HOW DOES THE PEOPLE IN FRANCE MAINTAIN THE BEAUTY OF CLUNY ABBEY?

         Don't you know what's Cluny Abbey? Cluny Abbey or Cluni, or Clugny, is a Benedictine monastery in Cluny, Saône-et-Loire, France. It was built in the Romanesque style, with three churches built in succession from the 10th to the early 12th centuries. Cluny was founded by William I, Duke of Aquitaine in 910. He nominated Berno as the first Abbot of Cluny, subject only to Pope Sergius III. The Abbey was notable for its stricter adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict and the place where the Benedictine Order was formed, whereby Cluny became acknowledged as the leader of western monasticism. The establishment of the Benedictine order was a keystone to the stability of European society that was achieved in the 11th century. In 1790 during the French Revolution, the abbey was sacked and mostly destroyed. Only a small part of the original remains. Dating around 1334, the abbots of Cluny had a townhouse in Paris known as the Hôtel de Cluny, what is now a public museum since 1833. Apart from the name, it no longer possesses anything originally connected with Cluny. This is only a short breifing about Cluny Abbey. Now let' go the the next discussion about Cluny Abby.

        In my reseach, people in France maintained the beauty of Cluny Abby. It is so very important for them. They treasured it and clean it everyday. In history, The Cluny Abbey was founded in the Duchy of Burgundy, in A.D.910. The uniqueness of Cluny Abbey consisted in its complete independence from feudal or ecclesiastical control except that of the Pope. The autonomy of Cluny Abbey was helped by the geographical location, as a balance of power existed between France and Germany, and the Duke of Burgundy possessed only nominal authority. In 939, Louis IV d'Outremer confirmed the privilege which made the abbey completely independent of the temporal power, and from its inception, Cluny Abbey had no secular master.That makes them careful about this and it is very meaningful for them.

WHOLE VIEW OF CLUNY ABBEY

     That is the whole and upper view of Cluny Abbey. It was so cute right? It looks like a castle. In 910, Cluny I was started and completed and consecrated in 915 by the first abbott, Berno Baume. The Cluniac Order started at the same time that the construction of Cluny I was beginning. The order was defined as a biblical scholarship and a well-done church ceremony which stretched to the reaches of Germany, Italy, Spain, and England, but ended in 1790. Around 954, Cluny I was replaced with a much larger replication called Cluny II. By 1088, the foundation for Cluny III had started and then consecrated by Pope Urban in 1095 during Abbott Hugh's tenure. Plus, it was considered the largest building of it's kind during the pilgrimages. Cluny II and Cluny III were built to better suit and to fullfill the requirements of the incoming pilgrims and demands. There were four pilgrimage routes overall leading to Santiago, Vezelay, and Saint Gilles, in which two of routes originated at Cluny. During the pilgrimage period, Cluny was the designation of being a hospital, hotel, and a place for worship. Each route was lined with, what were called. hostels that belonged to the Cluniac monastaries. By the twelfth centrury, Cluny was able to house and accomadate 1200 fathers and brothers. The monks of Cluny were models of ascetic devotion, and the abbey soon acquired great fame due to its revival of monastic ideals. Cluny became so famous that monks everywhere in Europe wanted to join it. As a result, the "Congregation of Cluny" was formed. More monasteries were founded, following a new administrative rule. They were all subordinated to the abbot of the mother monastery at Cluny, not to their own abbots. The abbot of Cluny appointed a prior for each monastery. In the 12th century, there were over three hundred priories. By the eighteenth century, Cluny had undergone an emence number of attacks during the time of Enlightenment and the Revolution. During the tenth and elevnth century, Cluny was the in the middle of being the most widely respected church for the basis of the spiritual reform. During the many modifications, Cluny, at the end, had five radiating chapels, an ambulatory, a double transept, a double aisle, a long nave, pointed arches, an artistic apse, well-defined sculptures, and was proportioned just the correct amount. How I wish i can go there so that I can experience to visit the wonders of the world. It's a very nice place and a beautiful look a like castle.

