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Group of interfaith leaders denounces opposition to Ground Zero mosque - Christian Today -- Australia

More than 40 Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim leaders said they were deeply troubled by some of the opposition and how protesters have demonized all Muslims and exploited fear. "We have witnessed this sinful ...

No Mosque! Thousands Protest Ground Zero Shrine To Shariah - Post Chronicle

New York, NY - On Sunday, August 22nd, protesters from across the country descended on lower Manhattan, and told President Obama, the Hamas terrorist organization, Mayor Bloomberg and Imam Rauf: No Cordoba ...

Rick Lazio exploits 9/11 and "Ground Zero Mosque" in desperate bid for campaign ... - Examiner

Some things never seem to go out of style: blue jeans, good scotch, polished chrome…and Republicans exploiting 9/11 in an election year. Now New York GOP gubernatorial hopeful Rick Lazio has added his contribution to ...

Mosque developer's rise is traditional American story - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

NEW YORK • Eight years ago, Sharif El-Gamal was just an ambitious former waiter from Brooklyn, casting about for career leads and dreaming of a grander future in real estate. A handful of modest deals later ...

NY mosque developer claims classic NYC background, has modest real estate holdings - FOX News

NEW YORK – Eight years ago, Sharif El-Gamal was just another ambitious striver from Brooklyn, casting about for career leads and dreaming of a grander future in real estate. A handful of modest deals later ...

The Controversy Over the NYC Mosque Shows We Really Don't Know Each Other Well Enough - Huffingtonpost.com

Last Saturday afternoon, some Jewish friends who are fans of the Muslim Women's Fund came for tea at our home. They were eager to discuss the front page news story in the NYT on the Mosque at Ground Zero which has ...

Mosque developer claims a classic NYC background - AP - msnbc.com

Eight years ago, Sharif El-Gamal was just another ambitious striver from Brooklyn, casting about for career leads and dreaming of a grander future in real estate. A handful of modest deals later, he's sitting on one of ...

Occupied Territories: Glenn Beck, Mother Teresa and the Mosque - New York Observer

America may be, as Gertrude Stein once wrote, the oldest young country in the world, but we are currently afflicted with the growing pains of a national neophyte. We are now experiencing several furious ...

Mosque Developer: "No Final Plans in Place" - ABC News

While Sharif El-Gamal, developer of the planned Cordoba House and mosque in lower Manhattan, says the project is definitely going forward, he won't say whether he is committed to the proposed location two blocks away ...

NYT report: site of proposed NY mosque also struck on 9/11 - Examiner

The New York Times reported in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks on NYC, that the Burlington Coat Factory, located in close proximity to the World Trade Center, within two blocks to be exact, was significantly ...

Open Question: What do you think of this question and answer?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjZAdvJ8Ast1pZKOUZC2tI7sy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100822083114AANUAx3 Personally, i think it's horrible that there are people out there that think this way. But, what are we to do? can't do anything, really....u can't even feel sorry for their ignorance, or plain stupidity. Just so everyone's clear...9/11 was caused by Muslim FUNDAMENTALISTS....not all muslims are like that...not even all fundamentalists. Just like when some baptists bombed abortion clinics....it's crazy people that do crazy things. Just because a christian bombs a clinic doesn't mean ALL christians are gonna go out bombing clinics....IT'S INSANE TO THINK THAT. Now, you might say, "oh, those christians that bombed the clinics weren't 'real christians'"...well then, guess what, if you can say that about christians, then you can say it about any other religious people...."oh, those muslims that bombed the twin towers weren't 'real muslims'". You might say, "hey, but the Quran is violent, and teaches violence...teaches you to kill infidels"....really??? have you read the bible recently??? Last time i read the bible, it said that god told the israelites to stone gay people, stone those who talked back to their parents, and even stone women who were raped that didn't yell loud enough. also, after the exodus, when the israelites were entering the promised land and were booting everyone else out, i remember god telling the israelites to kill everyone and everything, men, women, and children, babies and animals, and if they were to find pregnant women, to stick their swords into their stomach and cut the stomach of the women open.....\ does THAT sound like all love and no violence? no, of course not, but people decide to turn a blind eye to their own holy book, and criticize other holy books. Anyone could take those instances that i just pointed out and say that the bible is a book that teaches hate, intolerance, and overall immoral values...so if you don't like that said about your holy book, so why say it about other holy books??? As Jesus said, "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but do not see the log in your own eye?" (matthew 7:1-5) Also, it's conservatives that oppose the building of the Mosque....2 BLOCKS from ground zero....2 FREAKIN BLOCKS AWAY....what ever happened to the first amendment?? hmm?? freedom of religion?? how about property rights??? isn't it conservatives who are always saying how much they just loooove the constitution??? but i want to know what you think. what is your opinion about the question that i posted above? also, what is your opinion about this whole mosque near ground zero thing? it's 2 blocks away...there should not be any uproar even if it was right in front of ground zero. I mean, there were also muslims that died because they were trying to save people from the rubble after the towers collapsed......do THEIR deaths not count at all??? are they not american heroes, JUST because they're muslim? the people that died weren't all blonde, blue-eyed caucasians, like fox news would have us believe :( more

Resolved Question: Did I see someone smile in Britain?

