ITINERARY LAUSANNE ASIA
(en chantier)
I. EUROPE – MIDDLE EAST and CENTRAL ASIA – CHINA – KOREA – JAPAN
II. BEIJING – CANTON
III. INDONESIA – SPICE ROUTE
View Hadrian to Hakata in a larger map
last mod March 7, 2014
I. EUROPE – MIDDLE EAST and CENTRAL ASIA – CHINA – KOREA – JAPAN
II. BEIJING – CANTON
III. INDONESIA – SPICE ROUTE
View Hadrian to Hakata in a larger map
I. EUROPE
MIDDLE EAST and CENTRAL ASIA – CHINA – KOREA – JAPAN
MIDDLE EAST and CENTRAL ASIA – CHINA – KOREA – JAPAN
LYON
Silk history in Lyon (fr.wiki)
From Spain to Italy
From Lyon to Arles
Via Agrippa
Via Domitia
Via Aurelia
http://jean-francois.mangin.pagesperso-orange.fr/romains/ro_1.htm
LAUSANNE
RIGGISBERG
Abegg-Stiftung, Riggisberg, 031 808 12 01
ZURICH
After Morgarten battle (1315) new City-States team up with the Swiss. One such City-State is Zurich, an important economic center based on its silk industry. For its trade, Zurich needs the Gothard, and therefore, it strikes an alliance with the Swiss Confederation in 1351.
Gruber Herbert, Kulturweg Alpen : zu Fuss von Lac Léman ins Val Müstair (Alpine Cultural Trail, by foot from Geneva Lake to Val Müstair) / hrsg. von den Naturfreunden Schweiz ; Red.: Herbert Gruber ; mit Beitr. von Thomas Bachmann ... [et al.], Zürich : Limmatt-Verlag, 2001 . ( Reference work about hiking, walking).
FLORENCE
VENICE
TURKEY
In Marco Polo’s book, Turkey is called Turcomania and Armenia. Cities mentioned are Payas. Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Part of the Persian Royal Road was in Anatolia. There is also an Alexander The Great itinerary through present day Turkey.
ANKARA
Gordium: Yassihüyük. The Gordion archeological site lies about 100km southwest of Ankara and 30km northwest of Polatli.
BURSA
Its strategic location on the westernmost end of the famous Silk Road ensured Prusa to remain as one of the largest centers of silk trade throughout the medieval period.
It has thermal baths, and several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology.
Thermal baths dating from the Roman times. Sre still used today, as Turkish baths.
SARDIS
Modern Sart, capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Sardis, Sardes (Sart) near Salihli in the Manisa province of Turkey, close to the Ankara - İzmir highway (approximately 72 kilometers from İzmir). Listen to 2010 BBC A History of the World in 100 Objects, episode 25: “Gold Coin of Croesus”. Book I of Herodotus’ Histories is dedicated to Lydia, Croesus and Sardis. On Line.
Seen from Europe, Sardis is the starting point of the Royal Road.
PAMUKKALE
Pamukkale (World Heritage Sites 1988). Extraordinary geological site. There is a similar geological wonder in West China, in Huanglong, Sichuan Province (also UNESCO World Heritage Site).
HIERAPOLIS
Hot springs since -150, near Denizli. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immediately next to Pamukkale.
View Turcomania and Armenia in a larger map
DÖRTYOL
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Dörtyol is called Payas or Laïas in Marco Polo’s book. Mentioned because it was a city free from Muslim domination at the time. When the Polo are traveling back from "China" (first trip), they transited through present day Dörtyol, which was one of the rare cities in Anatolia under Mongol influence (all the other were under Muslim control). Payas or Laïas was, like Trabzon, outside Muslim influence.
KOZAN
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Sis means Kozan (Marco Polo calls it Sevasto, I/67), capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, 1198-1375).
NEVSEHIR
It is one of the starting point to reach Cappadocia. The main site of Cappadocia is the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
NIGDE
Nigde is one of the starting point to reach Cappadocia. The main site of Cappadocia is the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
KAYSERI
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Kayseri fell to the Mongols in 1243. Kayseri is on the Persian Royal Road, and is connected to the Greek (Herodotus, Alexander the Great), Roman and Byzantine past of Anatolia. It is a starting point to reach Cappadocia. The main site of Cappadocia is the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
GÖREME NATIONAL PARK
The main site of Cappadocia is the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SIVAS
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Sivas (I/70), same name today.
ERZINCAN
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Erzincan (I/70), same name today.
ERZERUM
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Erzerum (I/71) should read Erzurum.
MUS
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Mus, same name today.
ERCIS
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Ercis on the north east of Lake Van.
MOUNT ARARAT
Located in the easternmost province of Turkey's Eastern Anatolia Region. 16 km west of the Iranian and 32 km south of the Armenian border. The Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan is also close.
Azerbaijan
Surakhany, near Baku, Azerbaijan. The Baku Ateshgah or "Fire Temple" built during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was nominated for World Heritage Site status in 1998. Local legend associates the temple at Surakhany with the Fire temples of Zoroastrianism, but this is presumably based on the general identification of any "home of fire" as a Zoroastrian place of worship.
Georgia
ALEP
DAMASCUS
BAGDAD
ABU DHABI
United Arab Emirates, not far from former Ormuz. The city-state of Ormus dates back to the 13th century when it controlled the slave market from Africa and Arabia to Khorasan in Persia. At its zenith in 13th to 14th century, Ormus (or Ormuz) was a powerful naval state with a large and active trading fleet and a powerful navy. Ormus (also known as Ohrmuzd, Hormuz, and Ohrmazd) was a 16th and 17th century kingdom located within the Persian Gulf and extending as far as the Strait of Hormuz. During this time, it was a client state of the Portuguese empire. The kingdom received its name from the fortified port city which served as its capital. It was one of the most important ports in the Middle East at the time as it controlled sea-way trading routes through the Persian Gulf to India and East Africa. This port was probably located on the island of Hormoz, which is located near the modern city of Bandar-e Abbas (en.wikipedia 7.7.09). When Marco Polo and his two uncles went out to China in 1275 or so, they tried to sail, starting from Hormuz, south of the Persian Gulf, then one of the biggest port on Asian seas. Somehow, it didn't work for them, they didn't find a suitable sea possibility, so they went by the land route instead. Seventeen years later, on the way back from China, by the sea route this time, they again sailed via Hormuz. In 2008, my route to Asia also stops on the southern end of the Arabian Gulf, in a rich city-state, Abu Dhabi, few miles across where Hormuz used to be.
In a new visited city, one may be surprised by the mixture of races (the West, New York) or by the absence of it (China, Korea, Japan). But here, in Abu Dhabi airport, it is the mixture of clothing styles that is the striking feature. All the variety of veils for women: Hijab, al-Amira, shayia, chador, khimar, shelagh, niqab, burka and many other kinds of head covers for men; Indonesian pupils' uniforms, colorful dress from Central Asia and India, all the possible kinds of trousers and skirts for men, and of course the regular variety of all the possible western dresses, from the Hawaiian outfit to all the types of male suits, rich and poor. Underneath these extravagantly diverse clothing, they are maybe all the same.
In 2008, 80% of the population of Abu Dhabi is Asian expatriate.
IRAN
AFGANISTAN
Begram (Bagram) Afghanistan, nord de Kabul. (archeological site)
Surkh Kotal, Afghanistan, nord de Kabul. (archeological site)
Taschkent
Merv,
Bactra
Samarkand
PAMIR MOUNTAINS
"The lapis lazuli found in Egyptian tombs is thought to come from the Pamir area. About 138 BC Zhang Qian reached the Fergana Valley northwest of the Pamirs.....From about 600 AD, Buddhist pilgrims travelled on both sides of the Pamirs to reach India from China.....Marco Polo may have travelled along the Panj River. ....The Pamir Highway, the world's second highest international road, runs from Dushanbe in Tajikistan to Osh in Kyrgyzstan through the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, and is the isolated region's main supply route. The Great Silk Road crossed a number of Pamir Mountain ranges" (wiki 24.02.2010)
Kokand
Kuldja
*******
CHINA
Kashgar -Dunhuang
Par le nord: Aksu
Kashgar -Dunhuang
Par le sud
Dunhuang
Anxi
Hexi corridor in Gansu province, 1200 km long.
100'000 years BCE, the ancestors of the Han arrived in « China », advancing from West to East, from Africa to Central Asia and Turkestan. Their main transit route was along the Hexi corridor, a narrow passage between Tibet and Gobi desert.
Jiayuguan
The western tip of the Great Wall dating from the Ming dynasty.
Zhengye 张掖 Zhāngyì
Major city at the time of Marco Polo (called by him Ganzhou). Zhanghe has China’s largest ‘reclining Buddha’ in the temple where Kublai Khan was born (?). Cf. Marco Polo, p. I/152.
Jiuquan Starting point for travelers who wanted to go east (350 km) towards the lost city of Khara-khoto. Now, in this region, the Chinese « Cap Canaveral » is located. Jiuquan city (i.e. Suzhou) is the closest major city to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Still, the space launch center is more than 100 km away from the city, and is actually located not in Gansu province, but in the neighboring Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It was built in 1958; the first Chinese human spaceflight, Shenzhou 5 was launched there on 15 October 2003, and the second in 2005. Shenzhou is the name for China before it was called Zhongguo.
Liqian, 骊靬
Close to Yongchang 永昌, Gansu province, not far from Gobi desert. Suposedly a town constructed by Romans 1300 years before Marco Polo came to China. An Australian historian is trying to make this case. See David Harris, Black Horse Odyssey : Search for the Lost City of Rome in China, 1991. There is a documentary on the subject: Rome, la cité perdue de Chine, réal. Galeo YEO, 2004, 55 min. What does en.wikipedia say:
During recent years, the county has entered the sight of media because many of the inhabitants of Liqian village are thought to be descendants of a Roman legion. The history records of the town indicate that it was founded by captured combatants of the Battle of Zhizhi during 36 BC. In a geography book of the eastern Han Dynasty it is recorded that "Local people call the ancestors of the Roman prisoners-of-war Lijian" the word Lijian being the Chinese name for something or someone of Greco-Roman origin. A number of the town's inhabitants still bear some features of Europeans. A DNA test is being conducted in early 2007 in the attempt to find genetic evidence supporting this claim.
The result of this specific study is negative. The study concludes: "Overall, a Roman mercenary origin could not be accepted as true according to paternal genetic variation, and the current Liqian population is more likely to be a subgroup of the Chinese majority Han" (en.wikipedia 8.2.08).
Wuwei 武威 = Polo Liangzhou, 凉州
Wuwei, one of the 4 garrison cities in the Hexi corridor. Wuwei importance as a stop along the Silk Road made it a crossroads of cultures and ethnicities from all over central Asia. Numerous Buddhist grottoes and temples in the area attest to its role as a path for bringing Buddhism from India and Afghanistan to China (en. wikipedia 8.2.08).
Xiahe, 夏河
Home to the famed Labrang Lamma Buddhist monastery, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The town is populated largely by ethnic Tibetans, as well as some Hui and Han Chinese.
Bing Li Si, 炳灵寺 Bingling Temple Grottoes
At a place where crossing the Yellow River by raft was customary, a huge grottoes complex has been created over the centuries. The Bingling Temple is both stylistically and geographically a midpoint between the monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan and the Buddhist Grottoes of central China, Yungang Grottoes near Datong and Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang.
Can only be reached by boat from Yongjing.
Lanzhou, 兰州, Gansu province
According to Marco Polo, Le devisement du monde (éd. critique publ. sous la dir. de Philippe Ménard), Genève: Droz 2001-2007, 5 vols, Marco Polo goes through Lanzhou.
