Nippon Lantern’s of Remembrance

A Nipponese (Japanese) girl prepares to release a paper lantern on the Motoyasu river in remembrance of atomic bomb victims on the 64th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima 6 August 2009. Seen in the background is the gutted A-bomb dome.

The dropping of the first atomic bomb was severely condemned by Pakistani Sunni Muslims yesterday, by the United States for committing such horrendous act upon the people of Nippon (Japan); while something of this nature should not be forgotten, it still should be remember that the only atomic bomb’s ever dropped was only by the United States and no such event has occurred since.

Even in an age, when allegedly there is many of these similar devices; while an initial bombing is devastating, the fall-out half-life causes health effects and other problems for generations; which is still being seen in not just Hiroshima, but also in Nagasaki. Nagasaki was bombed by the United States on 9 August 1945, just three days after Hiroshima.

Previous to these events and ensued into war, the United States had imposed what some had considered as life threatening sanctions upon Nippon (Japan) and afterward an oppressive occupation, which the United States at the time, was calling ‘the rebuilding of Japan.’

Jewelry Boxes on Display in Old Havana

Palestinian nacre (mother-of-pearl) jewelry boxes, given by former Cuban President Fidel Castro, are on display at the Arab House in Havana on 22 May 2008.

A 'Babel' of temples, prayer rooms and domestic altars of Catholics, Evangelicals, Greek or Russian Orthodoxs, Jews, Muslims, Yorubas and Congos coexist in a strip of 4 square km of Old Havana.

Something like these jewelry boxes, being found in a collection in Cuba is actually not surprising, while I do not know exactly how these boxes came to be in Cuba.

Nevertheless, it is well known, that dignitaries throughout history have always thought that the beauty and craftsmanship that was only found in Palestine was considered a great prize to own and to give as gifts; it was considered a great honor to receive such a gift.

Many items from tapestries, to pillow covers, even camels or Christians symbols made out of olive wood, can be found under the same instance as these boxes.

As for the camel, I happen to own one, I found it in a store in the United States and what was interesting is I bought it for little money, because the own did not know what it was or where it had came from. When I explained, what the camel was and where it came from, they where overwhelmed.

Iran Cultural, Natural and Historical Attractions

23 March 2008

Tehran-Due to its historical background and sustainable social and cultural evolution, Iran has a lot of diverse worth seeing sites that satisfy tourists with different tastes.

Every tourist, whatever his/her incentive, may find many spectacular places depending on his taste.

It should not be forgotten that the best way for the recognition of every country is direct contact with its people.

Iranians are famous for their hospitality, compassion, and generosity.

It is easily possible to visit Iranians' homes, being slightly acquainted with them and become familiar with their life style, attitudes, livelihood, and many of their characteristics.

Historical monuments, which belong to different periods of human settlement in the plateau of Iran, along with diverse natural, coastal , mountainous, and nomadic landscapes, make a coordinated and attractive combination for every tourist.

The ancient Iranian culture, which is reflected in historical and architectural heritage, has brought about many sites worth seeing.

The culture of today's Iran is a perfect aggregate of near and far past of this territory and everybody can satisfy intellectual and aesthetic needs according to his/her taste through visiting this wide and rich country.

Tourists visit Imam mosque in the city of Isfahan, 400 kms south of Tehran on 18 March 2008 few days before the Persian new year, or Noruz, which starts on 21 March.

The existing historical monuments in Persepolis, Passargadae, Susa (Shoosh), Hamadan, Kermanshah, Firooz Abad, Syraf and many other ancient centers of Iranian civilization are incentives enough for visiting this country.

The natural environment of Iran, with more than 2,800 kilometers of coastline and water borders as well as the high mountains of Alborz and Zagross, supplies high recreational and tourism potentials.

The shores of the Caspian Sea in the north and the coasts of the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman in the south are suitable places as recreational resort in summer and winter.

The islands of the Persian Gulf, Kish, Qeshm, and Hormoz with suitable shores and beaches as well as pleasant sunshine may be used for vacations even in winters.

There are daily and regular flights to this region from several parts of the country as well as suitable accommodation facilities.

Moreover, these islands are easily accessible through waterways by different types of ships and boats as well as by airplane.

The mountains and mountain slopes in Iran, along with economic value for nomads for grazing of their sheep, serves as summer residence of urban dwellers as well as suitable places for winter and mountain sports.

Drought Forces Desert Nomads to Settle Down

Total population
Between 100,000 and 3.5 million

Regions with significant populations
These numbers are all estimates, and may exclude Tuareg who are assimilated into the general population of these countries.

Niger: 720,000 (1998)
Mali: 440,000 (1991)
Algeria: 25,000 (1987)
Burkina Faso: 60,000 (1991)
Libya: 17,000 (1993)

Languages
The Tuareg language(s) (Tamasheq, Tamajeq, Tamahaq)

Religions
Predominantly Islam

Related ethnic groups
Berbers, West Africans

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2 July 2007

by Richard Harris

For centuries, the Tuareg people have lived as nomads, herding their animals from field to field just south of the Sahara Desert in Mali, near Timbuktu.

Narrated Slideshow

Audio

Transcript

Tea ceremonies are one of the traditions that the Tuareg nomads have held onto. While some Western influences are welcome, some villagers worry their traditions will slowly erode.

Chief elder Mohammad Ag Mata has reluctantly succumbed to the new way of life for the Tuareg nomads, although he believes it is necessary for his community's survival.

Hadijatou, whose parents were nomads, enjoys her more independent lifestyle in the village.