Today or was it a bout of WIND ? Has anyone been hugged or do people who hug.you..................... JUST WANT (THAT SHOCKING WORD AGAIN) !! SEX ???? !! Is there a LAW against speaking in Britain ? And do the little blue men KNOW what that law is in fact ? Oh lets just stick to good old terror and..................... SHOULD THERE BE A MOSQUE BUILT AT NYC GROUND ZERO ? AND SHOULD WE BURK WEARING THE BANNER IN BRITAIN ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCPKzzGHfIQ&feature=relatedLETS TEACH IMMIGRANTS ENGLISH. tally ho ENGLISH old chaps ! but "OUT THE DOWN CENTRE" ? cos they'll "TAKE OUR JOBS" !! and do them better than we can ? they may even become PCSO's who havent got a clue what theyre doing so have to ask the REAL police who take ages to arrive and do nothing when they get there ? ALL SHUT UP in UK. AND DO AS YOU ARE TOLD. OK ?? ! or we will get our DOGS TO FOUL ALL THE PAVEMENTS not clean it up and we will PEE in your shop doorway every weekend in the DOWN centre ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvaO81VFIXY&feature=related altogether now ! ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T8e3K3-XN8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_KfsQbFibU http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/g20-summit/7919581/G20-Riots-Ian-Tomlinson-attack-officer-PC-Simon-Harwood-pictured-for-first-time.htmlCome on girls come to Britain. Primary chat up line: "where are YOU from " ??And finally folks support "OUR LADS" in Iraq & Afghanistan ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCyZ6OmeUHEALL STAND !! ? (thats an ORDER !) do you want "chips" with that order? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPoIlq3teTY more

Open Question: LIBERALS: Can't we just admit that our support of the GZ Mosque is because most Republicans are against it?

Liberals, who do we think we're fooling? Most Republicans came out against the location (not the Mosque itself, just it's location)...and so, as Liberals, we HAD TO support it. We hate Republicans...so we had no choice but to feign outrage. Sure, we question the wisdom of everything Christians do...we question the wisdom of a White person saying the N-wod, we question the wisdom of Beck's DC speech. But when it comes to questioning the wisdom of the Mosque location, we can't support the Repubs on this. If Republicans said the sky is blue, we Libs will argue against it And when we have no argument and facts to back up a debate...we just call our opponents R@CIST! That's who we are...that's what we do. agree or agree?? more

Resolved Question: What are the two antiquated, eastern-exotic looking buildings to the east of Stony Island?

No, not the newer Nation of Islam mosque. But the two much older, more ornate halls--both of which have cobalt-blue tile. One is larger and sits about a block east of Stony Island, and the other sits closer. I'm thinking they're either old Orthodox churches, temples, and/or Masonic halls. Does anyone know, and are there any websites from which I might get more scoop? Thanks :)! more

Voting Question: Why is there a mosque in Armenia?

We (Armenians) are all Christian. What is the point of having a mosque in Armenia? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Mosque,_Yerevan more

Resolved Question: Since the Oil Sheiks have all the Money, why not buy Manhattan and build another Hagi Sophia or a Blue Mosque?

http://www.hagiasophia.com/ Since it has nothing to do with Religious Freedom But rather IN Your Face Power & Control more

Resolved Question: Since the Oil Sheiks have all the money, why not Buy Manhattan and build another Hagi Sophia or a Blue Mosque?

http://www.hagiasophia.com/ Since it is not about Religious Freedom but rather In Your Face Power & Control more

Resolved Question: If people are against the mosque near the WTC, aren't they saying that the Islam religion attacked us on 9/11?

I think that's what this argument comes down to. If you are one of the 65% against building the mosque near ground zero, you are against it because you think it's insensitive to build it there. But you only think it's insensitive because you believe that "The Muslim religion" attacked us on 9/11, rather than a groups of extremist, radical Muslims led by Bin Laden. It's easy to stereotype Muslims in America as all being the same - but in fact, only a tiny percentage of Muslims in America and around the world supported the 9/11 attacks. Do people know that Muslims died in New York City, both in the buildings and as police and firefighters? I think if we want more mainstream Muslims to work with America to fight extremist groups like Al-Queda, we shouldn't be grouping "Muslims" are terrorists like this. I think Obama did the right thing by backing their rights to religious freedom, but I think he also did it to try to fight back against this idea that we are at war with Islam. Glenn Beck and other right wing people always talk about Islam being our enemy....that's the worst thing you can say if we want to try to mend our relationships with this group of people. That will only make mainstream Muslims who are currently on our side more likely to want to hate us. I wish the country would see that this is really about whether we are defining our enemies on 9/11 as the Muslim religion overall or as a group of radical killers. I mean, if a serial killer had blue eyes and was over 6 feet tall, would you suddenly go around and arrest every man who was over 6 feet tall and had blue eyes? Would you stop denying blue-eyed people their civil rights and blame them for the serial killer's actions? Think about the labels here... more

Resolved Question: If you talk to numerous people on a daily basis and you live in one of the bluest of the blue states?

you are going to be talking to some Democrats, I have yet to find one who supports suing the state of Arizona or the Mosque/community center at ground zero. Do the people on here who claim to support both issues do so because of the anonymity of the site? more

Resolved Question: Why have Jihadists been building Victory Mosques on sites of historic importance to infidels, like Ground Zero?