Tianshui, 麦积山石窟 Gansu province
Maiji shan, 麦积山. This example of rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals. Construction began in the Later Qin era (384-417 CE) (en.wikipedia 8.2.08). Description for UNESCO listing. Close to Tianshui, there are noria type irrigation wheels called Zuo wheels.
Xi'an, Xian
Silk is produced in South China, but it leaves China from Xian. As Xian was the capital, that was there that all foreigners had to go (ambassadors, monks, merchants). The Chinese emperor from the Han to the Tang dynasties opened what would much later be called the "Silk Road". Ambassador ZHANG Qian left Xi'an in 138 BC and returned in Xian in 126 BC. In 166, the Han emperor acknowledged the visit of a "Roman embassy". Romans used to call China "Sères". Around 500 CE, Fa Xianli left China for his great voyage to Central Asia, India, Sri Lanka and back, from Xi'an.
Xian is a major archeological location. Has the best museum of history in the whole country. There were a lot of foreigners living in Xian. A Christian stele dating back to 781 is preserved in Xian. Chinese Buddhist priest Xuan Zang (San Zang) left China for his "Journey to the West" from Xian. Ennin stayed in Xi'an from 840 to 845. Big Wild Goose Pagoda climbed by Ennin in 841. Marco Polo was in Xian.
Turkmenistan - China gas pipeline and Kazakhstan - China oil pipeline go through Xian region.
Datong, 大同
I am surprised that neither Ennin nor Marco Polo mentions Datong's Yungang caves dating from the 5th century. It is an example of statue art inspired from Gandhara Greco-Buddhist style.
Mount Wu Tai, 五台山
The major pilgrimage made by Ennin when in China was at Mt Wutai in 840. Long description in the dairy. One of the temple visited is still visible today: Zhulinsi 竹林寺. Marco Polo mentions it as well. Scholars consider Mt Wutai as an important post on the silk roads cultural area.
Linfen 临汾
Ennin gets to Linfen 临汾 (called here p. 277- 8, Chin-chou). This place is also named in Marco Polo's book.
Taiyuan, 太原, Shanxi province
Ennin stays in Taiyuan several days in 840. Marco Polo was there when he traveled from Beijing to Xian. Very important trade and industry center since Antiquity. Also famous for its connection with Buddhism. Taiyuan is close to Mt Wutai. The temple Jin Ci with its unique collection of Song dynasty statues is also in Taiyuan. Has also one of the best history museums of China. Coal is one of the most important industries. Ennin mentions it in his dairy.
Yinchuan, 银川
Yinchuan lies in the middle of the Yinchuan or Ningxia Plain. It is sheltered from the deserts of Mongolia by the high ranges of the Helan Mountain to its west. The Yellow River runs through Yinchuan from southwest to northeast.
Dalian Port Arthur. Lushun
1904 where and when as the first Asian nation, Japan enters modernity by defeating the Russians (100'000 deaths).
Duolun 多伦, Chemeinfu
Other names: Ciandu, Shangdu, Chang-tou, Chemeinfu. Quite far on the northeast in Inner Mongolia (I/183, chap. LXXV) with a long description of Kublai Khan palace there. The emperor received John of Marignola, a papal legate, in 1342 (CEC, p. 194).
Xuanhua, 宣化, Hebei province
Visited by Marco Polo. Name according to Marco Polo, Sindaciu. Not far east of Datong. Historically, Xuanhua has been the "Gateway to Beijing," a city with a large garrison that was close enough to the capital to be strategically vital. Xuanhua has a set of city walls built in the Ming Dynasty which are still partly intact (en. wikipedia 8.2.08).
North of Beijing, Beijing to Lanzhou north of the Yellow River:
Marco Polo speaks about a line of kings called George (I/179) in relation with a Turks Oengut people settled north of the Yellow river, in present day Inner Mongolia. They were Nestorians Christians. Supposed by Marco Polo to be successors of Pester John (Prêtre Jean).
Beijing, 北京 Peking, Cambaluc, Khanbalig
In preparation for the conquest of all of China, Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty founder Kublai Khan made this his capital as Dadu (大都, Chinese for "grand capital"), or Khanbaliq to the Mongols. This site is known as Cambuluc in Marco Polo's accounts. Apparently, Kublai Khan, who wanted to become a Chinese emperor, established his capital at this location instead of more traditional sites in central China because it was closer to his power base in Mongolia (en.wikipedia 9.2.08).
The first attempt by Jesuits to reach China was made in 1552 by St. Francis Xavier, Spanish priest and missionary and founding member of the Society. Xavier, however, died the same year on the Chinese island of Shangchuan, without having reached the mainland. Three decades later, in 1582, led by several figures including the prominent Italian Matteo Ricci, Jesuits once again initiated mission work in China, ultimately introducing Western science, mathematics, astronomy, and visual arts to the imperial court in Beijing, and carrying on significant inter-cultural and philosophical dialogue with Chinese scholars, particularly representatives of Confucianism. At the time of their peak influence, members of the Jesuit delegation were considered some of the emperor's most valued and trusted advisors, holding numerous prestigious posts in the imperial government.
Kazakhstan-China oil pipeline passes via Beijing.
Istanbul, Samarkand, Kashgar and Beijing are on the same latitude (40e).
Beijing – Korea
Korea
Material, techniques, religion, writing coming into Japan went first through Korea. For a long time, exchanges between China and Japan (end of the silk road in Nara) went through Korea. From Ennin's account, we can certify that Korean navigators were the best in the region during Tang times. Buddhism and Chinese writing went from China to Japan via Korea. So Korea is a vital historical link to the silkroads. Crowns in ancient Korea (Silla) were made of silk and precious metal.
Baekje, Korea
Ancient kingdom on the Korean peninsula before unification in the 7th century CE. Located southwest, including the area of present Seoul on the great Han River. During the 3rd and 4th centuries became a significant regional sea power, with political and trade relations with China and Japan. Stone lanterns which we often see at Japanese Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, were introduced in Japan from Baekje. Roof end tiles with lotus motives, so common in Japan, were used on royal palaces in the kingdom of Baekje. They were imitations from tiles used in South China.
Gyeongju (Kyongju)
The "Xi'an" of Korea. Capital of the Silla kingdom from -50 to 650. In 668, with the help of Tang China, Silla was able to defeat the 2 other kingdoms of Korea (Baekje and Goguryeo) and unify the country. Silla imported Roman glass, jaded bracelets, inlaid glass beads necklace and decorated swords from India. Glass vessels were excavated from some of the royal tombs of Gyeongju. These products are presumed to have been imported to China and the Korean peninsula from the Eurasian continent.
Busan (Pusan)
In the National Museum of Korea, Seoul, they exhibit a glass cup from the Gaya kingdom (Busan region), originating from the Mediterranean region. It was introduced into the Korean peninsula along the silk road during the 5th or 6th century. Busan is the "Nagasaki" or the "Canton" of Korea, the open port with the outside world. Historically, it is the port where from exchanges with Japan were made. Today, only 3 hours by boat. As from the middle ages, Japanese were allowed to have a settlement in Busan Waegwan. In the 19th century, Busan became the first international port in Korea.
Iki Shima, Japan
Island of passage between the continent and China.
Tsu Shima, Japan
Island of passage between the continent and China.
Japan
Nara, Japan
The city of Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is considered the cradle of Japanese culture and is abundant in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Many valuable pieces from The Silk Road period are housed in Nara's Shosoin Treasure Repository of the Emperor. Home of the Research Centre for Silk Roadology - for studies into the history and culture of the great commercial highway. UNESCO world heritage for its history of cultural links with Western neighbors.
Horyuji (Nara Prefecture)
Horyu-ji. The grounds of Horyuji (Horyu Temple) house the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. According to en.Wikipedia scholarly presentation, "The five-story pagoda, is widely regarded as one of the two oldest wood buildings in the world. The wood used in the center pillar of the pagoda is estimated to have felled in 594, a date established through a dendrochronological analysis". Horyuji boasts an illustrious 14 centuries of continuous observance of tradition since established by Prince Shotoku, the great statesman and founder of Buddhism in Japan. Excellent pictures on Tale of Genji site.
Kyoto
Ennin's home temple, Mt Hiei temple 比叡山, is close to Kyoto. François Xavier stayed 11 days in Kyoto in 1551 (coming on foot from Hirado in Kyushu). Chanted by Swiss traveler and writer Nicolas Bouvier. Kyoto International Manga Museum. USO.
Mt Hiei
Enryakuji, the temple complex on Mt. Hiei, became a sprawling center of power, attended not only by ascetic monks, but also by brigades of warrior monks (sohei) who fought in the temple's interest. As a result, in 1571 Enryakuji was razed by Oda Nobunaga as part of his campaign to unify Japan (en.wikipedia, 7.1.08).
Kobe
After 1923 earthquake (destruction of Tokyo and Yokohama), Kobe took over the silk industry and trade. For earlier periods, Kobe has a lot of remainders of its links with overseas. Kobe's museum has a special section on Nanban history.
Sakai near Osaka
In Sakai City Museum, a Kannon Bosatsu statue brought to Japan from China via Korea between 590 and 710, made of sandalwood from Indonesia. Before being completely destroyed by civil war, the city of Sakai was described by the missionary Gaspar Vilela. Francis Xavier preached there. Xavier's Park.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Setonaikai archipelago
Setonaikai National Park, Setonaikai (瀬戸内海) or Inland Sea. Setting of the 1960 movie: Hadaka no shima (The Naked Island) by Kaneta Shindo. The island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea, has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the 12th century. Bugaku music was introduced to Japan from India, Vietnam, China and the Korean Peninsula. Now, it is performed only in Japan (in particular in Itsukushima Shrine). Close to Hiroshima.
Yamaguchi
Francis Xavier preached there.
Fukuoka, Hakata
The port where from Ennin left for China and where he came back in December 847. Mongols tried to invade Japan in 1274 and 1281. The ideal place to land was Hakata Bay. Japanese built a wall called Genko-Borvi along the bay, and were able to keep the Mongols away.
Da Zai Fu
Kyushu National Museum. Kyushu Historical Museum. Da Zai Fu was a diplomatic center with the outside world. Ganjin, Chinese monk who went to Japan to preach, ca. 756, started from Yangzhou in China (Da yun Si Temple) and arrived in Japan, Kyushu, close to Hakata, in Da Zai Fu (Kanzeon-ji Temple).
Shimabara, close to Nagasaki
1637, last battle before the end of the Christian century in Japan. Took place at Hara castle.
Nagasaki, Japan
In 1542, a Portuguese ship accidentally landed nearby. Then follows the "Christian century". Ended with the 26 Christian martyrs, February 5, 1597. Place where P. Luis Frois S.J. died in 1597 (but not one of the 26 martyrs). After the expulsion of all Europeans missionaries, Nagasaki remains alone as a contact point between Japan and the rest of the world. Until Meiji Restoration in 1868. Chinese had also their trading and residence area in this town. When all other such " China towns" were closed down (Hakata, Kagoshima, Fukui, Oita), Nagasaki remained to only place where Chinese were tolerated in Japan. It is THE city of the Chinese in Japan, can be compared with Semarang in Indonesia. Brand new Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture.
Hirado
Hirado Shima close to Nagasaki
Francis Xavier arrived in Hirado from Kagoshima. He walked from Hirado to Kyoto. Hirado is where a trading post was opened for Europeans in 1603. Once Christianity was banned in Japan, persecution in Hirado became fierce. Any mention of a date using the Christian era (e.g. "Since 1603") was severely punished.
