The Wind Catchers of Yazd, Iran

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Green Prophet looks to ancient Iran for some current alternative ideas to electricity-powered air con. Catch the wind with the bagdir wind tower! The concept of “green building” has taken off in the Middle East over the last few years. The need for ecologically efficient housing and offices is becoming more urgent as the cost […]

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Have You Ever Met a Green Sheikh?

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Green Prophet interviews the Green Sheikh, from the United Arab Emirates. He’s looking to change the “green” perceptions and reality of the Middle East. The environment movement is no stranger to royalty: Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales has made his commitment to supporting the green movement, and over in Jordan, Prince Hassan has told […]

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San Francisco's Sherith Israel To Become Seismic-Safe

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Near The Dead Sea fault, can Israel’s home synagogues withstand the next big earthquake? The San Francisco Chronicle announced that the Sherith Israel synagogue, completed seven months before the 1906 earthquake that ravaged San Francisco, survived that earthquake with minor bruising. However, this “remnant of Israel” built for Jews who flocked to California during the […]

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Middle East Airlines Wait for the Volcanic Ash to Settle

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The Icelandic volcano has both environmental and economic effects. Some Middle East passengers are stranded in Europe and wonder if it’s time to think about less polluting modes of travel. By ship? As a massive volcanic ash cloud hovers over most of Europe, Gulf-based airlines are increasingly concerned over the potential effects the Icelandic volcano […]

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Middle-Eastern Spice Remedies: Roses to Sumak

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Miriam’s series on medicinal Middle Eastern spices is reaching the end of the alphabet! Middle Eastern cuisine sometimes regards roses as a spice or flavoring. (above) R is for…Rose Buds. The Tunisian version of Baharat spice blend has crushed, dried roses in it. The  complex Iranian Advieh spice mixture also contains rose buds. You find dried […]

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