God is in the detail

Inlaid calligraphy of Koranic verses in black marble.

Carved out flower patterns in sandstone and marble.

Even the paving outside has been carefully considered.

Pietra Dura: the technique of carefully creating intricate patterns from precious and semi-precious stones, and inlaying them into marble. What a skill!

Diamond motifs  underneath the arches.

The guest house that flanks the main building.

Hey Audrey!

I wonder: did you ever manage to visit the Taj Mahal? It is known as the most beautiful building in the world, built over a period of 22 years by a grief-stricken emperor in remembrance of his beloved wife. The Taj is magnificent from afar, but it is the intricate details everywhere that really left me speechless. The Moghul emperors were Muslim, and according to their belief no depiction of living beings, humans or animals is allowed. Therefore all the motifs are either floral or geometric. Audrey, I can not tell you how happy it made me to have had the privilege to visit this special place.