Kagoshima
1542, Portuguese traders land at Tanegashima, Kyushu. August 1549, Francis Xavier arrived in Kagoshima. He was the first christian missionary in Japan. Stayed in Kagoshima 9 months. Went next to Hirado. The person who introduced Francis Xavier in Kyushu was a man from Kagishima, his name was Yajiro. The first Japanese who went to Europe (Lisbon, Rome, died in Coїmbra), called Bernard, was also from Kagoshima.
Oita City, Oita Kyushu
It is speculated that it was in Oita that Buddhism first gained a foothold in Japan over 1300 years ago. Evidence of this can be seen in the form of numerous stone Buddha statues carved into cliffs and rock faces all over the prefecture. Over 80% of all the stone Buddhas in Japan can be found here. Most famous of all are the statues at Usuki. Obviously once a site of some importance, there are 60 well-preserved 12th century carvings here in an atmospheric rural setting. Western medicine was introduced in Japan by medical doctor and Portuguese merchant Luis Almeida (1525-1583). He founded the first Western-style hospital in Japan. Later, Almeida became a Jesuit. A sculpture of him is displayed in Oita City. Almeida, another Christian priest, opened schools and hospitals in Funai (today's Oita). Chinese had also their trading and residence area in this town.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, Honshu Island
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape (1246). The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, south-west of Honshu Island. Park of Koga. The park of Koga is the work of the great landscape designer Nakamura Yoshio. UNESCO 2003.
Kanazawa
One of the few typical castle towns still remaining in Japan. By Hakusan, one of the 3 most famous sacred mountains in Japan along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama.
Eihei Ji (Yong ping si)
Close to the cities of Fukui et Katsuyama. Eihei-ji was established in 1244 by Zen master Dogen Zenji (1200-1253), who studied Buddhism in China and introduced Soto Zen Buddhism to Japan.
Fukui
Chinese had also their trading and residence area in this town.
Hiraizumi
Where we can elucidate the mystery of the "The Golden Hall of Zipang". Hiraizumi is home to the Konjikido, the Golden Hall. It is commonly assumed that when Marco Polo wrote in his "Tales of the Orient" of his travels to extravagant palaces in Zipang, as he called Japan, where even the roofs were covered with gold bars, that he was referring to the Golden Hall. The Osch Fujiwara family (main activity: Gold mining) was engaged in trade with the Chinese continent at that time, so it is not surprising that news of the Golden Hall would have reached the ears of Marco Polo. According to information provided by Japan specialist Philippe Neeser (March 2008), the "Golden Pavilion" Marco Polo heard about is without any doubt the Konjiki-do (金色堂) or 'Golden Hall' of Chuson-ji temple complex in Hiraizumi, north of Sendai (Iwate Prefecture). This Golden Hall, erected at about 1100, and covered with gold leaf, still visible today, is the cenotaph containing the mummified remains of Northern Fujiwara clan leaders who ruled much of northern Japan in the 12th century. From the point of view of Silkroads with an interest in travelers like Ennin, it is furthermore interesting to note that the Tendai sect claims that Konjiki-do temple was founded in 850 by Ennin, the third chief abbot of the sect (en.wikipedia, March 30, 2008).
Acording to information gathered in Hiraizumi, the other big temple, the Motsu-ji Temple, was founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin (794-864). Following explanation in front of Kaisando (Founder's Hall): His diary of his nine-year stay in Tang dynasty China, Record of a Pilgrimage to China in Search of the Law, is ranked alongside Marco Polo's Il Milione (The Travels of Marco Polo) and the Chinese Journey to the West as among the world's great travelogues.
So, two of the world's most famous travelogues are connected together here, in Hiraizumi, north of Japan.
Sendai. Matsushima
Zui Gan Ji Temple. In 828, Jikaku Daishi Ennin founds Enpuku-ji (Matsushima Dera) which in 1609 becomes the Zui Gan Ji Temple.
Yokohama
Silk Museum, Silk Center Kokusai Boeki Kanko Kaikan, No.1 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan.
1872 Oct.14 Opening ceremony at both Shimbashi (now Shiodome) and Yokohama (Now Sakuragicho) for the first Japanese Railroad.
Back to Beijing
Zhuoxian, Hebei province
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. For Marco Polo describing itineraries going from Beijing to the southwest or the southeast, from Zhuoxian on there were two roads: one west to Xian and one South East to Quanzhou.
Zaicheng
Zaicheng village， Dingxian， Hebei （former fortified village） (Sidney D. Gamble, Ting Hsien: A North China Rural Community)。
Dingxian, 定縣
Also called Dingzhou 定州; used to be a fortified city; famous for the social surveys and experiments that took place there from the 30's up to the 90's. Sidney D. Gamble, Ting Hsien: A North China Rural Community.
Zhengding, 正定, Hebei, 河北
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Zhengding has been an important religious center for more than 1,000 years, from - at least - the times of the Sui Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. It is the founding place of a major school of Zen Buddhism. However, most of the former religious building complexes have been severely damaged since, often leaving only isolated remains. A noteworthy exception is the Longxing Monastery, where the historical building ensemble has been preserved almost intact. Furthermore, four famous pagodas, each with its own architectural style, are still standing (en. wikipedia 7.2.08).
Cangzhou, 沧州, Hebei Province 河北
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. A city famous for its tradition of wushu martial arts. It has a special importance connected with the silkroads cultural area since "The city's Hui residents have seven mosques. One of them, the West Mosque, has collected at its museum one of China's best collections of Islamic manuscripts and artifacts" (en. wikipedia 7.2.08).
Hejian 河间 Hebei province
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Also transcribed "Ho kien Fu". Seat of a Jesuit mission to which Séraphin Couvreur and Léon Wieger used to belong (de.wikipedia, 6 Feb. 2008).
Dezhou, 德州
In 2008, a thriving modern city, comparatively just as impressive as the rich city Marco Polo visited in 1290.
Longquanguan, Hebei province
Luancheng, Hebei province
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Xinhe, Hebei province
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Xinhe, Hebei province
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Lingxian
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Linyi
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Zhangqiu
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Bucun
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Changshan
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Jinlingzhen
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Weixian
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Penglai
Shandong by Ennin in 840 and 845. Market place in the walled city of Penglai (Ennin's Dairy, p. 177).
Guxian
Shandong by Ennin in 840.
Fushan
Shandong by Ennin in 840.
Muping
Shandong by Ennin in 840.
Chengshan Jiao
Shandong by Ennin in 839.
Wendeng
Shandong by Ennin in 840.
Chishanji
Shandong by Ennin in 839.
Yixian
Ennin's itinerary, 840 and then 845, 847.
Gaomi
On Ennin's itinerary, 845. See Kao-mi, Yi-hsien and Mt Chih here under.
Taitou
Taitou, Shandong Martin C. YANG, A Chinese Village, 1930. Location of one of these social surveys of the thirties. Situated across the Jiaozhou bay (the bay on east shore of which lays Qingdao), west of the bay and therefore of Qingdao.
Zhucheng 诸城
Back on Ennin's south - north itinerary, 845, from Yangzhou, Xuzhou region up to Shandong.
Dongping 东平, Shandong? province
200 km west of Ennin's itinerary, on Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Jining 济宁, Shandong province
On the Grand Canal, 200 km west of Ennin's itinerary, on Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary. 50 km away from Qufu, the home town of Confucius.
Juxian 莒县
Chinese archeologists have confirmed that the inscriptions on a 4, 800-year-old piece of pottery unearthed in Juxian County in east China's Shandong Province are the earliest form of Chinese characters ever found (People's Daily, April 21, 2000). On Ennin's itinerary, 845.
Shandong province
This is the earliest transit province between China and Korea - Japan. Ennin's travelogue mentions many encounters with Koreans in this province where he stayed and traveled a lot. Today, the Korean presence is still obvious from the many signs written in Korean in a city like Yantai.
Ganyu 赣榆, Shandong province
Ennin walked through Kan-yü in 845, when he was ordered to walk up to Shandong to catch a suitable boat.
Lianyungang 连云港, Jiangsu province
During the Kangxi Reign (1662-1722), China opened its ports to foreigners. One of the four original ports opened up for foreign trade in the 1680s. Start of (Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline) and end of the east to west Lianyungang-Urumqi railway line. Japanese embassies used this port also to enter or leave China in the 9th century.
Haizhou 海州
Point where from the Japanese embassy (at the time of Ennin's trip to China) sailed back to Japan.
Xuzhou 徐州, Jiangsu province
Ennin was in Ch'u-Chou in 839, in 845 and in 847. On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Marco Polo emphasizes the role of Xuzhou as an inland and sea transportation hub (see MP itinerary). Today, still important: China's two most important rail lines, Beijing-Shanghai that runs north-south direction, and Lianyungang-Urumqi that goes from east to west, meet here. Xuzhou Museum displays Han terracotta warriors similar to those of Xi'an.
Suqian 宿迁， Jiangsu province 江苏
Huai'an 淮安
Zhou Enlai was born in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province.
Baoying 宝应
Gaoyou 高邮
On Gaoyou Lake. Recent archaeological research at the Longqiuzhuang site in Gaoyou has found evidence of rice growing dating back to 5,500-7,000 years ago.
Grand Canal, Da yunhe 大运河
On Yangzhou-Penglai itinerary (south to north) by Ennin in 838 and 845. On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary (north to south), circa 1290. Gaoyou, Baoying, Huai'an, Suqian (south to north).
Rugao 如皋 , Jiangsu
East of Yangzhou. This is the first town Ennin passes through when he arrives in China from Japan in 838.Taoist temple originally from before the Tang. In 1996, Rugao went through the "reconstruction of the old city".
Yiling 宜陵, Jiangsu province
East of Yangzhou. Ennin passes through this village when arriving from the Yellow sea in 838.
Ennin's itinerary from Yangzhou to Penglai, north of Shandong province:
Yangzhou 扬州, Jiangsu province 江苏
Ganjin, Chinese monk who went to Japan to preach, ca. 756, started from Yangzhou (Da yun Si Temple) and arrived in Japan, Kyushu, close to Hakata, in Da Zai Fu, Kanzeon-ji Temple. Ennin stayed in Yangzhou in 838-9. The Korean scholar CUI ZHIYUAN (his Chinese name) came from Korea to China at the age of 12. At that time, Foreigners were coming to China to study just as nowadays, everyone wants to study in the United States. Cui Zhiyuan came to China, studied, passed the exams (his "PhD"), earned a living by being a writer. Instead of returning in Korea, he stayed in China. In 880, he finally became governor of Yangzhou (Thatsyangzhou, Nov. 07, p. 20). On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c. 1290. Used to be, in the region, the equivalent of present day Shanghai. It was the big business city on the Yangtze, at the start of the Grand Canal.
"Marco Polo served there under the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan in the period around 1282-1287. Although some versions of Polo's memoirs imply that he was the governor of Yangzhou, it is more likely that he was an official in the salt industry, as it is very unlikely that a foreigner would be made a governor of one of the most important cities in the country. The discovery of the 1342 tomb of Katarina Vilioni, member of an Italian trading family in Yangzhou, suggests the existence of a thriving Italian community in the city in the 14th century" (en.wikipedia 19.01.08).
Yangzhou was prosperous at the time of Ennin (end of Tang dynasty), it was then China's third largest city (according to Yangzhou's Museum about the city during Tang time). But not particularly prosperous at the time of Marco Polo (ca. 1280). The commercial significance of Yangzhou had its revival after 1644.
