Ortahisar , Nevsehir, Turkey

The rituals of the Rumi's followers (Whirling Dervishes) are among the enduring as well as the most exquisite ceremonies of spirituality.

The ritual whirling of the dervishes is an act of love and a drama of faith. It possesses a highly structured form within which the gentle turns become increasingly dynamic as the individual dervishes strive to achieve a state of trans.

The music that accompanies the whirling from beginning to end ranges from somber to rhapsodical; its effect is intended to be mesmerizing.

Chanting of poetry, rhythmic rotation, and incessant music create a synthesis which, according to the faithful, induces a feeling of soaring, of ecstasy, of mystical flight.

Pocitelj, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Textures by Darkwood and Lenebem Anna

youtu.be/fKdmryzZyTE?si=cQJbybIZd4duxUYj

Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar / Bosnia&Herzegovina

The Dyavolski most or Devil's bridge is an arched stone bridge built by the Ottomans at river Arda in the Rhodopes mountain near Ardino, Bulgaria.

Дяволският мост е каменен мост над река Арда в Родопите, близо до Ардино.

Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic Bridge, Visegrad

A popular tourist site, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque continues to function as a mosque today; men still kneel in prayer on the mosque's lush red carpet after the call to prayer. The Blue Mosque, as it is popularly known, was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I.

The Dyavolski most or Devil's bridge is an arched stone bridge built by the Ottomans at river Arda in the Rhodopes mountain near Ardino, Bulgaria.

Дяволският мост е каменен мост над река Арда в Родопите, близо до Ардино.

The Dyavolski most or Devil's bridge is an arched stone bridge built by the Ottomans at river Arda in the Rhodopes mountain near Ardino, Bulgaria.

Дяволският мост е каменен мост над река Арда в Родопите, близо до Ардино.

Blue Mosque view from Aya Sofia's rooftop

Istanbul/Turkey

The Dyavolski most or Devil's bridge is an arched stone bridge built by the Ottomans at river Arda in the Rhodopes mountain near Ardino, Bulgaria.

Дяволският мост е каменен мост над река Арда в Родопите, близо до Ардино.

Sirince

Pocitelj

Known as 'The House of Spite', now a restaurant.

Valide Sultana (Queen Mother) chambers

photo rights reserved by Ben

Rising high above the Vardar River, in the very heart of Skopje, stands the impressive Kale Fortress, also known as the Skopje Fortress. Built on a hill with sweeping views over the city, this centuries-old stronghold has always held a strategic position. The earliest fortifications date back to the 6th century, when the Byzantines constructed a castle here on top of older Roman foundations. Over the centuries, the complex was expanded and reinforced, especially during the long period of Ottoman rule, when it served not only as a defensive stronghold but also as an administrative center. A dramatic chapter in the fortress’s modern history came in 1963, when a devastating earthquake struck Skopje. Many of the fortress’s walls and towers collapsed, and large parts of the city were destroyed. Since then, extensive restoration efforts have helped preserve the structure and restore its historic character. Today, Kale is one of the most important symbols of Skopje. It is not only a historic landmark but also a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Cultural events, concerts, and festivals are regularly held within its walls, keeping the fortress alive as part of the city’s cultural life. From the towers, the red flag of North Macedonia with its radiant sun waves proudly in the wind, a symbol of national pride. The massive stone walls, distinctive watchtowers, and the green surroundings of the city park make Kale Fortress a place where history, culture, and daily life come together.

Kale Fortress, rising above the Vardar River in the heart of Skopje, dates back to the 6th century and has been shaped by Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman influences. Once a defensive stronghold, today it stands as a proud symbol of the city, where history, culture, and daily life meet beneath the Macedonian flag.