Europe and Asia are filled with Victory Mosques, The Dome of the Rock, The Blue Mosque of Iran, The Sultanahmet Camii in Turkey. The list is long, with dozens of Victory Monuments built over the last 1600 years. Is this fun for them, or just business as usual.Hey The Methodical: Sure it is a place of worship; but what is underneath the Mosque. This is nothing new People have been building Victory Memorials all over the World for thousands of Years. Islam did not invent this practice. They simply adopted it as a good idea. Like the Mosque in Cardoba Spain more

Resolved Question: Is there any point in living anymore?

My name is Vincent. I'm 36 years old. I was born into the Islamic faith and for the most of my youth I was quite happy I suppose. Liked to play in the street, loved my mother and yeah...everything is innocent when you're a child. I was a smart kid growing up and I was lucky enough to get a scholarship to attend a private school for high school. I majored in Theology in college and up till then my life was sweet I guess. I didn't have many worries in life. Growing up, my parents were quite religious, I had to go to Mosque. Growing up though I never questioned anything. I just accepted what I was told. In my college years though I started to learn things for myself and I began to understand the world far more. After graduating my parents wanted me married and so had already arranged for me to be introduced to some women they thought were suitable. I hated this. I wanted to fall in love, not be introduced. I told my parents that this wasn't how I wanted to be married. I tried so hard to reason with them but it was like talking to a brick wall. With time, I steadily became discontent with my Islamic culture. I disliked how marriage was being forced upon me. I hated how I wasn't allowed to marry a woman of my choice. I came to think about a lot of the things is my life and I realized that I didn't agree with a lot of them. I wasn't asked for consent in anything. I hated the fact I was circumcised. And I just hated how my life was dictated by people who lived thousands of years ago. I wanted to decide for myself. Not have someone I didn't even know govern my life. 7 years ago, I decided to make the biggest decision of my life. I realized religion wasn't for me. I was a grown man. I could decide for myself what I wanted in life. I decided I wanted out on Islam. You can imagine my parents weren't best pleased and at first they didn't take me seriously. It took about 2 months before I drilled it into their head. We argued so much till we were blue in the face. They wouldn't accept that it was my life and it was up to me how I lived it. My family hated me. It was crazy. My mother loved me so much, but after I told her I didn't want Islam, it was like I was no longer her son. Not long after all this happened I lost the use of my legs. I was beaten up by my cousins and was in intensive care for 8 weeks. My family disowned me and wanted me to be punished for rejecting Islam. I haven't walked in 7 years. I miss that freedom so much. But I guess for one freedom I lost, another freedom I gained. I fought for what I believed in and I think that makes me more of a man than anyone. I don't have any family now and I am only in touch with one friend of mine and her family. I don't have a wife. I've never been in love, the only thing I ever wanted in life. I don't have a job, because I can't get work. Most days, I don't leave my house. I have nothing now. I live on benefits and my health is deteriorating. I don't have any reason to live anymore. more

Resolved Question: Did someone forget to tell Obama doing a bunch things against the will of the majority is not a good thing?

Particularly not good to do when there are only 79 days before the Midterms and there are alot of nervous Blue Dog Democrats who will now likely lose the seats they had won in 2008 in historically conservative districts because of his actions. Obama's Top 3 List of going against the will of the majority: 1. Supporting a Mosque near ground zero 2. Challenging Arizona's immigration law 3. Ramming through Obamacare despite it being unpopular (and still unpopular) by the majority of the peopletonalc wrote: Fun fact: the latest polls show that the majority of people DO support the bill: Too bad when you click the link to the Gallup poll its dated March 2010. I guess in you liberal little world March is current for you. more

Resolved Question: Is life worth living? Tell me please.?

My name is Vincent. I'm 36 years old. I was born into the Islamic faith and for the most of my youth I was quite happy I suppose. Liked to play in the street, loved my mother and yeah...everything is innocent when you're a child. I was a smart kid growing up and I was lucky enough to get a scholarship to attend a private school for high school. I majored in Theology in college and up till then my life was sweet I guess. I didn't have many worries in life. Growing up, my parents were quite religious, I had to go to Mosque. Growing up though I never questioned anything. I just accepted what I was told. In my college years though I started to learn things for myself and I began to understand the world far more. After graduating my parents wanted me married and so had already arranged for me to be introduced to some women they thought were suitable. I hated this. I wanted to fall in love, not be introduced. I told my parents that this wasn't how I wanted to be married, but it was like arguing with a brick wall. With time, I steadily became discontent with my Islamic culture. I disliked how marriage was being forced upon me. I hated how I wasn't allowed to marry a woman of my choice. I came to think about a lot of the things is my life and I realized that I didn't agree with a lot of them. I hated the fact I was circumcised. And I just hated how my life was dictated my people who lived thousands of years ago. I wanted to decide for myself. Not have someone I didn't even know govern my life. 7 years ago, I decided to make the biggest decision of my life. I realized religion wasn't for me. I was a grown man. I could decide for myself what I wanted in life. I decided I wanted out on Islam. You can imagine my parents weren't best pleased and at first they didn't take me seriously. It took about 2 months before I drilled it into their head. We argued so much till we were blue in the face. They wouldn't accept that it was my life and it was up to me how I lived it. My family hated me. It was crazy. My mother loved me so much, but after I told her I didn't want Islam, it was like I was no longer her son. Not long after all this happened I lost the use of my legs. I was beaten up by my cousins and was in intensive care for 8 weeks. My family disowned me and wanted me to be punished for rejecting Islam. I haven't walked in 7 years. I miss that freedom so much. But I guess for one freedom I lost, another freedom I gained. I fought for what I believed in and I think that makes me more of a man than anyone. I don't have any family now and I am only in touch with one friend of mine and her family. I don't have a job, because I can't get work. Most days, I don't leave my house. I have nothing now. I live on benefits and my health is deteriorating. I don't have any reason to live anymore. I don't know why I'm asking Yahoo, I just wanted to speak... more

