FHS Map-Making Project by

Kyrgyzstan

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 17:40:30 UTC

The image I chose is one of the mountain ranges in Kyrgyzstan, which seem to be very symbolic of the region. I chose this image because I thought the contrast between photos of civil unrest in the region to the peaceful countryside mountain ranges was truly fascinating, and how one's perceptions of Kyrgyzstan could become so dichotomous based on surface level information (such as through google images).

Petra, Jordan

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 17:46:59 UTC

The image I chose is of the Al-Khazneh - one of Jordan's most well-known and most intricate rock-cut tombs. I chose this image as although Jordan has a big city which often characterizes it in photos, I was drawn by the fact that monuments such as this have been preserved over the years and continue to be Jordan's symbol.

Makkah Saudi Arabia

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 17:49:32 UTC

The image I chose is of the gathering outside the Kaaba in Saudi Arabia I chose this image because I thought it was a beautiful representation of unity at such a large scale, and truly symbolises how religion is powerful force in Saudi Arabia.

Damascus, Syria

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 17:55:06 UTC

The image I chose is of the Holy Mosque in Damascus, which I felt was significant in portraying the deep-seated rich and vibrant cultural and religious history of Syria, beyond the stories of conflict which are readily accessible in Western media and tend to encapsulate people's perceptions of the region.

Aleppo, Syria

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 17:57:57 UTC

The image I chose is of the Great Mosque of Aleppo, which has since been restored from its destruction. The mosque's restoration symbolizes the resilience and enduring cultural heritage of Aleppo, a city that has faced significant challenges but remains steeped in history.

Beirut, Lebanon

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 23:35:14 UTC

The image I chose is clearly representative of the modern metropolis that the city is, particularly special in demonstrating the city's ability to overcome significant adversity such as the large explosion. I find it fascinating that the city was able to overcome much upheaval to become as economically developed as it is.

Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 23:36:46 UTC

Tehran has an incredibly vibrant street art scene, which I believe to be particularly significant in reflecting the ideological, cultural and linguistic diversity of the city. Such expression of vast differences is particularly profound in a world becoming more and more polarized.

Caspian Sea

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 23:43:45 UTC

The image I selected is a map of the region, showing its borders as Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan. Seeing that the Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water (actually a lake), and produces most of the world's caviar, I selected this photo to draw attention to the often unrepresented and unrecognized regions (to the western world) that border the sea. There is significant political and legal complexity in this dynamic, which I think could be really interesting.

Red Sea

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 23:49:05 UTC

The image I chose of a diver exploring one of the many shipwrecks in the Red Sea reveals the exploratory possibilities in the region rich in marine life and history. This contrasts heavily with the more prominent news regarding conflict in the region due to international disputes, which often overshadows the regions significance in other aspects.

Nile

ngarg31_1 — 2024-01-23 23:55:31 UTC

The image I chose is of traditional felucca sailing boats on the Nile at sunset. While now more of a tourist attraction, the feluccas represent a timeless aspect of Egyptian culture, showcasing the Nile's role in both contemporary life and ancient history.