Nanjing 南京, Jiangsu province 江苏
Bodidharma is supposed to have met the Chinese emperor in Nanjing. The Mongols, the occupiers of China, further consolidated the city's status as a hub of the textile industry (en.wikipedia 19.01.08). On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c. 1290. Starting harbor for Zheng He, the great Chinese official explorer who sailed a huge fleet to Africa and back. Subject to the famous discussions about 1421.
Yizheng 仪征 Jiangsu province 江苏
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c. 1290. West on his north - south direction. On the way to Nanjing. Today, a busy industrial city (chemicals, car industry) with a modern bridge across the Yangtze.
Guazhou 瓜 州, Jiangsu province 江苏 , across the Yangtze, north, opposite Zhenjiang
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Seems to be tiny compared with Zhenjiang. At the chapter dedicated to this tiny city (II/350, CXLIX), --which used to be an island on the Yangtze--, Marco Polo describe the Grand Canal, how it connects this region with Cambaluc (Beijing), how huge vessel can navigate from here to Beijing without sailing on the sea, and how the Grand Canal is bordered by an elevated street.
Zhenjiang 镇江, Jiangsu province 江苏, south of the Yangtze
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c.1290. The city reached its zenith under the Song dynasty (960-1279), when it produced fine silks, satins, and silverware for the emperors. In about 1300, a census reported that some Nestorian Christians were living in Zhenjiang. (en.wikipedia 19.01.08). Marco Polo calls it Cinghianfu. "Il y a deux églises de Chrétiens nestoriens, et ce advint dès 1278 de l'incarnation du Christ, et vous dirai comment. Il est vrai que jamais n'y avait eu de moustier de Chrétiens, ni n'y eut croyants en Dieu jusqu'en 1278, époque où y fut seigneur trois ans pour le Grand Can un baron nommé Marsarchis, qui était Chrétien nestorien" (II/352, CL). This lord, form Samarkand, did indeed exist. Zhenjiang has a famous "street Dagoba" from Yuan times, i.e. from the time of the Mongols (Stone Dagoba of Zhaoguan) .
Changzhou, 常州, Jiangsu province 江苏
South of the Yangtze River. On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c.1290. 8 km from Changzhou City are the remains of an ancient walled town, founded over 3000 years ago at the beginning of the Western Zhou dynasty.
Suzhou 苏州
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c. 1290. On the Grand Canal. The gardens of Suzhou are UNESCO world heritage. Suzhou has been an important centre for China's silk industry since the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Suzhou Silk Museum.
Wujiang, 吴江 on Lake Tai Hu 太湖
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Silk manuracturing area.
Kaixiangong, 开弦弓, Jiangsu province 江苏
Kai Hsien Kung, Wujiang county, Jiangsu province (Fei Hsiao-Tung, Peasant Life in China. A field study of Country Life in the Yangtze Valley), on the south shore of Lake Tai. Silk industry reform project in the 30's.
Huzhou, 湖州
Huzhou is known as the City of Silk, one of the Four Capital-cities of Silk in China. Home town of Lu Yu 陸羽 （733-804), Sage of tea, author of The Classic of Tea. Huzhou, Zhejiang, on Lake Tai, (also called Wuhing, 吳興). Described in AAVV, A Study of Rural Economy of Wuhing, Chekiang (1936). One of the large scale social studies conducted in the thirties on model rural communities. These studies are important because they furnish complete data on a community; because of these data, these communities have become special cases and new large scale studies have been made on them in the sixties and in the nineties. Below, see also Kaixianggong, Taitou, Dingxian, Zaicheng.
From Hangzhou to the north west, sociological survey villages:
Jiaxing, 嘉兴
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Silk producing city since ancient times.
Wuzhen 乌镇， Zhejiang
"Wuzhen is a water town whose network of waterways and access to the Grand Canal once made it a prosperous place for its trade and production of silk" (LP). Revolutionary writer Mao Dun is from Wuzhen. He wrote Spring Silkworms.
From Hangzhou to the north, Marco Polo's itinerary:
Tiantai shan, 浙江天台山
Buddhist sacred mountain south of Ningbo, where Ennin wanted to go in 838 because it is the birth place of his brand of Buddhism, the Tendai 天台 sect or Lotus School. He never got there, went to Wutai shan instead. At the foot of Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple was built in 598 in the Sui Dynasty (581-618). The most recent general renovation was during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Guoqing Temple now is a grand and unique architectural complex consisting of more than 600 rooms and 14 halls. It is one of the best preserved large temples in China.
Putuoshan, 普陀山
Mount Putuo is one of the four sacred Chinese mountains in Buddhism, the others being Mount Wutai, Mount Jiuhua, and Mount Emei. Putuo shan is the sacred mountain of the east. Father HUC visited it in 1850.
Ningbo, 宁波, 浙江
Like Guangzhou (Canton) and Yangzhou at Tang time, was an important port connected with the outside parts of Eurasia. In 1281, he Mongols started from Ningbo their second unsuccessful invasion of Japan. It is where, at about 1543, the first Europeans (Portuguese ruffians it seems) entered China. One of the four original ports opened up for foreign trade in the 1680s. Father HUC visited it in c.1850.
From Hangzhou to the south east:
Hangzhou, 杭州, capital of Zhejiang province 浙江
Marco Polo stayed in Kinsaï (Kinsaï or Qinsai, after xingzai, "temporary residence". See CEC p. 188) several times and many years. On his Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. The Grand Canal used to connect Hangzhou with Beijing. Odoric of Pordenone, Marignolli and Ibn Battuta, give notable details about Hangzhou. UNESCO world heritage.
Jiande, 建德, Zhejiang province 浙江
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Lanxi, 兰溪, Zhejiang province 浙江
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Zhuge Eight Diagrams Village. A "thoroughfare opening on all sides", a town where "three rivers collect", Lanxi enjoys great facilities of communication. These cities are not on the Lonely Planet and similar guidebooks, but they remind us of the old communication routes, and they explain why Marco Polo went this way rather than along the apparently more direct costal way. See assignments "The coast road in China".
Quzhou, 衢州, also Quxian, Zhejiang province 浙江
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. At the confluence of three rivers. On the railway line to Hangzhou. Quxian has been a natural transportation centre since ancient times. Natural routes lead westward into Jiangxi province, south into Fujian province, and southeastward to Wenzhou.
Jiangshan 江山, Zhejiang province 浙江
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Shangrao, 上饶, Jiangxi province 江西
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Wuyi Shan, 武夷山
Sacred mountain since the Han dynasty. The natural beauty of the area is protected by an imperial edict since the Tang dynasty. UNESCO world heritage.
Jian'ou 建甌
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Marco Polo mentions three bridges, amongst the most beautiful in the world, but can't find any trace of them. Could they be the three Song bridges from Quanzhou?
Nanping, 南平
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Fuzhou, 福州
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Hualin Temple, oldest existing wooden structure in China. Between 1405 and 1433 AD, the Chinese (Ming) navy fleet, led by Zheng He, sailed from Fuzhou to the Indian Ocean seven times.
Chongwu 崇武, Huai'an county
Next to Quanzhou, best preserved city walls of China, from 1387.
QUANZHOU, 泉州 on river Jin jiang
After Tang time and before the XVIth century, Quanzhou was one of the world's largest seaports, hosting a large community of foreign-born inhabitants from across the Eurasian world. Due to its reputation, Quanzhou has been called the starting point of the Silk Road by sea. Was called Caiton and Jingiang by Marco Polo and Zaytun or Zaitun by the Arabs. Ibn Battuta described the port in 1346. Mosque from 1009. Maritime museum. A reminder of the glorious days as an international seaport can be found 6 km west of Quanzhou in Jiu Ri shan, where Song officials had inscriptions engraved on cliffs facing the sea, asking for favorable weather conditions. There are also three famous stone bridges from Song dynasty (Luoyang qiao1053, Fu qiao 1160 and Wuli qiao 1253). Marco Polo mentions " three bridges, amongst the most beautiful in the world" for the city of Jian'ou. Maybe the non-existent bridges of Jian'ou are those of Quanzhou.
Yongding County, 永定县
Fujian is one of the places in China representing well the Hakka people (客家) through their particular village architecture (circular fortified communal buildings, Tulou). The Hakka people are also famous for their role among the overseas Chinese. Many major figure of Chinese history are Hakka. See the list of prominent Hakkas on en.wikipedia.
Xiamen, 厦门, Amoy
Combined with the city of Quanzhou, it is the Caiton of Marco Polo, it was, prior to Guangzhou it seems, THE large international trading port in China. Ships from Alexandria, India and Japan were seen there by Marco Polo in circa 1290. Visited by Friar Odoric of Pordenone in the XIVth century. One of the four original ports opened up for foreign trade in the 1680s.
Canton, 广州，Guangzhou
Arab and Persian pirates are supposed to have storm the city in the 8th century already (Wikipedia). Jews were persecuted there in 878. From Tang time, Canton with Yangzhou was the main ports open to foreign sea trade. But during Song and Yuan, Quanzhou was more important. Major trading port with the outside world as from the 16th century. One of the four original ports opened up for foreign trade in the 1680s. The Canton System between foreign merchants and Chinese was enforced from 1760 to1842. A Swiss merchant, Charles de Constant (1762-1835), stayed in Canton and wrote 2 volumes about his China trade experience.
Bodhidharma - Indian Buddhist monk and ancient founder of Chan - Zen philosophy, lived in Guangzhou circa 500 (Guangxiao Temple). Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas - Maternal uncle of the prophet Muhammad, lived in Guangzhou during the Tang Dynasty, established the first Chinese mosque.
Canton is the arrival gate of the China trail, the trail for the export of Chinese porcelain from Jin De Zhen.
Ibn Battuta in Canton. See: Ibn Battuta.
Macao, 澳门, Aomen, China
Macao, a lucrative port of strategic importance in the development of international trade, bears witness to one of the earliest and longest-lasting encounters between China and the West, based on the vibrancy of international trade. UNESCO world heritage.
**********
INDONESIA
Indonesia, Java
Important finds about early Homo erectus, near Solo. Marco Polo stops on Sumatra when he sails back from China. He writes about Java. Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J made a short stay in Java, in 1935, to the site of the Java man. What better place to start our tour of the silkroads cultural area than Indonesia? The Silk road area is a "world area" where exchanges of culture, religions and technologies have been common during two millennium. In this respect, Indonesia looks like a mother of integration: 600 languages, 10'000 islands, 220 million population, 6 official religions, USO. A perfect example of "world".
Jakarta
on Java Island
Former Batavia. The city representing modern Indonesia. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. Father Huc.
Bandung on Java Island
Conference 1955: SUKARNO, ZHOU EN LAI, HO CHI MINH, NASSER, NEHRU
Borobudur on Java Island
Borobudur Temple Compounds, one of the extreme oriental end of the Buddhism expansion, VIII century. The construction has been estimated to have taken 75 years and been completed in 825. It was during this time that many Hindu and Buddhist monuments were built IN CENTRAL JAVA (around the Kedu Plain). The Buddhist monuments, including Borobudur, were erected around the same time as the Hindu Prambanan temple compound. Borobudur lay hidden for centuries under layers of ash and jungle growth. According topopular belief, the temples were disbanded when the population converted to Islam in the 15th Century. But archaeologists and historians argue that volcanic eruptions and shifts of power are more likely causes.
Semarang, Central Java
Stone Building Temple (Gedung Batu Temple) commemorates the visit by the Chinese Muslim eunuch Admiral Zheng He in the early 15th century. In what is now Indonesia, Zheng visited Aceh, Palembang, Cirebon, Semarang and Gresik. Next to Semarang, in Demak: Oldest mosque in Java.