Resolved Question: How many people in our Congress support Hamas org?

Former congresswomen Cynthia Mckinney of Georgia supported Hama's org- the ones that fund Al Qaeda. Farrakhan again the Nation of Islam leader in Chicago who calls white people the blue eyed devils and hates Jews and said Hilter was a great man- Rev Wrights Buddy- Farrakhan and Wright hang out! Farrakhan campaigned for her because she probably learned everything she knows from Farrakhan! There is so many links to Obama that are linked to Radical Islamic loons, now marxist weather underground terr0rists Bill Ayers and DorhnO- are Flotilla- and Rashid Khalidi has a ship called Audacity of Hope- same as Obamas BOOK! A Mosque being built on ground Zero! People better WAKE UP SOON!!!! These leftists are getting closer to their agenda more and more everyday and it has to be STOPPED NOW or our country is going to be a total Nightmare for us all! more

Resolved Question: Question for the Liberals/Democrat's?

A waiter at a restaurant in NY just came up with the 4 1/2 million out of the blue to buy the spot to build the Mosque a few blocks from the 9/11 tragedy and your ok with that as long as you don't offend your voting base and keep your Messiah in office? You folk would go that low?The waiter that bought the spot they will build the Mosque.See almost all of you would rather die than offend anyone by saying no, just like with minorities and their so called rights, by you claim minorities rights are all geared toward illegals which have no rights.... All you are weak minded people 'Democrat's or Liberals aint you?My point, (Freedom Wins) where did it come from? But God forbid we ask that question we are automatic racist, bigots, etc.... more

Resolved Question: Which of these attractions in Turkey will I have to pay for an admission charge?

Which of these attractions in Turkey will I have to pay for an admission charge? Any idea how much? Topkapi Palace Blue Mosque Roman Hippodrome St.Sophia Museum Basilica Cistern (Underground Water Palace) Million stone Tomb of Sultan Mahmud and ancient Ottoman cemetery Cemberlitas (Burnt Column) Grand Bazaar more

Resolved Question: ramadan;what do you think about turkish people?

I think they are lovely & very welcoming. :) BQ;ever been to the blue mosque in istanbul?lol @ juwaar :P@I didn't say that.I know that one person doesn't represent a whole nation,I only wanted to know what some here think about turkish people.*******dude more

Resolved Question: Please Help!!!??!? 10 points!! Protest song?

Okay can some one analyze and justify sorta brief to how success-full this song is in achieving its protest purpose "Hands Held High" Turn my mic up louder I got to say something Light weights step to the side when we come in Feel it in your chest the syllables get pumping People on the street they panic and start running Words on loose leaf sheet complete coming I jump in my mind and summon the rhyme, I'm dumping Healing the blind I promise to let the sun in Sick of the dark ways we march to the drum and Jump when they tell us that they wanna see jumping **** that I wanna see some fists pumping Risk something, take back what's yours Say something that you know they might attack you for Cause I'm sick of being treated like I have before Like it's stupid standing for what I'm standing for Like this war's really just a different brand of war Like it doesn't cater the rich and abandon poor Like they understand you in the back of the jet When you can't put gas in your tank These ******* are laughing their way to the bank and cashing the cheque Asking you to have compassion and have some respect For a leader so nervous in an obvious way Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay And the rest of the world watching at the end of the day In their living room laughing like "what did he say?" [Chorus:] Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen In my living room watching but I am not laughing Cause when it gets tense I know what might happen World is cold the bold men take action Have to react or get blown into fractions Ten years old it's something to see Another kid my age drugged under a jeep Taken and bound and found later under a tree I wonder if he had thought the next one could be me Do you see the soldiers they're out today They brush the dust from bullet proof vests away It's ironic at times like this you pray But a bomb blew the mosque up yesterday There's bombs in the buses, bikes, roads Inside your market, your shops, your clothes My dad he's got a lot of fear I know But enough pride inside not to let that show My brother had a book he would hold with pride A little red cover with a broken spine On the back, he hand-wrote a quote inside When the rich wage war it's the poor who die Meanwhile, the leader just talks away Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay And the rest of the world watching at the end of the day both scared and angry like "what did he say?" [Chorus x6] [x6] With hands held high into the sky so blue, As the ocean opens up to swallow you. Additional Details its by linkin park this is what the sheet says: Select a protest song thay has been studied in class or one of your own choosing. use Deconstuction/ annotation of these texts as a scaffold to enable you to analyse and justify how successful you belive this protest song is in achieveing its pourpose..... you must use quotes from the song to provide evidence for your analysis more

Resolved Question: Is there in Istanbul anything worth seeing?

