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| Sunday, 19 March 2006 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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The "birth place" of the USA The Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is one of the most important historical landmarks in the USA, and is even considered as the birth place of the USA by some people. It is located in the middle of a 45 acre park known as Independence National Historical Park, and is one of about 20 buildings in this park.
The hall is a place where some of the most prominent steps towards USA's independence were taken by people who led the struggle, like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. It was the venue for the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, granting Independence to the USA. The American flag was also unveiled for the first time here in 1777. The Articles of Confederation uniting all 13 of the then British colonies were also ratified here in 1781, while the US Constitution setting out the basic laws adopted in the country was also drafted and signed within these building premises, in 1787. The building is important for the many vital documents signed within the premises, and for the many important leaders who met there to plan the future of the new nation. It was the meeting place for the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention. The second Continental Congress, which was effective from 1775 to 1783, used this as its principal meeting place. After George Washington was elected the first president of the USA in 1789, Philadelphia served as the capital of the country from 1790-1800, in which year the capital moved to Washington DC. The Independence Hall was originally known as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania, and was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Colonial Legislature to house the Assembly of the Commonwealth (colonies) of Pennsylvania. The construction of the building started in 1732 and was completed in 1756. The architect who was in charge of the project was Edmund Woolley, who carried out the design work with the help of prominent Philadelphia lawyer Andrew Hamilton. The latter is however more recognised as the architect of the project. The structure built of brick follows the Georgian architectural style. It has a tall wooden steeple, which was designed to hold a 2,080 pound bell known as the Liberty Bell. It started developing cracks, was taken down and is now displayed at a special shelter within the premises. The bell that is currently hanging in this steeple was donated to the complex in 1876.The building has been restored a few times, with which its appearance changed. The appearance of the 1776 building was retained during the restoration work carried out in 1950 by the National Park Service, which is in charge of the Independence National Historical Park now. Most furniture in the building now are not authentic, as the British troops who occupied the building in 1778 had used all the furniture in the building as firewood. The Independence Hall now houses a small museum displaying historical and colonial objects. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Monument to a woman ruler of Egypt Egypt is a country rich in history and is a base of ancient civilization. Some of its attractions are the Pyramids of Giza, the River Nile and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Queen Hatshepsut's Temple is situated on the west bank of the Nile, close to the famous Valley of the Kings, in an area known as Deir El-Bahri (Arabic for Monastery of the North). It is set against the majestic Thebian Hill, and is carved into the rock, and is surrounded by the steep half circle of cliffs.
This is one of the most impressive structures in western Thebes and was built as a mortuary temple. The futuristically(ultramodern) designed temple contains many revolutionary features, and is considered to be a grand monument to one of the women rulers of Egypt. It is also a fitting memorial to the Queen, who was one of the most innovative(introducing new things) pharaohs of the country. It was named as Djeset, Djeseru by Queen Hatshepsut, which meant 'Sublime of the Sublime' in ancient Egyptian. Queen Hatshepsut (also known as Hatsheput/ Hatshepsowe) was the eldest daughter of Tutmos I, and after her stepson was designated Pharaoh Tutmos III, she is said to have appointed herself co-regent and later ruler, as she had worried that her stepson will lose control. It is said that her reign (1486-1468BC) was a peaceful era in the country, and she was able to concentrate on many development projects. Although not much is known about her, she appears in the guise of a male pharaoh in ancient artwork. It had taken the Queen 15 years to complete the Temple, which is considered as her masterpiece(most outstanding work). It had been designed and built by her steward and architect Senenmut. Although it was built along the lines of the temple of Mentuhotep I, this is much grander. It is one of the oldest examples of landscape architecture and is known as an example of architectural elegance and harmony. The Temple rises from the valley floor in three colonnaded terraces connected by ramps. One of its most prominent areas is the Middle Terrace. To the right of this terrace stands a portico of finely carved columns, while to its left stands the Chapel of Hathor. The inner walls of the temple had beautifully coloured murals including images of sacred sun cobras and flying vultures; some of these murals are still visible. After Queen Hatshepsut's stepson took control of the country, he ordered that the Queen's name and images be erased from the site. The temple suffered further damage during latter years. Many renovation projects have been carried out at the temple site to repair the damage that had been caused over the years, as well as to prevent any further damage from taking place. The temple was the site of a terrorist attack in 1997, when a bus-load
of European tourists were killed. |
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