Yogyakarta on Java Island
Yogyakarta at the center of the three great influences in Indonesia: Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Heart of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim Indonesia (Prambanan, Borobudur, Solo). Yogyakarta has the largest university of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada UNIVERSITY. Is the birth place of the Muhammadiyah religious and educational movement. Has a famous garden in the Kraton - Palace: Taman Sari (Water Castle). Close to Yogyakarta, see Imogiri (also Imagiri), a royal graveyard complex. With Solo, Yogyakarta is a capital of batik.
Surabaya
“The Republic of Indonesia partly bases its claim to national unity on the last Hindu-Javanese kingdom of Majapahit (1293-1510s). The first king Wijaya (reigned 1294-1309) began the construction of the royal palace of Majapahit in present-day Trowulan, some 55 kilometers southwest of Surabaya, on the eve of the Mongol-Chinese invasion of Java in 1293”. Amrit Gomperts, Arnoud Haag and Peter Carey, “Rediscovering the royal capital of Majapahit”, pp. 12-13, IIAS, The Newsletter, 53, Spring 2010.
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SARDIS
Modern Sart, capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Sardis, Sardes (Sart) near Salihli in the Manisa province of Turkey, close to the Ankara - İzmir highway (approximately 72 kilometers from İzmir). Listen to 2010 BBC A History of the World in 100 Objects, episode 25: “Gold Coin of Croesus”. Book I of Herodotus’ Histories is dedicated to Lydia, Croesus and Sardis. On Line.
Seen from Europe, Sardis is the starting point of the Royal Road.
PAMUKKALE
Pamukkale (World Heritage Sites 1988). Extraordinary geological site. There is a similar geological wonder in West China, in Huanglong, Sichuan Province (also UNESCO World Heritage Site).
HIERAPOLIS
Hot springs since -150, near Denizli. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immediately next to Pamukkale.
View Turcomania and Armenia in a larger map
DÖRTYOL
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Dörtyol is called Payas or Laïas in Marco Polo’s book. Mentioned because it was a city free from Muslim domination at the time. When the Polo are traveling back from "China" (first trip), they transited through present day Dörtyol, which was one of the rare cities in Anatolia under Mongol influence (all the other were under Muslim control). Payas or Laïas was, like Trabzon, outside Muslim influence.
KOZAN
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Sis means Kozan (Marco Polo calls it Sevasto, I/67), capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, 1198-1375).
NEVSEHIR
It is one of the starting point to reach Cappadocia. The main site of Cappadocia is the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
NIGDE
Nigde is one of the starting point to reach Cappadocia. The main site of Cappadocia is the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
KAYSERI
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Kayseri fell to the Mongols in 1243. Kayseri is on the Persian Royal Road, and is connected to the Greek (Herodotus, Alexander the Great), Roman and Byzantine past of Anatolia. It is a starting point to reach Cappadocia. The main site of Cappadocia is the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
GÖREME NATIONAL PARK
The main site of Cappadocia is the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SIVAS
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Sivas (I/70), same name today.
ERZINCAN
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Erzincan (I/70), same name today.
ERZERUM
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Erzerum (I/71) should read Erzurum.
MUS
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Mus, same name today.
ERCIS
Anatolian cities mentioned in Marco Polo’s book are Payas, Sis, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzerum, Mus and Ercis. Ercis on the north east of Lake Van.
MOUNT ARARAT
Located in the easternmost province of Turkey's Eastern Anatolia Region. 16 km west of the Iranian and 32 km south of the Armenian border. The Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan is also close.
Azerbaijan
Surakhany, near Baku, Azerbaijan. The Baku Ateshgah or "Fire Temple" built during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was nominated for World Heritage Site status in 1998. Local legend associates the temple at Surakhany with the Fire temples of Zoroastrianism, but this is presumably based on the general identification of any "home of fire" as a Zoroastrian place of worship.
Georgia
ALEP
DAMASCUS
BAGDAD
ABU DHABI
United Arab Emirates, not far from former Ormuz. The city-state of Ormus dates back to the 13th century when it controlled the slave market from Africa and Arabia to Khorasan in Persia. At its zenith in 13th to 14th century, Ormus (or Ormuz) was a powerful naval state with a large and active trading fleet and a powerful navy. Ormus (also known as Ohrmuzd, Hormuz, and Ohrmazd) was a 16th and 17th century kingdom located within the Persian Gulf and extending as far as the Strait of Hormuz. During this time, it was a client state of the Portuguese empire. The kingdom received its name from the fortified port city which served as its capital. It was one of the most important ports in the Middle East at the time as it controlled sea-way trading routes through the Persian Gulf to India and East Africa. This port was probably located on the island of Hormoz, which is located near the modern city of Bandar-e Abbas (en.wikipedia 7.7.09). When Marco Polo and his two uncles went out to China in 1275 or so, they tried to sail, starting from Hormuz, south of the Persian Gulf, then one of the biggest port on Asian seas. Somehow, it didn't work for them, they didn't find a suitable sea possibility, so they went by the land route instead. Seventeen years later, on the way back from China, by the sea route this time, they again sailed via Hormuz. In 2008, my route to Asia also stops on the southern end of the Arabian Gulf, in a rich city-state, Abu Dhabi, few miles across where Hormuz used to be.
In a new visited city, one may be surprised by the mixture of races (the West, New York) or by the absence of it (China, Korea, Japan). But here, in Abu Dhabi airport, it is the mixture of clothing styles that is the striking feature. All the variety of veils for women: Hijab, al-Amira, shayia, chador, khimar, shelagh, niqab, burka and many other kinds of head covers for men; Indonesian pupils' uniforms, colorful dress from Central Asia and India, all the possible kinds of trousers and skirts for men, and of course the regular variety of all the possible western dresses, from the Hawaiian outfit to all the types of male suits, rich and poor. Underneath these extravagantly diverse clothing, they are maybe all the same.
In 2008, 80% of the population of Abu Dhabi is Asian expatriate.
IRAN
AFGANISTAN
Begram (Bagram) Afghanistan, nord de Kabul. (archeological site)
Surkh Kotal, Afghanistan, nord de Kabul. (archeological site)
Taschkent
Merv,
Bactra
Samarkand
PAMIR MOUNTAINS
"The lapis lazuli found in Egyptian tombs is thought to come from the Pamir area. About 138 BC Zhang Qian reached the Fergana Valley northwest of the Pamirs.....From about 600 AD, Buddhist pilgrims travelled on both sides of the Pamirs to reach India from China.....Marco Polo may have travelled along the Panj River. ....The Pamir Highway, the world's second highest international road, runs from Dushanbe in Tajikistan to Osh in Kyrgyzstan through the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, and is the isolated region's main supply route. The Great Silk Road crossed a number of Pamir Mountain ranges" (wiki 24.02.2010)
Kokand
Kuldja
*******
CHINA
Kashgar -Dunhuang
Par le nord: Aksu
Kashgar -Dunhuang
Par le sud
Dunhuang
Anxi
Hexi corridor in Gansu province, 1200 km long.
100'000 years BCE, the ancestors of the Han arrived in « China », advancing from West to East, from Africa to Central Asia and Turkestan. Their main transit route was along the Hexi corridor, a narrow passage between Tibet and Gobi desert.
Jiayuguan
The western tip of the Great Wall dating from the Ming dynasty.
Zhengye 张掖 Zhāngyì
Major city at the time of Marco Polo (called by him Ganzhou). Zhanghe has China’s largest ‘reclining Buddha’ in the temple where Kublai Khan was born (?). Cf. Marco Polo, p. I/152.
Jiuquan Starting point for travelers who wanted to go east (350 km) towards the lost city of Khara-khoto. Now, in this region, the Chinese « Cap Canaveral » is located. Jiuquan city (i.e. Suzhou) is the closest major city to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Still, the space launch center is more than 100 km away from the city, and is actually located not in Gansu province, but in the neighboring Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It was built in 1958; the first Chinese human spaceflight, Shenzhou 5 was launched there on 15 October 2003, and the second in 2005. Shenzhou is the name for China before it was called Zhongguo.
Liqian, 骊靬
Close to Yongchang 永昌, Gansu province, not far from Gobi desert. Suposedly a town constructed by Romans 1300 years before Marco Polo came to China. An Australian historian is trying to make this case. See David Harris, Black Horse Odyssey : Search for the Lost City of Rome in China, 1991. There is a documentary on the subject: Rome, la cité perdue de Chine, réal. Galeo YEO, 2004, 55 min. What does en.wikipedia say:
During recent years, the county has entered the sight of media because many of the inhabitants of Liqian village are thought to be descendants of a Roman legion. The history records of the town indicate that it was founded by captured combatants of the Battle of Zhizhi during 36 BC. In a geography book of the eastern Han Dynasty it is recorded that "Local people call the ancestors of the Roman prisoners-of-war Lijian" the word Lijian being the Chinese name for something or someone of Greco-Roman origin. A number of the town's inhabitants still bear some features of Europeans. A DNA test is being conducted in early 2007 in the attempt to find genetic evidence supporting this claim.
The result of this specific study is negative. The study concludes: "Overall, a Roman mercenary origin could not be accepted as true according to paternal genetic variation, and the current Liqian population is more likely to be a subgroup of the Chinese majority Han" (en.wikipedia 8.2.08).
Wuwei 武威 = Polo Liangzhou, 凉州
Wuwei, one of the 4 garrison cities in the Hexi corridor. Wuwei importance as a stop along the Silk Road made it a crossroads of cultures and ethnicities from all over central Asia. Numerous Buddhist grottoes and temples in the area attest to its role as a path for bringing Buddhism from India and Afghanistan to China (en. wikipedia 8.2.08).
Xiahe, 夏河
Home to the famed Labrang Lamma Buddhist monastery, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The town is populated largely by ethnic Tibetans, as well as some Hui and Han Chinese.
Bing Li Si, 炳灵寺 Bingling Temple Grottoes
At a place where crossing the Yellow River by raft was customary, a huge grottoes complex has been created over the centuries. The Bingling Temple is both stylistically and geographically a midpoint between the monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan and the Buddhist Grottoes of central China, Yungang Grottoes near Datong and Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang.
Can only be reached by boat from Yongjing.
Lanzhou, 兰州, Gansu province
According to Marco Polo, Le devisement du monde (éd. critique publ. sous la dir. de Philippe Ménard), Genève: Droz 2001-2007, 5 vols, Marco Polo goes through Lanzhou.
Tianshui, 麦积山石窟 Gansu province
Maiji shan, 麦积山. This example of rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals. Construction began in the Later Qin era (384-417 CE) (en.wikipedia 8.2.08). Description for UNESCO listing. Close to Tianshui, there are noria type irrigation wheels called Zuo wheels.
Xi'an, Xian
Silk is produced in South China, but it leaves China from Xian. As Xian was the capital, that was there that all foreigners had to go (ambassadors, monks, merchants). The Chinese emperor from the Han to the Tang dynasties opened what would much later be called the "Silk Road". Ambassador ZHANG Qian left Xi'an in 138 BC and returned in Xian in 126 BC. In 166, the Han emperor acknowledged the visit of a "Roman embassy". Romans used to call China "Sères". Around 500 CE, Fa Xianli left China for his great voyage to Central Asia, India, Sri Lanka and back, from Xi'an.
Xian is a major archeological location. Has the best museum of history in the whole country. There were a lot of foreigners living in Xian. A Christian stele dating back to 781 is preserved in Xian. Chinese Buddhist priest Xuan Zang (San Zang) left China for his "Journey to the West" from Xian. Ennin stayed in Xi'an from 840 to 845. Big Wild Goose Pagoda climbed by Ennin in 841. Marco Polo was in Xian.