I'm going to Istanbul for 2 weeks, and besides the usual sightseeing (Topkapi, Bosporus, Grand Bazaar, Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque and the Suleyman Mosque), I want to do some more sightseeing and activities. Has anyone some good advise for me to see or do anything? Thanks in advance =D more

Resolved Question: Do muslims have the most comprehensive?

vocabulary of vulgar language? some of the F words in ramadan are hilarious! I bet the air is constantly blue down the mosque hehehehe more

Resolved Question: Some advice on Istanbul for a tourist?

I'm going to Istanbul in a few days, and I heard from a friend who recently returned from there that it's very expensive. I'm sure that the tourist places (like the malls, bazaar, etc) are overpriced so I was wondering if there were any other places that one could buy things for better prices. Also, how much does it cost to enter Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque? And what other must-see places would you recommend? Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Are these kinds of dresses allowed in the mosque?

1. clothing that are coloured, i weare blue and purple and red and so on pants and t-shirts. 2. slim fit trowsers. Note:all of the cloths cover my elbows and knees! Thank you very much :)I am a boy..... more

Resolved Question: What do you think about Islam Muslims in Britain?

im 15 and I have Muslim friends and i think there nice peaceful people but very defensive if you offended their religion or beliefs in anyway. Near my area my local swimming pool has recently been referbished becuase they muslim women complained about the windows and said they dont want there body's to be seen. So the council using tax payers money tinted all 58 windows so its black and not see though any more. There has been anger as the pool itself is now dark and gloomy and the clear blue atmosphere is now gone. I used to enjoy swimming looking out at trees and the sky and now i just barley see a murky grey shadows through the windows. Personally i dont like the whole relgion becuase of the Burqas they wear and the larger amount of mosques everywhere and for some reason they get what they want from the council and goverment. They do not abide by the British culture, yes i dont mind celebrations for religions but walking round wearing gowns that cover their face and massive mosques everywhere, that aint to good is it? Dont bother calling me racist becuase im not.Now. what do you think?LINK http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/07/08/now-pool-is-cut-off-from-outside-world/Reply to, Dream im a Muslims comment- This is a native traditional Christian country so why should anybody complain about large churches everywhere? more

Resolved Question: IS THIS TRAVEL DIARY WHICH BEGAN IN TURKEY, INFORMATIVE, INTERESTING AND EDUCATIONAL...?