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IS ELY CATHEDRAL OF IN ENGLAND IS ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS?

ELY CATHEDRAL

        Let me ask you this kind of question, is it really true that it is one of the seven medieval wonders of the world? The answer is a big YES!. The Ely Cathedral of England was one of the Seven Medieval Wonders of the World. In full, it is The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Ely. This is the principal church of the Diocese of Ely, in Cambridgeshire, England, and is the seat of the Bishop of Ely and a suffragan bishop, the Bishop of Huntingdon. It is known locally as "the ship of the Fens", because of its prominent shape that towers above the surrounding flat and watery landscape. The present cathedral was started by Abbot Simeon (1082–1094, brother of Walkelin, the then bishop of Winchester) under William I in 1083. Building continued under Simeon's successor, Abbot Richard (1100–1107). The Anglo-Saxon church was demolished, but some of its relics, such as the remains of its benefactors, were moved to the cathedral. The main transepts were built early on, crossing the nave below a central tower, and are the oldest surviving part of the cathedral. Construction work continued throughout the 12th century. The Western transepts and tower were completed under Bishop Ridel (1174–89) in an exuberant Romanesque style with a rich decoration of intersecting arches and complex mouldings. Ely was originally called the "Isle of Ely" because it stands on high ground that used to be surrounded by fens. The fens weren't drained until the 18th and 19th centuries, when the moist soil became fertile farmland. Even today the countryside gets quite muddy after a rain. Hikers beware of this kind of situation or climate because it is danger for your lives. 

    That is the inside view of the Ely Cathedral. Beautiful isn't it? It is already beautiful in picture how much more in personal? How I wish I can go there have witness the beauty of this church. A Galilee porch was added under Bishop Eustace (1198–1215) in the Early English Gothic style. It was originally a two-storey structure (it was opened up into a single vaulted space in the 18th century) where liturgical processions could gather before entering the nave. Several details of its decoration, particularly the 'syncopated arches' and the use of Purbeck marble shafts, reflect the influence of St Hugh's Choir at Lincoln Cathedral, built a few years earlier. Under Bishop Northwold, work began on a new eastern end in 1234, replacing the short Norman chancel with a much grander 10-bay structure. Northwold's chancel, completed by around 1252, adopted several of the stylistic elements already used in the Galilee porch. The entrance is through a graceful double Gothic archway. Once inside, many visitors enter the labyrinth set out in tiles on the floor. Labyrinths are found in many medieval cathedrals and are currently enjoying a revival with pilgrims and tourists. They are meant as aids to meditation. This isn't actually a maze, but a unicursal labyrinth, meaning a "one-way path." The point isn't to figure out the way through, but to follow a winding course that takes one in a meandering path to the center. While working their way from the outside of the labyrinth to the center, pilgrims are supposed to think about the spiritual symbolism of its complex passages and elegant symmetry. Interestingly, the distance required to walk the labyrinth is the same as climbing the Great West Tower. You will never regret if you go there because it is such a beautiful place in England.

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WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE CAIRO CITADEL OF EGYPT?

      What can I say about Cairo Citadel of Egypt? Well, based on my research, The Citadel was fortified by the Ayyubid ruler Salah al-Din (Saladin) between 1176 and 1183 CE, to protect it from the Crusaders. Only a few years after defeating the Fatimid Caliphate, Saladin set out to build a wall that would surround both Cairo and Fustat. Saladin is recorded as saying, "With a wall I will make the two [cities of Cairo and Fustat] into a unique whole, so that one army may defend them both; and I believe it is good to encircle them with a single wall from the bank of the Nile to the bank of the Nile." The Citadel would be the centerpiece of the wall. Built on a promontory beneath the Muqattam Hills, a setting that made it difficult to attack, the efficacy of the Citadel's location is further demonstrated by the fact that it remained the heart of Egyptian government until the 19th century. The citadel stopped being the seat of government when Egypt's ruler, Khedive Ismail, moved to his newly built Abdin Palace in the Ismailiya neighborhood in the 1860s.

