Sacred Sites by pixeltek
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Description
Wherever I go, being a-religious myself (meaning I have no axe to grind here), I observe the interesting fact that religious buildings are placed on sites that had been deemed sacred since time immemorial. In Syracusa, Sicily, there is a church that is virtually a Greek temple converted to a Christian church. In Selchuk, Turkey, I peeked into a mosque and the inner square had Greek columns, ditto, in Hamah. In Minya, Egypt, there is a church that used to be a Roman temple, burrowed into a cave. Here, in Jerusalem, we have the site of the old Jewish Temple, and on top sits the lovely Dome of the Rock. Of course, all are sites to die for, right? Whose sacred sites are they really? Those of the original pagan religions, or those of late-comers, i.e. newer religions, who decided to make them their own? A truly burning question.
Comments (11)
Chipka
This is a fantastic image and a great write-up that goes with it. Indeed, you've put your finger on an intriguing pattern throughout history, especially in regard to religions and their ways of absorbing and/or appropriating the sacred sites of either competing, or just not-so-popular religious traditions. It's always ironic that the three dominant contemporary religions tend to do this the most...with sites AND with holidays...I have my own theories on this, but it'll take a LONG time to go through those. Anyway, this is an art site and I have to say that the image you've captured here is gorgeous. I love the sharp blue tones and the contrasting white. The sense of scale is impressive. Great work.
carlx
Wonderful building!!! Excellent and very detailed capture!!!
auntietk
Wow. This is very cool. The building is beautiful, of course, but look at how those clouds just lined right up for you! They couldn't be positioned better if you'd paid them. Wonderful image!
liltawen
Excellent shot of a rarely seen side.
Mousson
Beautifuil building and shot!
frankie96
Zooming in really brings out the detail and the colors...nicely done and a thoughtful narrative..
jif3d
Dig the golden roof and the expertly detailed titling, kool capture ! I just found out the whole Christian religion is stolen from the Pagans and Egyptians as a non-believe, no biggie, but I'm sure it will freak a few religious types out ! Don't blame me though, I believe in Science. ~Cheers~
Gor111
A beautiful photography of the Dome of Rock! The Omar mosque looks not only outside but also inside very beautiful! An excellent capture!!!
junge1
Beautiful architecture.I like your comments about this picture, and I agree.
zoren
'possesion is nine tenths of the....' etc. great shot, cool pov.
chimera46
Lovely shot, and yeah I think people forget sometimes that many religions "borrow" from what came before, be it physical holy sites, ancient stories, and even some customs. Ever wonder why Christianity which began in the middle east climate has so many traditions that revolve around a temperate/northern climate?