Hoog boven de rivier de Vardar, midden in het hart van Skopje, torent het indrukwekkende Kale-fort uit, ook wel bekend als de Skopje Fortress. Vanaf de heuvel waarop het gebouwd is, heb je een weids uitzicht over de stad, waardoor dit eeuwenoude bolwerk altijd een strategische plek is geweest. De eerste vestingwerken stammen uit de 6e eeuw, toen de Byzantijnen hier een kasteel bouwden op de resten van nog oudere Romeinse fundamenten. Door de eeuwen heen is het complex steeds verder uitgebreid en versterkt, vooral tijdens de lange periode van Ottomaanse overheersing, toen het niet alleen een verdedigingswerk maar ook een bestuurlijk centrum was. Een dramatisch hoofdstuk in de moderne geschiedenis van Kale vond plaats in 1963, toen een zware aardbeving grote delen van Skopje verwoestte en ook de muren en torens van het kasteel zwaar beschadigde. Sindsdien zijn er meerdere restauraties uitgevoerd om de burcht te behouden en de eeuwenoude muren weer hun kracht terug te geven. Tegenwoordig is Kale een van de belangrijkste symbolen van Skopje. Het is niet alleen een historische bezienswaardigheid, maar ook een geliefde ontmoetingsplek voor inwoners en bezoekers. Binnen de muren vinden regelmatig culturele evenementen, concerten en festivals plaats, waardoor het fort een levendige rol in het stadsleven heeft behouden. Op de torens wappert de rode vlag van Noord-Macedonië met de stralende zon fier in de wind, als teken van nationale trots. De robuuste stenen muren, de markante wachttorens en de groene omgeving van het stadspark eromheen maken het Kale-fort tot een plek waar geschiedenis, cultuur en dagelijks leven samenkomen.

Topkapi Palace, situated in Istanbul, Turkey, stands as a monumental testament to the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire at its zenith. Constructed in the 15th century under the order of Sultan Mehmed II, following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the palace served as the administrative center and royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries, until the mid-19th century when the court was moved to Dolmabahçe Palace.

Covering approximately 700,000 square meters at the tip of the historic peninsula overlooking both the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, the palace complex is a stunning showcase of Islamic art, with its elaborate courtyards, exquisite tile work, and intricate architecture. The layout of the palace is a series of courtyards, each serving different purposes and increasing in privacy: the First Courtyard served as a service area; the Second Courtyard was the administrative heart of the empire; the Third Courtyard housed the Sultan’s private residence and the treasury, including the Imperial Council (Divan); and the Fourth Courtyard was a series of gardens and pavilions used for private relaxation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Topkapi Palace is its Imperial Harem, a secluded section that housed the Sultan’s wives, concubines, and children, along with a large staff of eunuchs who managed the day-to-day affairs. The Harem is particularly noted for its architectural significance and intricate interior decorations.

The palace also holds an extensive collection of artifacts that reflect the splendor of the Ottoman era, including imperial treasures, religious relics, and a significant collection of manuscripts and decorative arts. Among its most prized possessions are the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword, which draw pilgrims and visitors from around the Islamic world.

Today, Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and operates as a museum, attracting millions of visitors each year eager to explore its rich history and cultural heritage. Its strategic location offers panoramic views of Istanbul and the waters that define it, making it not only a historical treasure but also a symbol of the city’s enduring legacy as a bridge between continents and cultures.

The Dyavolski most or Devil's bridge is an arched stone bridge built by the Ottomans at river Arda in the Rhodopes mountain near Ardino, Bulgaria.

Дяволският мост е каменен мост над река Арда в Родопите, близо до Ардино.

Bathed in warm golden light, the domes and minaret of this historic Ottoman mosque rise with quiet strength into the deepening blue sky of Istanbul. Captured from a low angle, the image highlights the harmony between form, shadow, and sunlight — a tribute to the enduring elegance of Islamic architecture. The golden crescents glint above layers of stone, evoking a sense of timeless serenity in the heart of a busy city.

The Dyavolski most or Devil's bridge is an arched stone bridge built by the Ottomans at river Arda in the Rhodopes mountain near Ardino, Bulgaria.

Дяволският мост е каменен мост над река Арда в Родопите, близо до Ардино.