   What are the improvements of Cairo Citadel of Egypt? well the improvements to the Citadel's water supply were not Nasir's only additions to the Citadel, which was subject to a number of different additions during the Mamluk period. Nasir's most notable contribution was the Mosque of Nasir. In 1318 Nasir rebuilt the Ayyubid structure, turning it into a mosque in his name. The structure underwent further additions in 1335. Other contributions to the Citadel during Nasir's reign include the structure's southern enclosure (the northern enclosure was completed by Saladin) and the residential area, which included space for the harem and the courtyard. Prior to Nasir's work on the Citadel, the Baybars constructed the Hall of Justice and the "House of Gold." The mosque is the other feature of the Citadel that reflects the reign of Muhammad Ali. This feature, with its large dome and overtly Ottoman influenced architecture, looms over the Citadel to this day. Recently destroyed Mamluk palaces within the Citadel provided space for the formidable mosque, which was the largest structure to be established in the early 19th century. Placing the mosque where the Mamluks had once reigned was an obvious effort to erase the memory of the older rulers and establish the importance of the new leader. The mosque also replaced the mosque of al-Nasir as the official state mosque. This well is also known as the Well of the Spiral because its entrance consisted of 300 stairs that wound around the inside of the well. Once water was raised from the well to the surface, it traveled to the Citadel on a series of aqueducts. During the reign of al-Nasir Muhammad, the Well of Joseph failed to produce enough water for the numerous animals and humans then living in the Citadel. To increase the volume of water, Nasir built a well system that consisted of a number of water wheels on the Nile, the water from which was then transported to the wall and subsequently to the Citadel, via the aqueducts Saladin had constructed. You may notice that the Cairo Citadel is also referred to as the Mohamed Ali Citadel because inside, it holds the actual Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, built in the 19th century. The mosque was constructed in honor and in memory of Muhammad Ali's oldest son who died young. There are two other mosques to see at the Cairo Citadel: the Hypostyle Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad and the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha. In addition to the scenery, remember that there are also several museums to enjoy as well as historical buildings, mosques and other “ancient” style amenities. Experienced tourists suggest that you wander around at your own pace and preferably away from the crowds, as there are a lot of people coming in and out. So  let's treasure and cherish thes kinds of wonders of the world.

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WHAT IS TAJ MAHAL?

       What is Taj Mahal? Well, this is the very memorable of the third wife of Mughal Emperior Shah Jahan  named Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.  If you want a picture see the picture below.

       

TAJ MAHAL

        There's a lot of visitors visited in Taj Mahal. But what is the Origin of Taj Mahal? The origin of Taj Mahal in 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was grief-stricken when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their 14th child, Gauhara Begum. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632. The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later. The Taj Mahal incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian architecture and earlier Mughal architecture. Specific inspiration came from successful Timurid and Mughal buildings including; the Gur-e Amir (the tomb of Timur, progenitor of the Mughal dynasty, in Samarkand), Humayun's Tomb, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb (sometimes called the Baby Taj), and Shah Jahan's own Jama Masjid in Delhi. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, and buildings under his patronage reached new levels of refinement. That was the origin of the Taj Mahal.