Turkmenistan - China gas pipeline and Kazakhstan - China oil pipeline go through Xian region.
Datong, 大同
I am surprised that neither Ennin nor Marco Polo mentions Datong's Yungang caves dating from the 5th century. It is an example of statue art inspired from Gandhara Greco-Buddhist style.
Mount Wu Tai, 五台山
The major pilgrimage made by Ennin when in China was at Mt Wutai in 840. Long description in the dairy. One of the temple visited is still visible today: Zhulinsi 竹林寺. Marco Polo mentions it as well. Scholars consider Mt Wutai as an important post on the silk roads cultural area.
Linfen 临汾
Ennin gets to Linfen 临汾 (called here p. 277- 8, Chin-chou). This place is also named in Marco Polo's book.
Taiyuan, 太原, Shanxi province
Ennin stays in Taiyuan several days in 840. Marco Polo was there when he traveled from Beijing to Xian. Very important trade and industry center since Antiquity. Also famous for its connection with Buddhism. Taiyuan is close to Mt Wutai. The temple Jin Ci with its unique collection of Song dynasty statues is also in Taiyuan. Has also one of the best history museums of China. Coal is one of the most important industries. Ennin mentions it in his dairy.
Yinchuan, 银川
Yinchuan lies in the middle of the Yinchuan or Ningxia Plain. It is sheltered from the deserts of Mongolia by the high ranges of the Helan Mountain to its west. The Yellow River runs through Yinchuan from southwest to northeast.
Dalian Port Arthur. Lushun
1904 where and when as the first Asian nation, Japan enters modernity by defeating the Russians (100'000 deaths).
Duolun 多伦, Chemeinfu
Other names: Ciandu, Shangdu, Chang-tou, Chemeinfu. Quite far on the northeast in Inner Mongolia (I/183, chap. LXXV) with a long description of Kublai Khan palace there. The emperor received John of Marignola, a papal legate, in 1342 (CEC, p. 194).
Xuanhua, 宣化, Hebei province
Visited by Marco Polo. Name according to Marco Polo, Sindaciu. Not far east of Datong. Historically, Xuanhua has been the "Gateway to Beijing," a city with a large garrison that was close enough to the capital to be strategically vital. Xuanhua has a set of city walls built in the Ming Dynasty which are still partly intact (en. wikipedia 8.2.08).
North of Beijing, Beijing to Lanzhou north of the Yellow River:
Marco Polo speaks about a line of kings called George (I/179) in relation with a Turks Oengut people settled north of the Yellow river, in present day Inner Mongolia. They were Nestorians Christians. Supposed by Marco Polo to be successors of Pester John (Prêtre Jean).
Beijing, 北京 Peking, Cambaluc, Khanbalig
In preparation for the conquest of all of China, Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty founder Kublai Khan made this his capital as Dadu (大都, Chinese for "grand capital"), or Khanbaliq to the Mongols. This site is known as Cambuluc in Marco Polo's accounts. Apparently, Kublai Khan, who wanted to become a Chinese emperor, established his capital at this location instead of more traditional sites in central China because it was closer to his power base in Mongolia (en.wikipedia 9.2.08).
The first attempt by Jesuits to reach China was made in 1552 by St. Francis Xavier, Spanish priest and missionary and founding member of the Society. Xavier, however, died the same year on the Chinese island of Shangchuan, without having reached the mainland. Three decades later, in 1582, led by several figures including the prominent Italian Matteo Ricci, Jesuits once again initiated mission work in China, ultimately introducing Western science, mathematics, astronomy, and visual arts to the imperial court in Beijing, and carrying on significant inter-cultural and philosophical dialogue with Chinese scholars, particularly representatives of Confucianism. At the time of their peak influence, members of the Jesuit delegation were considered some of the emperor's most valued and trusted advisors, holding numerous prestigious posts in the imperial government.
Kazakhstan-China oil pipeline passes via Beijing.
Istanbul, Samarkand, Kashgar and Beijing are on the same latitude (40e).
Beijing – Korea
Korea
Material, techniques, religion, writing coming into Japan went first through Korea. For a long time, exchanges between China and Japan (end of the silk road in Nara) went through Korea. From Ennin's account, we can certify that Korean navigators were the best in the region during Tang times. Buddhism and Chinese writing went from China to Japan via Korea. So Korea is a vital historical link to the silkroads. Crowns in ancient Korea (Silla) were made of silk and precious metal.
Baekje, Korea
Ancient kingdom on the Korean peninsula before unification in the 7th century CE. Located southwest, including the area of present Seoul on the great Han River. During the 3rd and 4th centuries became a significant regional sea power, with political and trade relations with China and Japan. Stone lanterns which we often see at Japanese Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, were introduced in Japan from Baekje. Roof end tiles with lotus motives, so common in Japan, were used on royal palaces in the kingdom of Baekje. They were imitations from tiles used in South China.
Gyeongju (Kyongju)
The "Xi'an" of Korea. Capital of the Silla kingdom from -50 to 650. In 668, with the help of Tang China, Silla was able to defeat the 2 other kingdoms of Korea (Baekje and Goguryeo) and unify the country. Silla imported Roman glass, jaded bracelets, inlaid glass beads necklace and decorated swords from India. Glass vessels were excavated from some of the royal tombs of Gyeongju. These products are presumed to have been imported to China and the Korean peninsula from the Eurasian continent.
Busan (Pusan)
In the National Museum of Korea, Seoul, they exhibit a glass cup from the Gaya kingdom (Busan region), originating from the Mediterranean region. It was introduced into the Korean peninsula along the silk road during the 5th or 6th century. Busan is the "Nagasaki" or the "Canton" of Korea, the open port with the outside world. Historically, it is the port where from exchanges with Japan were made. Today, only 3 hours by boat. As from the middle ages, Japanese were allowed to have a settlement in Busan Waegwan. In the 19th century, Busan became the first international port in Korea.
Iki Shima, Japan
Island of passage between the continent and China.
Tsu Shima, Japan
Island of passage between the continent and China.
Japan
Nara, Japan
The city of Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is considered the cradle of Japanese culture and is abundant in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Many valuable pieces from The Silk Road period are housed in Nara's Shosoin Treasure Repository of the Emperor. Home of the Research Centre for Silk Roadology - for studies into the history and culture of the great commercial highway. UNESCO world heritage for its history of cultural links with Western neighbors.
Horyuji (Nara Prefecture)
Horyu-ji. The grounds of Horyuji (Horyu Temple) house the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. According to en.Wikipedia scholarly presentation, "The five-story pagoda, is widely regarded as one of the two oldest wood buildings in the world. The wood used in the center pillar of the pagoda is estimated to have felled in 594, a date established through a dendrochronological analysis". Horyuji boasts an illustrious 14 centuries of continuous observance of tradition since established by Prince Shotoku, the great statesman and founder of Buddhism in Japan. Excellent pictures on Tale of Genji site.
Kyoto
Ennin's home temple, Mt Hiei temple 比叡山, is close to Kyoto. François Xavier stayed 11 days in Kyoto in 1551 (coming on foot from Hirado in Kyushu). Chanted by Swiss traveler and writer Nicolas Bouvier. Kyoto International Manga Museum. USO.
Mt Hiei
Enryakuji, the temple complex on Mt. Hiei, became a sprawling center of power, attended not only by ascetic monks, but also by brigades of warrior monks (sohei) who fought in the temple's interest. As a result, in 1571 Enryakuji was razed by Oda Nobunaga as part of his campaign to unify Japan (en.wikipedia, 7.1.08).
Kobe
After 1923 earthquake (destruction of Tokyo and Yokohama), Kobe took over the silk industry and trade. For earlier periods, Kobe has a lot of remainders of its links with overseas. Kobe's museum has a special section on Nanban history.
Sakai near Osaka
In Sakai City Museum, a Kannon Bosatsu statue brought to Japan from China via Korea between 590 and 710, made of sandalwood from Indonesia. Before being completely destroyed by civil war, the city of Sakai was described by the missionary Gaspar Vilela. Francis Xavier preached there. Xavier's Park.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Setonaikai archipelago
Setonaikai National Park, Setonaikai (瀬戸内海) or Inland Sea. Setting of the 1960 movie: Hadaka no shima (The Naked Island) by Kaneta Shindo. The island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea, has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the 12th century. Bugaku music was introduced to Japan from India, Vietnam, China and the Korean Peninsula. Now, it is performed only in Japan (in particular in Itsukushima Shrine). Close to Hiroshima.
Yamaguchi
Francis Xavier preached there.
Fukuoka, Hakata
The port where from Ennin left for China and where he came back in December 847. Mongols tried to invade Japan in 1274 and 1281. The ideal place to land was Hakata Bay. Japanese built a wall called Genko-Borvi along the bay, and were able to keep the Mongols away.
Da Zai Fu
Kyushu National Museum. Kyushu Historical Museum. Da Zai Fu was a diplomatic center with the outside world. Ganjin, Chinese monk who went to Japan to preach, ca. 756, started from Yangzhou in China (Da yun Si Temple) and arrived in Japan, Kyushu, close to Hakata, in Da Zai Fu (Kanzeon-ji Temple).
Shimabara, close to Nagasaki
1637, last battle before the end of the Christian century in Japan. Took place at Hara castle.
Nagasaki, Japan
In 1542, a Portuguese ship accidentally landed nearby. Then follows the "Christian century". Ended with the 26 Christian martyrs, February 5, 1597. Place where P. Luis Frois S.J. died in 1597 (but not one of the 26 martyrs). After the expulsion of all Europeans missionaries, Nagasaki remains alone as a contact point between Japan and the rest of the world. Until Meiji Restoration in 1868. Chinese had also their trading and residence area in this town. When all other such " China towns" were closed down (Hakata, Kagoshima, Fukui, Oita), Nagasaki remained to only place where Chinese were tolerated in Japan. It is THE city of the Chinese in Japan, can be compared with Semarang in Indonesia. Brand new Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture.
Hirado
Hirado Shima close to Nagasaki
Francis Xavier arrived in Hirado from Kagoshima. He walked from Hirado to Kyoto. Hirado is where a trading post was opened for Europeans in 1603. Once Christianity was banned in Japan, persecution in Hirado became fierce. Any mention of a date using the Christian era (e.g. "Since 1603") was severely punished.
Kagoshima
1542, Portuguese traders land at Tanegashima, Kyushu. August 1549, Francis Xavier arrived in Kagoshima. He was the first christian missionary in Japan. Stayed in Kagoshima 9 months. Went next to Hirado. The person who introduced Francis Xavier in Kyushu was a man from Kagishima, his name was Yajiro. The first Japanese who went to Europe (Lisbon, Rome, died in Coїmbra), called Bernard, was also from Kagoshima.
Oita City, Oita Kyushu
It is speculated that it was in Oita that Buddhism first gained a foothold in Japan over 1300 years ago. Evidence of this can be seen in the form of numerous stone Buddha statues carved into cliffs and rock faces all over the prefecture. Over 80% of all the stone Buddhas in Japan can be found here. Most famous of all are the statues at Usuki. Obviously once a site of some importance, there are 60 well-preserved 12th century carvings here in an atmospheric rural setting. Western medicine was introduced in Japan by medical doctor and Portuguese merchant Luis Almeida (1525-1583). He founded the first Western-style hospital in Japan. Later, Almeida became a Jesuit. A sculpture of him is displayed in Oita City. Almeida, another Christian priest, opened schools and hospitals in Funai (today's Oita). Chinese had also their trading and residence area in this town.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, Honshu Island
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape (1246). The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, south-west of Honshu Island. Park of Koga. The park of Koga is the work of the great landscape designer Nakamura Yoshio. UNESCO 2003.