I have decided (for now) to share some e-mails I have been getting from a family member who is on a world tour, first stop was Turkey. This young man is from a Cypriot family and for him there are no barriers to meeting and accepting individuals regardless of their race, creed or colour. 1) We've arrıved safe and well ın Turkey and are enjoying the fırst few days of Big Holiday. Istanbul was lovely but we didn't stay for long as ıt was a lot pricier than we thought ıt would be. Our stop was short and sweet - takıng ın the major sıtes and also chıllıng out ın the cafes watchıng the locals drınk their tea and play backgammon. Ayia Sofia was beautiful and the history behind it fascinating. My favourite, however, was the exterior of the Blue Mosque, simply mesmerising. We managed to pick through the tourist tat and eat at a couple of local eateries in the City's Asian Quarter. The food was very similar to Greek cuisine (as is the culture) stuffed vine leaves, koftes, beans and absolutely gorgeous. We're now stayıng ın a place called Cappadocıa ın the centre of Turkey. We plan on doıng a few walks and vısıtıng vıllages. The pace ıs a lot slower round here and the only real actıon ıs when the cafes empty out once the call to prayer rıngs out. The call to prayer goes out fıve tımes a day and ıs lovely sound - not sure ı'd be sayıng that ıf ı had to go and pray every tıme ı heard ıt though!!! The local coffee, tea, and food are other hıghlıghts of the country so far. 2) Salem Allaykum (or "hello chaps") as they say in Syria, We've been in Syria now for five says and loving it. The Syrian people are unbelievably friendly. We went for a meal last night and a group of old men sitting at the table opposite sent over a meze dish and dessert to welcome us to Syria!!!! Today an old man drove us about 7kms to a castle in the middle of nowhere and refused to accept any money for the trip?!?! We've had people giving us lifts from coach stations and free falafels too - it seems like everyday someone does something nice for no reason other than to be welcoming!!! Happy days. The sites (Crusader castles, Ottoman souqs) aren't too shabby either. AND ITS CHEAP!!! 3) You're right about it being an enriching and exciting experience. It really is an eye opener - you mention Syria to most people and they'd ask you if it's safe - it's the most welcoming place i've ever been to!!! Am keeping a daily diary of the trip so as to try and remember what we see and learn. Am also doing a lot of reading - novels but also loads on history and religion. I even picked up copies of the Quran and the New Testament the other day - you never know i might turn into some kind of religious nut by the end of the trip!!! Went for my first ever cut throat shave the other day - in a back alley barbers in Damascus. I was starting to sport the jesus look with copious amounts of facial hair but i agreed to chop it as M*** wasn't digging it too much. Was a very scary affair but escaped with my head still attached to my body and a face as smooth as a baby's bottom. You can't say fairer than that for 200 Syrian pounds can you! The odd tourist trap aside, Damascus is just as welcoming as the rest of Syria. We went for dinner two days ago and the restaurant owner (Bashar) translated the menu for us, gave us free samples and sat with us for two hours. In the end he decided that he didn't want us to pay for anything and gave us the whole meal for free. "My restaurant is your restaurant" he said!!! We went back today (and paid!) to show our thanks. Absolutely loving our time away,Habib 4) On a long bus ride to Petra so thought I'd take the chance to write properly. It's a bit of shame about Lebanon.I think you might be right about the Lebanese Beirutees being a bit aloof but I think that's because it's a relatively wealthy place and it would have been nice to see the rest of the country. The only Lebanese person we've met to date was a lovely man who took us out for lunch and beers and who was a real pleasure to chat to. It's been a pretty eventful couple of weeks.Worked our way down from the north of Jordan to the capital Amman before heading across to Israel and Palestine for a few days. The highlights of Jordan have been the Dead Sea (it's surprising how long you can amuse yourself for pretending that you can walk on water!) and the people we met in a small northern village called Um Qais. The latter was pretty special - a family there adopted us for a couple of days and took us swimming in the local open air swimming pool filled with spa water then back to theirs for lunch and lovely Arabic coffee (which we can't get enough of). The village overlooked the Sea of Galilee and it was pretty magical watching the sun set.. continuation..... Israel/Palestine was a mixed bag.The sites of Jerusalem (the Dome of the Rock and the route of the crucifixion are impressive and interesting) but it's pricey and the constant site of moody policemen and soldiers toting machine guns and pistols doesn't lend itself to a long stay.We then spent a couple of days in Bethlehem. The town is overlooked by the West Bank barrier and seeing and speaking to people about how it's affected their daily lives was a real eye opener. Booze is pretty much a no go as what is available is ridiculously expensive - fiver a pint?!?Water pipes are alright but no substitute for a double JD and coke!Watched the England game in a cafe where EVERYONE bar us was cheering the Germans - it was a pretty humiliating couple of hours.. @ Keyser the Langolier, I agree a little more detail would have just added to an already interesting account. @ ♥ Barış Awareness♥, LOL...Third time lucky??? Thanks for your support on all three occasions. Just hope it's not giving you nightmares! The inclusion of dates is a good idea and are as follows:- The first leg of this eighteen month journey started on the 18th. May 2010 in Turkey. The last e-mail to date was on the 28th. June 2010. @ ♥ Barış Awareness♥, <<<HUGS>>> Thank you! . edit: All you Thumb Downers, Why don't you answer with your opinions instead of thumbing down... you are all welcome, otherwise just walk on by... No need to loiter and litter the site!. . @ sanja, I KNOW who you are... You have unwittingly given yourself away!. @ QUEEN 'P' I Love your joke...Hope you feel better soon...x more

Resolved Question: traveling in istanbul?

hi, i may be stopping by istanbul for a few days and would like to know if traveling alone is feasible? or if there are tours, are there any cheap ones to recommend and where do they go? i don't really know much about turkey except their blue mosque and their bazaars. more

Resolved Question: American woman wants to convert to Islam?

I'm an all-American Baby Boomer with blonde hair and blue eyes and find myself "infatuated" with Islam. I am so confused. I read an English version of the Quoran (because I don't read Arabic), and have been trying to learn everything I can about prayers and customs over the internet. Fortunately, I live in an area of the US where there is a large Arab Muslim community and many mosques. Some of these mosques have classes that teach Arabic as well as hold classes on the Quoran. I would very much like to visit one of these mosques. My problem is that I'm afraid to take that next step. I'm afraid to go to a mosque alone. Will I be the only one there who has blonde hair and blue eyes? Will the Arab Muslims hate me because I'm American? Where do I go to get answers? I don't have the foggiest idea where to start. Do I have to cover my hair when I enter the mosque? Do I have to take off my shoes? Are there separate entrances for men and women? What if I walk in the wrong door or fail to follow some other custom -- I don't want to offend these very people who might become my brothers and sisters in Islam. These probably seem like silly concerns to you, but I'm afraid to do the wrong thing. I've started noticing all the Muslim women I meet in every day life (at the grocery store, etc.), and I have tried a couple of times (when the moment was right and others weren't hovering nearby) to ask them about which mosque in the area would be good to visit. The women have bBefore any more of you start telling me horror stories about Muslim husbands, please note that I am NOT married and I'm NOT looking to get married. It's really hard to view some of these responses from so-called Christians. The Christians I know are filled with love and not hatred. In fact, the Christian values I hold most dear are tolerance, patience and forgiveness. I think many of you are confusing cultural issues with the religion of Islam. I don't expect people to be perfect -- earth isn't heaven. But I don't see any reason for anyone to be so racist and hateful as some of these posts. more

Resolved Question: Whenever I wear hijab (i.e. once in a turquise moon), I always get harassed by Moslem mothers and chaps. WHY?

