David Gabis Photography Blog

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi.  This is the third biggest worldwide after the ones in Mecca and Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al  NAHYAN (his last resting place). He chose the location and influence the design and architecture of the building. He wanted it visible from all directions and for this the mosque was built with the rise of 9,5 meters above the street level and 11 meters above sea level. The complex cover an area of 22,412 square meters, the Four Minarets rise about 107 meters, the courtyard measures about 17,000 square meters and it is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world. The mosque was finished wit a decoration of Greek and Italian white marble, which is considered to be among the purest of the world. Major internation...

The golden sphere on top of the Bayterek Tower (also observation desk) BAYTEREK is a monument located in Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is an observation tower and a popular attraction for all tourists (locals and foreigners). The Kazakh word "bayterek" translates literally to mean "toll poplar" as in the tree. The construction started in October 1996 and was completed in August 2002, 14 years later.  The building is 105 meters tall with a gold -mirrored of 22 meters diameter sphere. The design meant to embody a folktale a mythical tree of life and a magic bird of happiness. The bird (called Samruk) had laid its egg in the sacred tree of life. An observation deck is located a the top of the tower where you can also place your hand in a print of President NAZARBAEV's palm, the first president following the independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991. The Hand print of President NAZABAEV's palm ...