Kanazawa
One of the few typical castle towns still remaining in Japan. By Hakusan, one of the 3 most famous sacred mountains in Japan along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama.
Eihei Ji (Yong ping si)
Close to the cities of Fukui et Katsuyama. Eihei-ji was established in 1244 by Zen master Dogen Zenji (1200-1253), who studied Buddhism in China and introduced Soto Zen Buddhism to Japan.
Fukui
Chinese had also their trading and residence area in this town.
Hiraizumi
Where we can elucidate the mystery of the "The Golden Hall of Zipang". Hiraizumi is home to the Konjikido, the Golden Hall. It is commonly assumed that when Marco Polo wrote in his "Tales of the Orient" of his travels to extravagant palaces in Zipang, as he called Japan, where even the roofs were covered with gold bars, that he was referring to the Golden Hall. The Osch Fujiwara family (main activity: Gold mining) was engaged in trade with the Chinese continent at that time, so it is not surprising that news of the Golden Hall would have reached the ears of Marco Polo. According to information provided by Japan specialist Philippe Neeser (March 2008), the "Golden Pavilion" Marco Polo heard about is without any doubt the Konjiki-do (金色堂) or 'Golden Hall' of Chuson-ji temple complex in Hiraizumi, north of Sendai (Iwate Prefecture). This Golden Hall, erected at about 1100, and covered with gold leaf, still visible today, is the cenotaph containing the mummified remains of Northern Fujiwara clan leaders who ruled much of northern Japan in the 12th century. From the point of view of Silkroads with an interest in travelers like Ennin, it is furthermore interesting to note that the Tendai sect claims that Konjiki-do temple was founded in 850 by Ennin, the third chief abbot of the sect (en.wikipedia, March 30, 2008).
Acording to information gathered in Hiraizumi, the other big temple, the Motsu-ji Temple, was founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin (794-864). Following explanation in front of Kaisando (Founder's Hall): His diary of his nine-year stay in Tang dynasty China, Record of a Pilgrimage to China in Search of the Law, is ranked alongside Marco Polo's Il Milione (The Travels of Marco Polo) and the Chinese Journey to the West as among the world's great travelogues.
So, two of the world's most famous travelogues are connected together here, in Hiraizumi, north of Japan.
Sendai. Matsushima
Zui Gan Ji Temple. In 828, Jikaku Daishi Ennin founds Enpuku-ji (Matsushima Dera) which in 1609 becomes the Zui Gan Ji Temple.
Yokohama
Silk Museum, Silk Center Kokusai Boeki Kanko Kaikan, No.1 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan.
1872 Oct.14 Opening ceremony at both Shimbashi (now Shiodome) and Yokohama (Now Sakuragicho) for the first Japanese Railroad.
BEIJING – CANTON
Back to Beijing
Zhuoxian, Hebei province
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. For Marco Polo describing itineraries going from Beijing to the southwest or the southeast, from Zhuoxian on there were two roads: one west to Xian and one South East to Quanzhou.
Zaicheng
Zaicheng village， Dingxian， Hebei （former fortified village） (Sidney D. Gamble, Ting Hsien: A North China Rural Community)。
Dingxian, 定縣
Also called Dingzhou 定州; used to be a fortified city; famous for the social surveys and experiments that took place there from the 30's up to the 90's. Sidney D. Gamble, Ting Hsien: A North China Rural Community.
Zhengding, 正定, Hebei, 河北
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Zhengding has been an important religious center for more than 1,000 years, from - at least - the times of the Sui Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. It is the founding place of a major school of Zen Buddhism. However, most of the former religious building complexes have been severely damaged since, often leaving only isolated remains. A noteworthy exception is the Longxing Monastery, where the historical building ensemble has been preserved almost intact. Furthermore, four famous pagodas, each with its own architectural style, are still standing (en. wikipedia 7.2.08).
Cangzhou, 沧州, Hebei Province 河北
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. A city famous for its tradition of wushu martial arts. It has a special importance connected with the silkroads cultural area since "The city's Hui residents have seven mosques. One of them, the West Mosque, has collected at its museum one of China's best collections of Islamic manuscripts and artifacts" (en. wikipedia 7.2.08).
Hejian 河间 Hebei province
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Also transcribed "Ho kien Fu". Seat of a Jesuit mission to which Séraphin Couvreur and Léon Wieger used to belong (de.wikipedia, 6 Feb. 2008).
Dezhou, 德州
In 2008, a thriving modern city, comparatively just as impressive as the rich city Marco Polo visited in 1290.
Longquanguan, Hebei province
Luancheng, Hebei province
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Xinhe, Hebei province
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Xinhe, Hebei province
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Lingxian
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Linyi
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Zhangqiu
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Bucun
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Changshan
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Jinlingzhen
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Weixian
Ennin on his way from Shandong to Mt Wutai in 840.
Penglai
Shandong by Ennin in 840 and 845. Market place in the walled city of Penglai (Ennin's Dairy, p. 177).
Guxian
Shandong by Ennin in 840.
Fushan
Shandong by Ennin in 840.
Muping
Shandong by Ennin in 840.
Chengshan Jiao
Shandong by Ennin in 839.
Wendeng
Shandong by Ennin in 840.
Chishanji
Shandong by Ennin in 839.
Yixian
Ennin's itinerary, 840 and then 845, 847.
Gaomi
On Ennin's itinerary, 845. See Kao-mi, Yi-hsien and Mt Chih here under.
Taitou
Taitou, Shandong Martin C. YANG, A Chinese Village, 1930. Location of one of these social surveys of the thirties. Situated across the Jiaozhou bay (the bay on east shore of which lays Qingdao), west of the bay and therefore of Qingdao.
Zhucheng 诸城
Back on Ennin's south - north itinerary, 845, from Yangzhou, Xuzhou region up to Shandong.
Dongping 东平, Shandong? province
200 km west of Ennin's itinerary, on Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Jining 济宁, Shandong province
On the Grand Canal, 200 km west of Ennin's itinerary, on Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary. 50 km away from Qufu, the home town of Confucius.
Juxian 莒县
Chinese archeologists have confirmed that the inscriptions on a 4, 800-year-old piece of pottery unearthed in Juxian County in east China's Shandong Province are the earliest form of Chinese characters ever found (People's Daily, April 21, 2000). On Ennin's itinerary, 845.
Shandong province
This is the earliest transit province between China and Korea - Japan. Ennin's travelogue mentions many encounters with Koreans in this province where he stayed and traveled a lot. Today, the Korean presence is still obvious from the many signs written in Korean in a city like Yantai.
Ganyu 赣榆, Shandong province
Ennin walked through Kan-yü in 845, when he was ordered to walk up to Shandong to catch a suitable boat.
Lianyungang 连云港, Jiangsu province
During the Kangxi Reign (1662-1722), China opened its ports to foreigners. One of the four original ports opened up for foreign trade in the 1680s. Start of (Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline) and end of the east to west Lianyungang-Urumqi railway line. Japanese embassies used this port also to enter or leave China in the 9th century.
Haizhou 海州
Point where from the Japanese embassy (at the time of Ennin's trip to China) sailed back to Japan.
Xuzhou 徐州, Jiangsu province
Ennin was in Ch'u-Chou in 839, in 845 and in 847. On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Marco Polo emphasizes the role of Xuzhou as an inland and sea transportation hub (see MP itinerary). Today, still important: China's two most important rail lines, Beijing-Shanghai that runs north-south direction, and Lianyungang-Urumqi that goes from east to west, meet here. Xuzhou Museum displays Han terracotta warriors similar to those of Xi'an.
Suqian 宿迁， Jiangsu province 江苏
Huai'an 淮安
Zhou Enlai was born in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province.
Baoying 宝应
Gaoyou 高邮
On Gaoyou Lake. Recent archaeological research at the Longqiuzhuang site in Gaoyou has found evidence of rice growing dating back to 5,500-7,000 years ago.
Grand Canal, Da yunhe 大运河
On Yangzhou-Penglai itinerary (south to north) by Ennin in 838 and 845. On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary (north to south), circa 1290. Gaoyou, Baoying, Huai'an, Suqian (south to north).
Rugao 如皋 , Jiangsu
East of Yangzhou. This is the first town Ennin passes through when he arrives in China from Japan in 838.Taoist temple originally from before the Tang. In 1996, Rugao went through the "reconstruction of the old city".
Yiling 宜陵, Jiangsu province
East of Yangzhou. Ennin passes through this village when arriving from the Yellow sea in 838.
Ennin's itinerary from Yangzhou to Penglai, north of Shandong province:
Yangzhou 扬州, Jiangsu province 江苏
Ganjin, Chinese monk who went to Japan to preach, ca. 756, started from Yangzhou (Da yun Si Temple) and arrived in Japan, Kyushu, close to Hakata, in Da Zai Fu, Kanzeon-ji Temple. Ennin stayed in Yangzhou in 838-9. The Korean scholar CUI ZHIYUAN (his Chinese name) came from Korea to China at the age of 12. At that time, Foreigners were coming to China to study just as nowadays, everyone wants to study in the United States. Cui Zhiyuan came to China, studied, passed the exams (his "PhD"), earned a living by being a writer. Instead of returning in Korea, he stayed in China. In 880, he finally became governor of Yangzhou (Thatsyangzhou, Nov. 07, p. 20). On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c. 1290. Used to be, in the region, the equivalent of present day Shanghai. It was the big business city on the Yangtze, at the start of the Grand Canal.
"Marco Polo served there under the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan in the period around 1282-1287. Although some versions of Polo's memoirs imply that he was the governor of Yangzhou, it is more likely that he was an official in the salt industry, as it is very unlikely that a foreigner would be made a governor of one of the most important cities in the country. The discovery of the 1342 tomb of Katarina Vilioni, member of an Italian trading family in Yangzhou, suggests the existence of a thriving Italian community in the city in the 14th century" (en.wikipedia 19.01.08).
Yangzhou was prosperous at the time of Ennin (end of Tang dynasty), it was then China's third largest city (according to Yangzhou's Museum about the city during Tang time). But not particularly prosperous at the time of Marco Polo (ca. 1280). The commercial significance of Yangzhou had its revival after 1644.
Nanjing 南京, Jiangsu province 江苏
Bodidharma is supposed to have met the Chinese emperor in Nanjing. The Mongols, the occupiers of China, further consolidated the city's status as a hub of the textile industry (en.wikipedia 19.01.08). On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c. 1290. Starting harbor for Zheng He, the great Chinese official explorer who sailed a huge fleet to Africa and back. Subject to the famous discussions about 1421.
Yizheng 仪征 Jiangsu province 江苏
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c. 1290. West on his north - south direction. On the way to Nanjing. Today, a busy industrial city (chemicals, car industry) with a modern bridge across the Yangtze.
Guazhou 瓜 州, Jiangsu province 江苏 , across the Yangtze, north, opposite Zhenjiang
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Seems to be tiny compared with Zhenjiang. At the chapter dedicated to this tiny city (II/350, CXLIX), --which used to be an island on the Yangtze--, Marco Polo describe the Grand Canal, how it connects this region with Cambaluc (Beijing), how huge vessel can navigate from here to Beijing without sailing on the sea, and how the Grand Canal is bordered by an elevated street.