In the mosque, strange women (probably mothers) will ask me questions of very personal nature, and that includes my cell number. And outside the mosque, Moslem lads start to flirt by saying salamuailkum. There are mostly Araabs, because I go to an arab mosque every once in a blue moon. WHY? Then whats the purpose of hijab?Saj: I think its better NO to wear hijab, then wearing a burka with a label saying: I am ready for mutah. LOL+not......... more

Resolved Question: About the Blue Mosque in Turkey, Istanbul.?

What materials were used in the building? The purpose of the building being made. Artworks in the building. Events,rituals ceremonies that occur there. How does the building make you feel. What does the building look like. more

Resolved Question: which is prettier: Blue mosque (Istanbul, Turkey) or Muhammed Al Amin mosque (Beirut, Lebanon)?

Blue mosque http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4534795905_cd4b4b9889_o.jpg Muhammed Al Amin mosque http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4534797989_e287f391c0_o.jpg more

Resolved Question: HELP MAJOR HEP PLZ HELP?

why was the blue mosque built? everyone say different stuff but i want to know the real reason so my Q to u is why was the blue mosque built? (i need this answer before nextweek so please help) it will be great if u tell me the website u researched. i know i already said this but its in turkey and i tried google and everything u already siad i tried everyting but if u know anything about ((((((WHY IT WAS BUILT?)))))) more

Resolved Question: hELP MAJOR HEP PLZ HELP?

Resolved Question: for people who know about the blue mosque and who enjoy researching?

Resolved Question: for those who know about the blue mosque.?

i need help for an assigment i need to know how or a description of the blue mosque so how it looks like the blue mosquethx. and i am just going to add it to any random topic thx so all i just need is how the Blue Mosque looks like. more

Resolved Question: Do you know anything about blue mosque?

Resolved Question: Have you visited the Blue Mosque - the Hagga Sophia?

Was it worth your time to visit? more

Resolved Question: Ramadan - Shall we allow islam traditions in non-muslim countries?

I say NO WAY. Can you imagine christians going to Iran for example, and start building churches, blond blue eyes girls walking on the street in mini skirts, freedom, democracy. You can drink alcohol, and blah blah.. I know, it's even impossible to imagine ;) I 100% support banning burqa's and building new mosque's . Enough is enoughin European (non muslim) countries - Drinking is allowed, and acceptableSKY - Whatever said in bible, is NOT being enforced. So your argument is a nonsense. more

Resolved Question: Would you let me pray in your mosque?

My name is Ben Dover, and I am a good muslim boy. I try to pray at least 5 times per day. During the day, I work with my deeply devout Islamic parents, in their local shop, which is open from 7 to 11. Of a night, I wear my hijab, red lipstick, pink blusher and blue eyeshadow, and I visit the local tranny club. I drink lots of gin and tonics (mothers ruin) until drunk, and I dance the night away until dawn, with the other trannies.This is me, wearing my hijab: http://www.248am.com/images/mohajaba.gif more

Resolved Question: Muslims: What do they mean? Why can I not stop thinking about this?

I am researching into Islam as I am questioning my Christian faith, My Muslim friends said I should go to Mosque with them so I went with them the other day. I was dressed appropriately. (I was wearing a light blue headscarf and a long black dress). I attended the service in the Mosque. I felt comfortable there. I spoke to some other female Muslims there and they said I was a good and intelligent girl. They said I should convert as I will be a great Muslim. What do they mean? I spoke to a convert and she said converting was the best thing she has ever done and she is really happy. Why can I not stop thinking about whether I should become a Muslim or not? I am 21 and British. Any help is greatly appreciated.I am not thinking of converting right now. I am curious why they are saying why they are saying I should become Muslim. I still need to research but the happiness of the convert I spoke to is making me think. more

Resolved Question: need quick answer. real question. some body answer me?

ok here are the questions i need answer to these. 1- which is the mosque which even allah did not like. and allah commanded it to burn. it is mentioned in quran. 2- what is the metal (or even element or substance or any stuff like that) which if comes close to rose (or its petals) it turns into powder (or decomposes or thing like that) 3- which is the animal who's blood is blue (this is not a riddle in English of which answer will be lion i actually mean bule blood) 4- which are the 2 games in which the one who is left behind wins. i konw they sound poetic and stuff but i dont know the answers and need them so will you are use your heads while i am banging mine on the wall to find out the answer j/k lol!!!! anyways salam!!! PIECES!!!!! and ya mani i cant think of any inspiration for a new poem. got some songs or stuff or anythign which can make me like have a subject? PIECES!!!! more

Resolved Question: I have a project about Istanbul and I have a survey?