      Now, let's discuss the deeper information of Taj Mahal.  The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest in Mughal architecture. As the surface area changes the decorations are refined proportionally. The decorative elements were created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays, or carvings. In line with the Islamic prohibition against the use of anthropomorphic forms, the decorative elements can be grouped into either calligraphy, abstract forms or vegetative motifs. Throughout the complex, passages from the Qur'an are used as decorative elements. Recent scholarship suggests that the passages were chosen by Amanat Khan. The calligraphy on the Great Gate reads "O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you. Abstract forms are used throughout, especially in the plinth, minarets, gateway, mosque, jawab and, to a lesser extent, on the surfaces of the tomb. The domes and vaults of the sandstone buildings are worked with tracery of incised painting to create elaborate geometric forms. Herringbone inlays define the space between many of the adjoining elements. White inlays are used in sandstone buildings, and dark or black inlays on the white marbles. Mortared areas of the marble buildings have been stained or painted in a contrasting colour, creating geometric patterns of considerable complexity. Floors and walkways use contrasting tiles or blocks in tessellation patterns. On the lower walls of the tomb there are white marble dados that have been sculpted with realistic bas relief depictions of flowers and vines. The marble has been polished to emphasise the exquisite detailing of the carvings and the dado frames and archway spandrels have been decorated with pietra dura inlays of highly stylised, almost geometric vines, flowers and fruits. The inlay stones are of yellow marble, jasper and jade, polished and levelled to the surface of the walls. The interior chamber of the Taj Mahal steps far beyond traditional decorative elements. Here, the inlay work is not pietra dura, but a lapidary of precious and semiprecious gemstones. The inner chamber is an octagon with the design allowing for entry from each face, although only the door facing the garden to the south is used. Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous to love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make a visit to the Taj Mahal gain a place amongst the most sought-after tours in the world. However, until you know the love story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal, the beauty of the same would not enliven in your heart and mind and instead would come up as just another beautiful building/monument. It is the love behind this outstanding monument that has given a life to this monument. Come and explore the visceral charisma that it emanates! And that is the the end of my reseach about this amazing Taj Mahal.

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WHY IS IT HAGAI SOPHIA WAS CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD?

THE HAGAI SOPHIA

      This information of mine about the Hagai Sophia was based on my research and review. In my research, Hagia Sophia from the Greek: Ἁγία Σοφία, "Holy Wisdom"; Latin: Sancta Sophia or Sancta Sapientia; Turkish: Ayasofya) is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. From the date of its dedication in 360 until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Patriarch of Constantinople of the Western Crusader established Latin Empire. The building was a mosque from 29 May 1453 until 1931, when it was secularized. It was opened as a museum on 1 February 1935. The Church was dedicated to the Logos, the second person of the Holy Trinity, its dedication feast taking place on 25 December, the anniversary of the incarnation of the Logos in Christ.Although it is sometimes referred to as Sancta Sophia (as though it were named after Saint Sophia), sophia is the phonetic spelling in Latin of the Greek word for wisdom – the full name in Greek being Ναός τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Θεοῦ Σοφίας, "Church of the Holy Wisdom of God". Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture." It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and was the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site, the previous two having both been destroyed by rioters. It was designed by the Greek scientists Isidore of Miletus, a physicist, and Anthemius of Tralles, a mathematician. The church contained a large collection of holy relics and featured, among other things, a 49 foot (15 m) silver iconostasis. It was the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople and the religious focal point of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly one thousand years. It is the church in which Cardinal Humbert in 1054 excommunicated Michael I Cerularius – which is commonly considered the start of the Great Schism. In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who subsequently ordered the building converted into a mosque. The bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels were removed and many of the mosaics were plastered over. Islamic features – such as the mihrab, minbar, and four minarets – were added while in the possession of the Ottomans. It remained a mosque until 1931 when it was closed to the public for four years. It was re-opened in 1935 as a museum by the Republic of Turkey. For almost 500 years the principal mosque of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia served as a model for many other Ottoman mosques, such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque of Istanbul), the Şehzade Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque. Now this is the most and famous mosque in Istanbul.