Konjic / Bosnia&Herzegovina

Na Drini ćuprija

Stari Grad - Bar / Montenegro

photo rights reserved by Ben

Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia and represents the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country. The city lies along the Vardar River. In the foreground stands a monumental marble statue of Emperor Justinian I (482–565), the Byzantine ruler best known for codifying Roman law into the famous Corpus Juris Civilis. His stern expression and the scepter in his hand emphasize his power and role as a lawgiver. Behind the statue unfolds the historic Stone Bridge (Kameni Most), the symbol of Skopje. Built in the 15th century during the Ottoman period on the foundations of an earlier Roman bridge, it connects the old Ottoman bazaar Čaršija with the modern city square. With its twelve stone arches and a length of over 200 meters, this bridge is regarded as one of the city’s most important historical landmarks. In the background rises the impressive Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia, its neoclassical façade and domes spectacularly illuminated in pink hues at night. Inside, the museum houses a rich collection that tells the long and diverse history of the region: from prehistoric artifacts and Roman mosaics to medieval icons and archaeological finds from across the country. Together with the surrounding bridges, statues, and monumental buildings, this ensemble forms a significant part of the ambitious Skopje 2014 project, which aimed to give the city a new monumental appearance – a blend of old and new, of history and modern urban vision.

By the banks of the Vardar River in Skopje, a marble statue of Emperor Justinian I faces the historic Stone Bridge and the brightly lit Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia. Together, these landmarks capture the city’s blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern neoclassical influences, creating a striking night scene of history and grandeur.

Skopje is de hoofdstad van Noord-Macedonië en vormt het politieke, economische en culturele hart van het land. De stad ligt aan de rivier de Vardar. Op de voorgrond staat een monumentaal marmeren standbeeld van Keizer Justinianus I (482–565), de Byzantijnse heerser die vooral bekendstaat om zijn codificatie van het Romeinse recht – het beroemde Corpus Juris Civilis. Zijn strenge blik en de scepter in zijn hand benadrukken zijn macht en rol als wetgever. Achter het standbeeld ontvouwt zich de historische Steenbrug (Kameni Most), hét symbool van Skopje. Deze brug, die de oude Ottomaanse bazaar Čaršija verbindt met het moderne stadsplein, werd in de 15e eeuw gebouwd tijdens de Ottomaanse overheersing, op de fundamenten van een oudere Romeinse brug. Met zijn twaalf stenen bogen en een lengte van ruim 200 meter geldt dit bouwwerk als een van de belangrijkste historische monumenten van de stad. Op de achtergrond zie je het indrukwekkende Archeologisch Museum van Noord-Macedonië, waarvan de neoklassieke façade en koepels ’s avonds spectaculair verlicht worden in roze tinten. Binnen herbergt het museum een rijke collectie die de lange en diverse geschiedenis van de regio vertelt: van prehistorische objecten en Romeinse mozaïeken tot middeleeuwse iconen en archeologische vondsten uit alle uithoeken van het land. Samen met de omliggende bruggen, beelden en monumentale gebouwen vormt dit geheel een belangrijk deel van het ambitieuze Skopje 2014-project, waarmee de stad een nieuwe, monumentale uitstraling heeft gekregen – een samenspel van oud en nieuw, geschiedenis en moderne visie.

Ishak Pasha Palace, one of the few remaining examples of an historic Turkish palace, sits on a promontory near the Turkish borders with Armenia and Iran. It overlooks the city of Doğubeyazıt and one branch of the old Silk Road used for centuries for trading with China. Its construction took place over a century starting in 1685 and its history includes periods of war, earthquakes, abandonment and restoration. It is on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list for its mixture of Ottoman, Anatolian, Iranian and North Mesopotamian architectural traditions.

24/05/2025 www.allenfotowild.com

The church is named after Cyril and Methodius and their five disciples, known in the Orthodox Church collectively as the Sedmochislenitsi.

The church was originally built as a mosque but abandonded after the Bulgarian independence. It is believed that the architect of the mosque was the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.