I have a project about Istanbul and I have a survey… --> If you have been to Istanbul: 1) Where are you from? 2) How old are you? 3) Have you come Istanbul by a tour and when did you come? 4) Why did you come İstanbul and how long did you stay? 5) How was your travelling? 6) What do you think about Istanbul? Especially historical places like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus. 7) What about people? 8) Do you want to come Istanbul again? 9) How do you describe Istanbul with 4 words? For example: Scene, Bosphorus, sea gull, green, people… --> If you haven't been to Istanbul: 1) Where are you from? 2) How old are you? 3) Do you want to come Istanbul? 4) Did you heard any places in Istanbul? 5) What do you think about Istanbul's people? 6) How do you describe Istanbul with 4 words? For example: Scene, Bosphorus, sea gull, green, people… more

Resolved Question: please help , easy s.s quistions !!!! please answer !!! 10 points for the first one to answer!!!?

quistions are labelled here: 1- is there any resemblence between hagia sophia and the blue mosque? 2-what is the tobkabi? 3- what is the dolmache ?i mean the topkapi palace ?? sorry >>its clear , wow , no s.s fans !!!!!!! i hate ss too , .... bla bla .. !! more

Resolved Question: Ramadan....would you let me pray in your mosque?

I try to be a good muslim boy, and pray at least 5 times per day. I work for my parents in their wholesale grocery business. Of a night I am a bit naughty, I wear my hijab, red lipstick, pink blusher and sky blue eye Shadow. I visit the local 'alternative' club and dance with the other trannies all night, getting quite drunk on gin (mothers ruin). A few nights ago, my imam came in to the club, and chatted with us trannies, he did not recognise me. more

Resolved Question: Are there synagogues and Jewish Temples in Istanbul near Blue Mosque?

I will be visiting Istanbul for few days and reside near blue mosque so are there any of the above and advise if we need to get ticket to get in. more

Resolved Question: Turkish friends: what do you think about my EXPO of mosques?

in this EXPLO, I incluide the Blue mosque of Istanbul I enjoy architecture http://www.flickr.com/photos/47030630@N08/galleries/72157623171539741/ more

Resolved Question: next week i'll be in Istanbul for 3 days, any advice?

hey all so what should i do in ISTANBUL? our hotel is in Istiklal street i'm not looking for touristic places such as Topkapi palace or blue mosque there are lots of websites with full list of them i want to know about things I MUST do or places I MUST visit and of course things foods I MUST try thanks more

Resolved Question: How does this song relate to Fahrenheit 451?

How does the song Hands Held High By Linkin Park relate to fahrenheit 451? I know one reason is that the govenment of the song and novel is doing something that harms the society. but i need something more to that Hands Held high By Linkin Park Lyrics; Turn my mic up louder, I got to say something. Lightweight step it aside, when we comin'. Feel it in your chest, the syllables get pumping. People on the street, they panic and start running. Words on loose leaf sheet complete coming. I jump on my mind, I summon the rhyme of dumping. Healing the blind, I promise to let the sun in. Sick of the dark ways, we march to the drumming. Jump when they tell us they want to see jumping. Fuck that, I want to see some fist pumping. Risk something. Take back what's yours. Say something that you know they might attack you for Cause I'm sick of being treated like I have before. Like I'm stupid standing for what I'm standing for. Like this war's really just a different brand of war. Like it doesn't cater to rich and abandon poor Like they understand you in the back of the jet, When you can't put gas in your tank, These fuckers are laughing their way To the bank and cashing a check Asking you to have compassion and have some respect For a leader so nervous in an obvious way Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay And the rest of the world watching at the end of the day In their living room laughing like, "What did he say?" Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen In my living room watching, But I am not laughing. 'Cause when it gets tense, I know what might happen. The world is cold, and bold men take action. Have to react to get blown into fractions. 10 years old is something to see, Another kid my age drugged under a G, Taken and bound and found later under a tree, I wonder if he thought, "The next one could be me." Do you see? The soldiers that are out today. That brush the dust with bulletproof vests away. It's ironic. At times like this you pray, But a bomb blew the mosque up yesterday. There's bombs in the buses, bikes, roads, Inside your market, your shops, your clothes, My dad, he's got a lot of fear I know, But enough pride inside not to let that show. My brother had a book he would hold with pride, A little red cover with a broken spine. In the back he hand wrote a quote inside, "When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die." Meanwhile, the leader just talks away Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay And the rest of the world watching at the end of the day Both scared and angry like, "What did he say?" Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen. With hands held high into a sky so blue, The ocean opens up to swallow you. (x6) more

Resolved Question: How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?

What is the minimum amount of time that I should spend in istanbul, Turkey. In the time needed I would like to visit all the main sights (The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, etc). more

Resolved Question: What is your favorite building or structure?

Mine is the blue mosque in Istanbul and the beautiful Taj Mahal in India. more

Resolved Question: Ramadan: What do you think of those who decorate the inside of a masjid ..o_O?

Do you find it a bit strange? I understand there is nothing wrong with putting designs and patterns [ http://muslimworker.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/inside-blue-mosque-design.jpg ] but putting flowers, paintings, and other non-sense stuff on the walls of a masjid. Is it haaram, i have this urge to speak out but I don't know what to do quite yet. Any thoughts ? thannnnnks. more

Resolved Question: where is the Armada Hotel in Istanbul?

Can see Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace from roof restaurant. more