This is a stunning visual guide to the architecture and life of southern Yemen, throwing light on the mysteries of Middle Eastern Architecture. Master builders have kept alive techniques and styles practiced for centuries, while adapting them to modern requirements. Their practical value and aesthetic quality is beautifully illustrated in this book.

Oman is a stunningly beautiful country with a rich history and bountiful heritage set in a breathtaking landscape. As an ancient seafaring nation, Oman has always been open to the world, and is now becoming increasingly popular with discerning travellers and tourists. Since the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in 1970, Oman has thrived, adopting the best features of modern technology while at the same time keeping its own heritage and unique culture very much alive.

Through his use of conventional black-and-white film and a belief that a good photograph is the result of constantly watching to predict the perfect moment, Kazem Hakimi’s work harks straight back to the photojournalism of Cartier-Bresson and those early Magnum photographers who were able to capture moments that superficially contained nothing, but which when printed onto photographic paper became iconic images.

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is a journey of self-discovery and an exploration of man’s relationship with the Creator. Mecca is located in an arid land where nothing grows, and few, if any, earthly distractions exist. The pilgrim is therefore left alone face to face with God.