ASIAN Geographic PASSPORT No. 19

Issue 2/2012, Western Asia

Full of surprises for the adventurous traveller, West Asia is one of our continent’s most exciting and exotic corners. In this Collector’s Edition, our feature stories head to the ruins, mosques and bazaars of Turkey; to the United Arab Emirates to try our hand at go-kart racing, dune bashing and even skiing; and to the deserts outside Abu Dhabi to experience the drama of a camel beauty contest. Plus: Find out how you can get your best travel photograph published in the magazine - and win a prize!

NAVIGATOR: 2012 Events in West Asia

Catch hundreds of artists at Istanbul’s celebrated music festival, shop till you drop at Dubai Summer Surprises and head to the sun-drenched shores of Cyprus for an Ancient Greek drama festival in an authentic setting - and lots more!

CITY SLICKER: 48 Hours in Jerusalem

Discover what makes the world’s de facto spiritual capital tick by spending a long weekend in Jerusalem. Find out why this holiest of cities in the Holy Land is as important for Muslims as it is for Jews and Christians - and any traveller fascinated by the depth of human history.

WEEKENDER: Musandam

Jutting out into the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow entry into the Persian Gulf, the Musandam Peninsula is Oman at its most rugged and most beautiful. And there’s five-star accommodation in one the bays that is as exclusive as it is secluded.
+ Four more top weekend getaways in West Asia!

SEYCHELLES SPECIAL: Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria

Text Connie Motz
It's carnival time in the Seychelles and Asia joins the party with countries from all over the world for this island country’s annual excuse for a good dance and dress up. Start making plans now to visit one of the most idyllic spots on the planet!

THE BIG PICTURE: Your Guide to West Asia

The best hotels to stay in, the must-see places to go and the must-try local dishes are among the handy sections in this information-packed overview of 11 countries in Western Asia. From guides on Azerbaijan to the UAE, this is where to start planning your holiday.

FESTIVE: Preening Camels

Text Silvia Baron
Adventurous photojouralist Silvia Baron heads to Abu Dhabi’s western desert and goes in search of the best-looking camels in Arabia at the lavish Mazayna Al Dhafra camel contest. With the finest examples costing US$2 million, Silvia’s a little out of her league - but having fun!

LOST: Turkish Frontiers

Text Tim Hannigan, Sophie Ibbotson & Max Lovell-Hoare
The eastern and western extremes of Turkey couldn’t be more different, as writers Tim Hannigan, Sophie Ibbotson and Max Lovell-Hoare find out as they tell their contrasting stories of the flavours of the Mediterranean and the charms of Central Asia.

ACTIVE: Luxury, Entertainment, Adventure

Text Sophie Ibbotson & Max Lovell-Hoare
Known for its shiny glass-and-steel skyscrapers and tremendous shopping, the United Arab Emirates is also a surprisingly easy place to get your adrenalin pumping. Kayakers, snowboarders, dune-bashers and petrolheads are all at home in this luxury capital of the Middle East.

ONE FOR THE ROAD: Postcard from West Asia

Text & Photo Michael Lisman
Show us your take on what makes the region a great place to visit and stand a chance to win a high-end digital flash for your DSLR!

Kayaking in Dubai/Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai