There are numerous amazing man-made historical wonders across the world, each reflecting their respective culture and civilization at that point in time.
Why don’t local residents visit historical places and museums nearby? What measures can be implemented to encourage them to visit these locations?
Washington DC
Washington DC is a city rich with history. Our nation’s capital features numerous historic structures to visit – one such is Mount Vernon, home of George Washington and his family from 1740s onwards.
Washington DC was built to serve as the heart of national politics and government, making its architectural history particularly significant.
The Jefferson Memorial, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, stands as another testament to Baltimore’s impressive architecture. Furthermore, Ford’s Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was killed serves as an important historical landmark; Martin Luther King Jr made his famous “I have a dream” speech here in 1963.
Istanbul
Istanbul was the center of an Eastern Orthodox Empire and today remains home to one of Europe’s premier churches, Hagia Sophia. Under Ottoman rule, many ancient buildings fell into disrepair; others such as Eyup Sultan Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar were restored during this time; other new Ottoman structures emerged such as Suleymaniye Mosque and Zeyrek area of settlement along the remnants of Theodosian land walls were constructed; underground water cisterns were repaired as well.
On a historical peninsula bordered by the Golden Horn, Bosphorus Strait and Sea of Marmara lies Istanbul – capital city of Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman Empires for over 2000 years – which has been home to major political, religious and artistic events of global significance over that time period. Istanbul holds outstanding Universal Value due to its architectural masterpieces demonstrating cultural influences from East meeting West from Roman-era Hippodrome up until Hagia Sophia from 6th century – each reflecting their time-period setting.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey stands as one of the country’s most beloved churches. Dubbed as a Royal Peculiar, Westminster Abbey has long served as both coronation site and burial ground since King Edward the Confessor established his palace and church on Thorney Island in the 11th century AD.
The Abbey boasts over 600 monuments and wall tablets, and serves as the burial place of many notable monarchs, politicians, poets, writers, warriors, poets and warriors such as Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy Rudyard Kipling Oscar Wilde Charles Dickens as well as Bront sisters – this being Poets’ Corner within its confines.
Abbey of Westminster has hosted more than just coronations and funeral ceremonies; the Abbey has also seen some significant events like Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit in 1977 and The Unknown Warrior (or The Remains) grave brought back from France after World War I to represent all British soldiers who lost their lives during battle.
The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx stands as one of history’s most mysterious monuments, bemusing many with its presence. People frequently wonder why it lacks wings and has an absent nose; various theories exist as to why its appearance has altered over time: some suspect that erosion from desert sands led to its loss while another suggests a Sufi Muslim decided to destroy the Sphinx starting from its nose.
According to popular belief, the Sphinx represents King Khafre whose tomb can be found nearby. There is some evidence supporting this theory but no Old Kingdom texts that mention it exist yet.
It is perplexing that ancient Egyptians were known for documenting every aspect of their construction projects; yet no records exist for Sphinx construction, possibly reflecting that its completion never took place – something in line with their emphasis on balance as part of culture and society.
