The Airavatesvara Temple, located in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, stands as a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture. This temple, constructed in the 12th century AD by the Chola emperor Rajaraja II, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation that includes the Great Living Chola Temples. The other temples in this designation are the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Agirnas Underground City
Ağırnas, a neighbourhood within the municipality and district of Melikgazi, Kayseri Province, Turkey, holds a significant place in the historical and archaeological landscape of the region. With a population of 2,554 as of 2022, this area, located 24 km from central Kayseri, is not only the birthplace of Mimar Sinan, the renowned architect of Suleiman the Magnificent, but also a site rich in historic buildings and underground structures.
Lori Berd Armenia
Lori Berd, located in the Lori Province of Armenia, is a village that lies just east of Stepanavan. This area is not only known for its picturesque landscapes but also for its rich historical significance, particularly the medieval fortress of Lori Berd situated near the village. The fortress stands on a peninsula, surrounded by the deep gorges carved by the Dzoraget and Tashir rivers, at an elevation of 1379 meters.
Kızkalesi (Maiden’s Castle)
Kızkalesi, known in English as Maiden’s Castle, is a historical fortress located on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, within the Mersin Province of Turkey. The island, originally named Crambusa (Greek: Γραμβούσσα, Gramvoussa), is positioned at coordinates 36°27′23″N 34°08′53″E. It lies approximately 300 meters off the shore and spans an area of about 15,000 square meters, with the castle occupying the majority of this space. The nearby town of Kızkalesi, sharing its name with the island, is situated 23 kilometers from Erdemli and 60 kilometers from Mersin.
Berdavan Fortress
Berdavan Fortress, also known as Ghalinjakar Fortress, stands as a significant historical monument in Armenia. Located on a hilltop near the village of Berdavan in the Tavush Province, close to the border with Azerbaijan, the fortress is situated 664 meters above sea level. This strategic position highlights its historical importance in the region’s defense and control.
Bethsaida
Bethsaida, a name that resonates with historical and biblical significance, has been a subject of scholarly interest and debate for centuries. Known in various sources as Bethsaida, Julias, or Julia, this ancient site holds a pivotal place in the narratives of the New Testament, where it is mentioned as the hometown of apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip. The etymology of Bethsaida, deriving from Aramaic and Hebrew meaning ‘House of the Fisherman’ or ‘House of the Hunter’, underscores its presumed economic activities and geographical setting near the Sea of Galilee.