     My another information about Hagai Sophia is that It was the seat of the Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople and a principal setting for Byzantine imperial ceremonies, such as coronations. The basilica also offered asylum to wrongdoers. Foreign visitors were deeply impressed. It is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has always been the precious of its time. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Of great artistic value was its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, “Solomon, I have outdone thee!” (Νενίκηκά σε Σολομών). Justinian himself had overseen the completion of the greatest cathedral ever built up to that time, and it was to remain the largest cathedral for 1,000 years up until the completion of the cathedral in Seville in Spain. The mystical city Istanbul hosted many civilizations since centuries, of which Byzantium and Ottoman Empires were both the most famous ones. The city today carries the characteristics of these two different cultures and surely Hagia Sophia is a perfect synthesis where one can observe both Ottoman and Byzantium effects under one great dome. Immediately after the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into the Ayasofya Mosque. At that time, the church was very dilapidated. Several of its doors had fallen off. This condition was described by several Western visitors, such as the Córdoban nobleman Pero Tafur and the Florentine Cristoforo Buondelmonti. The sultan Mehmed II ordered the immediate cleanup of the church and its conversion to a mosque. The next sultan Bayezid II built a new minaret, replacing the one built by his father. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Of great artistic value was its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!" (Νενίκηκά σε Σολομών). Justinian himself had overseen the completion of the greatest cathedral ever built up to that time, and it was to remain the largest cathedral for 1,000 years up until the completion of the cathedral in Seville in Spain and now one of the famous monument in Spain and the meaningful monument of Istanbul.

          That is all about of Hagai Sophia. Hope that you learn more about my research.

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WHERE CAN WE FIND THE LIGHTHOUSE OF ALEXANDRIA?

       As we all know, the Lighthouse of Alexandria is one of the wonders of the Ancient World. It is also known the Pharos of Alexanddria and this tower was built between 280 and 247 BC on the island of Pharos at Alexandria, Egypt. Its purpose was to guide sailors into the harbor and it gives light at night time to make them safe at their trip in the sea. The Pharos rises at the end of the island. The building is square, about 8.5 metres (28 ft) each side. The sea surrounds the Pharos except on the east and south sides. This platform measures, along its sides, from the tip, down to the foot of the Pharos walls, 6.5 metres (21 ft) in height. However, on the sea side, it is larger because of the construction and is steeply inclined like the side of a mountain. As the height of the platform increases towards the walls of the Pharos its width narrows until it arrives at the measurements above. ... The doorway to the Pharos is high up. A ramp about 183 metres (600 ft) long used to lead up to it. This ramp rests on a series of curved arches; my companion got beneath one of the arches and stretched out his arms but he was not able to reach the sides. There are 16 of these arches, each gradually getting higher until the doorway is reached, the last one being especially high. The consecration in honor of Ptolemy was then carved into the plaster, which over time peeled  away leaving only Sostratos dedication, which provides, "Sostratos of Cnidus, son of Dexiphanes, to the savior gods, for sailors. That is in the greek mythology.

      In the map, the island of Pharos was small just coast of Alexandria. It was linked to the mainland by man-made connection named the Heptastadion. The tower erected there guided mariners at night, through its fire and reflective mirrors, as well as being a landmark by day. It was linked to the mainland by man-made connection named the Heptastadion. The architect was Sostratos, a Greek from the Asia Minor city of Cnidus, whose name also appears on the sanctuary of Appolo at Delphi and on Delos. Though only the king's name was allowed on buildings erected during their reigns in the period, Sostratos got around this by also carving his own with a dedication, which was then covered with plaster. Now lets discuss the construction and destruction of this tower.

The Construction and destruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria

    

        This tower or this lighthouse of Alexandria was completed in the 3rd century BC during the time of Alexander the great. After the Alexander died of fever at age of 32  Ptolemy Soter announced himself king in 305 BC, and commissioned its construction shortly thereafter and this building was finished during his son named Ptolemy Philadelpho's throne. Constructed from large blocks of light-coloured stone, the tower was made up of three stages: a lower square section with a central core, a middle octagonal section, and, at the top, a circular section. At its apex was positioned a mirror which reflected sunlight during the day; a fire was lit at night to guide and gives light to the sailors at night and make them safe.

          This is the design of the tower. It can give you an idea on how to get inside the tower or the lighthouse of Alexandria. There you can see the descriptions of the tower.

          

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