Zhenjiang 镇江, Jiangsu province 江苏, south of the Yangtze
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c.1290. The city reached its zenith under the Song dynasty (960-1279), when it produced fine silks, satins, and silverware for the emperors. In about 1300, a census reported that some Nestorian Christians were living in Zhenjiang. (en.wikipedia 19.01.08). Marco Polo calls it Cinghianfu. "Il y a deux églises de Chrétiens nestoriens, et ce advint dès 1278 de l'incarnation du Christ, et vous dirai comment. Il est vrai que jamais n'y avait eu de moustier de Chrétiens, ni n'y eut croyants en Dieu jusqu'en 1278, époque où y fut seigneur trois ans pour le Grand Can un baron nommé Marsarchis, qui était Chrétien nestorien" (II/352, CL). This lord, form Samarkand, did indeed exist. Zhenjiang has a famous "street Dagoba" from Yuan times, i.e. from the time of the Mongols (Stone Dagoba of Zhaoguan) .
Changzhou, 常州, Jiangsu province 江苏
South of the Yangtze River. On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c.1290. 8 km from Changzhou City are the remains of an ancient walled town, founded over 3000 years ago at the beginning of the Western Zhou dynasty.
Suzhou 苏州
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, c. 1290. On the Grand Canal. The gardens of Suzhou are UNESCO world heritage. Suzhou has been an important centre for China's silk industry since the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Suzhou Silk Museum.
Wujiang, 吴江 on Lake Tai Hu 太湖
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Silk manuracturing area.
Kaixiangong, 开弦弓, Jiangsu province 江苏
Kai Hsien Kung, Wujiang county, Jiangsu province (Fei Hsiao-Tung, Peasant Life in China. A field study of Country Life in the Yangtze Valley), on the south shore of Lake Tai. Silk industry reform project in the 30's.
Huzhou, 湖州
Huzhou is known as the City of Silk, one of the Four Capital-cities of Silk in China. Home town of Lu Yu 陸羽 （733-804), Sage of tea, author of The Classic of Tea. Huzhou, Zhejiang, on Lake Tai, (also called Wuhing, 吳興). Described in AAVV, A Study of Rural Economy of Wuhing, Chekiang (1936). One of the large scale social studies conducted in the thirties on model rural communities. These studies are important because they furnish complete data on a community; because of these data, these communities have become special cases and new large scale studies have been made on them in the sixties and in the nineties. Below, see also Kaixianggong, Taitou, Dingxian, Zaicheng.
From Hangzhou to the north west, sociological survey villages:
Jiaxing, 嘉兴
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Silk producing city since ancient times.
Wuzhen 乌镇， Zhejiang
"Wuzhen is a water town whose network of waterways and access to the Grand Canal once made it a prosperous place for its trade and production of silk" (LP). Revolutionary writer Mao Dun is from Wuzhen. He wrote Spring Silkworms.
From Hangzhou to the north, Marco Polo's itinerary:
Tiantai shan, 浙江天台山
Buddhist sacred mountain south of Ningbo, where Ennin wanted to go in 838 because it is the birth place of his brand of Buddhism, the Tendai 天台 sect or Lotus School. He never got there, went to Wutai shan instead. At the foot of Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple was built in 598 in the Sui Dynasty (581-618). The most recent general renovation was during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Guoqing Temple now is a grand and unique architectural complex consisting of more than 600 rooms and 14 halls. It is one of the best preserved large temples in China.
Putuoshan, 普陀山
Mount Putuo is one of the four sacred Chinese mountains in Buddhism, the others being Mount Wutai, Mount Jiuhua, and Mount Emei. Putuo shan is the sacred mountain of the east. Father HUC visited it in 1850.
Ningbo, 宁波, 浙江
Like Guangzhou (Canton) and Yangzhou at Tang time, was an important port connected with the outside parts of Eurasia. In 1281, he Mongols started from Ningbo their second unsuccessful invasion of Japan. It is where, at about 1543, the first Europeans (Portuguese ruffians it seems) entered China. One of the four original ports opened up for foreign trade in the 1680s. Father HUC visited it in c.1850.
From Hangzhou to the south east:
Hangzhou, 杭州, capital of Zhejiang province 浙江
Marco Polo stayed in Kinsaï (Kinsaï or Qinsai, after xingzai, "temporary residence". See CEC p. 188) several times and many years. On his Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. The Grand Canal used to connect Hangzhou with Beijing. Odoric of Pordenone, Marignolli and Ibn Battuta, give notable details about Hangzhou. UNESCO world heritage.
Jiande, 建德, Zhejiang province 浙江
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Lanxi, 兰溪, Zhejiang province 浙江
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Zhuge Eight Diagrams Village. A "thoroughfare opening on all sides", a town where "three rivers collect", Lanxi enjoys great facilities of communication. These cities are not on the Lonely Planet and similar guidebooks, but they remind us of the old communication routes, and they explain why Marco Polo went this way rather than along the apparently more direct costal way. See assignments "The coast road in China".
Quzhou, 衢州, also Quxian, Zhejiang province 浙江
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. At the confluence of three rivers. On the railway line to Hangzhou. Quxian has been a natural transportation centre since ancient times. Natural routes lead westward into Jiangxi province, south into Fujian province, and southeastward to Wenzhou.
Jiangshan 江山, Zhejiang province 浙江
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Shangrao, 上饶, Jiangxi province 江西
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Wuyi Shan, 武夷山
Sacred mountain since the Han dynasty. The natural beauty of the area is protected by an imperial edict since the Tang dynasty. UNESCO world heritage.
Jian'ou 建甌
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Marco Polo mentions three bridges, amongst the most beautiful in the world, but can't find any trace of them. Could they be the three Song bridges from Quanzhou?
Nanping, 南平
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290.
Fuzhou, 福州
On Marco Polo's Beijing - Quanzhou itinerary, circa 1290. Hualin Temple, oldest existing wooden structure in China. Between 1405 and 1433 AD, the Chinese (Ming) navy fleet, led by Zheng He, sailed from Fuzhou to the Indian Ocean seven times.
Chongwu 崇武, Huai'an county
Next to Quanzhou, best preserved city walls of China, from 1387.
QUANZHOU, 泉州 on river Jin jiang
After Tang time and before the XVIth century, Quanzhou was one of the world's largest seaports, hosting a large community of foreign-born inhabitants from across the Eurasian world. Due to its reputation, Quanzhou has been called the starting point of the Silk Road by sea. Was called Caiton and Jingiang by Marco Polo and Zaytun or Zaitun by the Arabs. Ibn Battuta described the port in 1346. Mosque from 1009. Maritime museum. A reminder of the glorious days as an international seaport can be found 6 km west of Quanzhou in Jiu Ri shan, where Song officials had inscriptions engraved on cliffs facing the sea, asking for favorable weather conditions. There are also three famous stone bridges from Song dynasty (Luoyang qiao1053, Fu qiao 1160 and Wuli qiao 1253). Marco Polo mentions " three bridges, amongst the most beautiful in the world" for the city of Jian'ou. Maybe the non-existent bridges of Jian'ou are those of Quanzhou.
Yongding County, 永定县
Fujian is one of the places in China representing well the Hakka people (客家) through their particular village architecture (circular fortified communal buildings, Tulou). The Hakka people are also famous for their role among the overseas Chinese. Many major figure of Chinese history are Hakka. See the list of prominent Hakkas on en.wikipedia.
Xiamen, 厦门, Amoy
Combined with the city of Quanzhou, it is the Caiton of Marco Polo, it was, prior to Guangzhou it seems, THE large international trading port in China. Ships from Alexandria, India and Japan were seen there by Marco Polo in circa 1290. Visited by Friar Odoric of Pordenone in the XIVth century. One of the four original ports opened up for foreign trade in the 1680s.
Canton, 广州，Guangzhou
Arab and Persian pirates are supposed to have storm the city in the 8th century already (Wikipedia). Jews were persecuted there in 878. From Tang time, Canton with Yangzhou was the main ports open to foreign sea trade. But during Song and Yuan, Quanzhou was more important. Major trading port with the outside world as from the 16th century. One of the four original ports opened up for foreign trade in the 1680s. The Canton System between foreign merchants and Chinese was enforced from 1760 to1842. A Swiss merchant, Charles de Constant (1762-1835), stayed in Canton and wrote 2 volumes about his China trade experience.
Bodhidharma - Indian Buddhist monk and ancient founder of Chan - Zen philosophy, lived in Guangzhou circa 500 (Guangxiao Temple). Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas - Maternal uncle of the prophet Muhammad, lived in Guangzhou during the Tang Dynasty, established the first Chinese mosque.
Canton is the arrival gate of the China trail, the trail for the export of Chinese porcelain from Jin De Zhen.
Ibn Battuta in Canton. See: Ibn Battuta.
Macao, 澳门, Aomen, China
Macao, a lucrative port of strategic importance in the development of international trade, bears witness to one of the earliest and longest-lasting encounters between China and the West, based on the vibrancy of international trade. UNESCO world heritage.
**********
INDONESIA – SPICE ROUTE
INDONESIA
Indonesia, Java
Important finds about early Homo erectus, near Solo. Marco Polo stops on Sumatra when he sails back from China. He writes about Java. Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J made a short stay in Java, in 1935, to the site of the Java man. What better place to start our tour of the silkroads cultural area than Indonesia? The Silk road area is a "world area" where exchanges of culture, religions and technologies have been common during two millennium. In this respect, Indonesia looks like a mother of integration: 600 languages, 10'000 islands, 220 million population, 6 official religions, USO. A perfect example of "world".
Jakarta
on Java Island
Former Batavia. The city representing modern Indonesia. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. Father Huc.
Bandung on Java Island
Conference 1955: SUKARNO, ZHOU EN LAI, HO CHI MINH, NASSER, NEHRU
Borobudur on Java Island
Borobudur Temple Compounds, one of the extreme oriental end of the Buddhism expansion, VIII century. The construction has been estimated to have taken 75 years and been completed in 825. It was during this time that many Hindu and Buddhist monuments were built IN CENTRAL JAVA (around the Kedu Plain). The Buddhist monuments, including Borobudur, were erected around the same time as the Hindu Prambanan temple compound. Borobudur lay hidden for centuries under layers of ash and jungle growth. According topopular belief, the temples were disbanded when the population converted to Islam in the 15th Century. But archaeologists and historians argue that volcanic eruptions and shifts of power are more likely causes.
Semarang, Central Java
Stone Building Temple (Gedung Batu Temple) commemorates the visit by the Chinese Muslim eunuch Admiral Zheng He in the early 15th century. In what is now Indonesia, Zheng visited Aceh, Palembang, Cirebon, Semarang and Gresik. Next to Semarang, in Demak: Oldest mosque in Java.
Yogyakarta on Java Island
Yogyakarta at the center of the three great influences in Indonesia: Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Heart of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim Indonesia (Prambanan, Borobudur, Solo). Yogyakarta has the largest university of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada UNIVERSITY. Is the birth place of the Muhammadiyah religious and educational movement. Has a famous garden in the Kraton - Palace: Taman Sari (Water Castle). Close to Yogyakarta, see Imogiri (also Imagiri), a royal graveyard complex. With Solo, Yogyakarta is a capital of batik.
Surabaya
“The Republic of Indonesia partly bases its claim to national unity on the last Hindu-Javanese kingdom of Majapahit (1293-1510s). The first king Wijaya (reigned 1294-1309) began the construction of the royal palace of Majapahit in present-day Trowulan, some 55 kilometers southwest of Surabaya, on the eve of the Mongol-Chinese invasion of Java in 1293”. Amrit Gomperts, Arnoud Haag and Peter Carey, “Rediscovering the royal capital of Majapahit”, pp. 12-13, IIAS, The Newsletter, 53, Spring 2010.
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