpack #explore #photography #photography #sunset #mountains #europe #planet #planetearth #earth #outdoors
In Ronda, you'll find one of the most impressive gorges on the face of the earth. The closest thing to Middle Earth's Rivendell that I have ever seen. It's enchanting. It's breathtaking. It's magical.
The gorge and iconic bridge has no obligations to the guides. You'll lean over the edge of it and see in its depths fear, prophecies, prayers, poems and more.
#ronda #bridge #spain #travel #explore #adventure #planetearth #middlearth #lotr #travelphotography
#outdoorphotography #explorers #andulusia #alandulus #poem #halaltravel #outdoorslife
My eyes always see you, the city of my seabound days.
Perched on a majestic mountain, barely standing still
In your plunge into the wavy blue,
You rule under the sky and above water,
Frozen in mid-air as if a joyous hand
Had kept you there, in a picture of glory,
Before you sink down the loving waves.
- Vicente Aleixandre
#malaga #spain #sunset #sky #orange #europe #travel #explore #adventure #backpack #planet #earth #moors #mediterranean
Oh, the beauty of the fountain, pelting the
horizon with shooting stars, leaping and jumping around
playfully;
Bubbles of water burst out of it, gushing into
its basin like a frightened snake,
As if it used to move back and forth beneath the
earth, but when it had the chance, it quickly escaped,
And settled into the basin, happy with its new
home, and in amazement kept smiling, showing its bubbles.
And the branches hover overhead, about to kiss
it as it smiles, revealing the whiteness of its teeth.
Ibn al-Ra’iah (Seville, 13th century CE)
#poem #seville #andulusia #travel #poety #alcazar #spain #europe #travel #explore #adventure
The Giralda Tower, formerly a minaret, is a unique and impressive structure located in the heart of Seville, Spain. The tower dates back to the 12th century and was built as part of the Grand Mosque during the Moorish rule of Spain. After the city was reconquered by the Christians, it was transformed into a bell tower for the adjacent cathedral. The Giralda Tower stands 97 meters tall and provides breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Its blend of Mudéjar architecture, featuring intricate tile work and architectural details, make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the history and culture of Seville.
#GiraldaTower #Seville #Spain #MuslimTravel #MoorishHeritage #MudéjarArchitecture #DiscoverIslam #IslamicHistory #TravelTheWorld #CulturalExploration #ReligiousTraditions #FusionOfCultures
The Seville adventures continue at Plaza De Espana #seville #plazadeespaña #TravelPhotography #travel #spain
Reminiscing the stunning beauty of Seville Alcazar 🏰 The intricate details of the palace, inspired by the Moors, the lush gardens, and the rich history behind its walls make it a truly magnificent place to visit. It's no wonder why it's considered one of the most beautiful palaces in the world! A true testament to the rich cultural heritage of Spain.
#SevilleAlcazar #BeautyBeyondWords #TravelGoals #MoorishInfluence #DiscoverSeville #SpainInOnePicture #PalacesOfTheWorld #HistoryAndCulture #TravelPhotography #Wanderlust #InstaTravel #SpainTravel #TravelInspiration #HistoricalSites #CulturalHeritage.
Alhamdullilah for everything. May the year ahead be filled with adventure, happiness and joy for us all insha'Allah.
#alhamdulillah #2022
#travelphotography #travelgram #travel #adventure #adventures #adventurer #explore #explorer #explorepage #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #years #yearof2022 #piano #einaudi #muslim #muslimtraveler #muslimtravelers #muslimtravellers #gooutdoors #outdoors #outdoorphotography #blog #blogger #vlogger #vlog
Another year for the cyclist.
#cycle #cyclist #biker #bike #cycling #cyclinglife #cyclingphotos #london #uk #travel #commute #amplifier
The Cordaba Masjid (now cathedral) view from the old Minerat (now bell tower). #travelgram #alandulus #spain
#halal #explore #history #islamichistory
The former minaret and now bell tower or Cordoba. This city is home to four UNESCO world heritage sites (the most of any city). The view from atop of tower is wonderful!
The tree below is the last of the original olive trees planted by the Moors over 700 years ago.
#travel #travelphotography #history #travelgram #travelblogger #spain #córdoba #cordoba #andulucia #andulus #europe #islamichistory #outdoors #blog #art
Entrance into the Sierra Nevada via Sacramonto, Granada.
#travelphotography #explore #adventure #spain #earth #hike #mountains #granada #outdoors #outdoorphotography #naturephotography #nature #gooutside #travelgram #travelblogger #solotravel
Plaza De Espana on an early morning run. Inverted. The image atop is actually the water reflection of the building.
#photography #plazadeespaña #reflection #urbanphotography #outdoors #photooftheday #photographer #picoftheday #spain #seville #art #artistsoninstagram #oneplus6t #phonephotography #travel #explore #adventure #city
The first of my brief photography series of Granada. This picture was taken at the footsteps that take you to the San Miguel Church which was once a military tower along the wall of the iconic Al Hambra fort.
The Al Hambra was the last Moorish fort in Spain. A ultimate wonder of the world which remains a massive reminder of islam in Europe. More on that place soon!
#travel #travelblogger #travelphotography #outdoors #photography #adventure #granada #alhambra #alhambrapalace #spain #europe #history #backpacking #backpacker #earth #view #wonderoftheworld #islam #september #2022
Alhamdullilah I had the ability to tour Al Andulus (Andulusia) visiting historical and mesmerising places in Seville, Cordoba and Granada. Can't wait to share the inspirations, stories, photography and more with you all insha'Allah.
#alhambra #granada #spain #travel #adventure #explore #photography #earth #moorish #summer #holiday #outdoors #blog #alhambrapalace #visitgranada #andulus #andulucia
Starting the bank holiday weekend correctly.
#bankholiday
#peakdistrictnationalpark #outdoor #earth #hike #muslimhikers #hiker #peakdistrict #outdoorphotography #nature #naturephotography #natgeo #nationalgeographic #bamfordedge #earth #travelgram #travelphotography #adventure #outdoorcity