An alternative to the 7 wonders of the world

Okay this might not be the most original article idea, but I really enjoy sharing my art views, and, as you might have noticed, I...really like making lists.

What does it take for a structure to be a world wonder you might ask ? Well since it is a purely subjective subject, for my list I will be using the following definition (which I came up with myself, because why not):

Something can be considered a world wonder only and if only it:

• Is a human-built structure.

• Boasts a large-scale geographic dimension.

• Is universally seen as outstandingly beautiful.

• Is an architectural/engineering masterpiece.

No temporal restrictions though, my wonders could originate from the neolithic era, the hellenestic age, the 21st century, or any period of history really. No discrimination in that regard!

You have heard of the 7 wonders of the ancient world and the 7 wonders of the modern world, now get ready for the 7 wonders of Mohamed's world (in no particular order...):

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

This architectural masterpiece, located in Abu Dhabi, is a perfect example of how you can harmoniously mix traditional architecture with a modern elegant design. Its sober white space is filled with intricate details, including beautiful floral patterns, the largest hand-knotted carpet, and pristine clear pools. Truly a haven for many.

Front and entrance of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, by FritzDaCat

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Colonade and Reflecting Pool, by Andrew Moore

Inside the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, by Jerold Paterson

Cologne Cathedral, Germany

I am not very fond of gothic architecture, but oh my god how impressive and magnificent this colossal building is. Photos might give you an idea of how big the cathedral is, but nothing beats seeing it in real life to really appreciate the sheer size of it. The Cologne cathedral makes me feel like I'm in a video game set in some fantasy medieval era, a corrupted place overrun by spirits and in which I fight some kind of maleficient bishop (if you know, you know). Well, fortunately it's none of that, it's just a very nice looking cathedral that faces a cool noodles restaurant.

Cologne Cathedral at night, by Thomas Wolf

Cologne Cathedral, by eduard

Cologne Cathedral and he Hohenzollern Bridge, by Jiuguang Wang

Ziggurat of Ur, Irak

What can I say, I'm just a big Mesopotamia history nerd, I couldn't simply make this list without mentioning the Ziggurat of Ur, aka the Notre-Dame of prehistory. The ziggurats of Ancient Mesopotamia are not just some Gizeh Pyramids look-alikes, they actually predate them and were built since the start of civilization as, you guessed it, places of worship. Unlike its Egyptian counterpart, a ziggurats has no cavities and is just big rocks nicely put together and on top of which stands a temple where reigns a priestess. The Ziggurat of Ur is the one of that rare ones that really stood the test of time (with the help of some restoration efforts), Ur on the other hand was one of the most important cities of ancient times whose only legacy today is the Ziggurat. Visiting this place is actually extremely high on my bucket list.

Ziggurat of Ur, by Tla2006

An artist's depiction of what the Ziggurat of Ur must have looked like around the time it was built (from the game Old World)

Terracotta Army of Xian, China

Can you imagine what the archaeologists felt when they discovered this marvel of Chinese history ? The Terracotta army is probably the most important heritage of the Qin dynasty in China, it was built some 2000 years ago to accompany the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Composed of men, horses, and chariots, it is a symbol of Chinese culture and death rituals as well as a testament of superb craftmanship. The tomb where the army eternally stands guard has been used as a filming set for many movies, such as The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

Terracotta Army - Epcot, by Shawn Kinkade

Terracotta Army, by unknown artist

The Time Tunnel of Xi'an, by Bernd Thaller

Angkor Vat, Campodia

God knows why, but religious monuments tend to be so beautiful, and Angkor Vat doesn't violate the rule. This impressively symmetrical structure was first built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu and was later transformed into a buddhist temple, which reflects the shifting religious currents of the region. With its 5 rising towers, Angkor Vat stands today as one of the most captivating monuments of Asian heritage.

Angkor Vat, by unknown artist

Inside Angkor Vat

Angkor Wat Reflection, by Radek Kucharski

Mont-Saint-Michel, France

I mean just look at this place, a literal castle out of a Disney movie. (And yes I am literally adding a whole city to my list).
Located in the eponymous bay in Normandy, France, the Mont-Saint-Michel is simply perfection. Visiting it during the right season is a surreal experience everyone should experience (even though I should really not be promoting tourism in that region, it's struggling enough with the constant high influx of visitors).
Nothing to add here, just appreciate this beautiful scenery.

Aerial photo of Mont-Saint-Michel, by PASCAL ROSSIGNOL / REUTERS / ALAMY

Mont-Saint-Michel, by Tuul and Bruno Morandi for Détours en France

Mont-Saint-Michel by evening, by unknown artist

Ellora Caves, India

And finally, for my last pick, the Ellora Caves of India! They are to me the perfect example of what strong will and devotion can achieve. Over a 100 caves were excavated from cliffs by Indian craftsmen between 600 and 1000 and were consecrated to different Asian religions. Only 34 of these caves are today open to the public, cave 16 being the most popular one as it was cut from one single monolithic rock and features a temple dedicated to the Hinduist god of destruction Shiva. Undoubtedly an engineering masterpiece.

Kailasanatha temple (Ellora Cave number 16), by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Kailasanatha temple (Ellora Cave number 16), by Vyacheslav Argenberg

Ellora Cave number 12, by Abhideo21