Famous Architecture and Dr. Oussama Khatib

Originally a temple that was dedicated to the God Gadad, the Umeyyad Mosque was built around 9^th century BC. It has experienced a few identities: in the first century AD, Romans turned it into the Temple of Jupiter, it became the church of St. Baptist during the Christian expansion, it became a split mosque-church in 636, and in 705 it became the world renowned mosque that it is today due to the work of Al Walid, the sixth Umayyad caliph (Artemis).

The Roman Theater in Bosra is known as one of the oldest Roman theaters in the world. It has a fortress built around it, which is partly responsible for its preservation. It seated 15,000 people and is freestanding – something that was unusual for the theaters that were normally built into hillsides. In its prime, “the theatre was faced with marble and silk, and during performances a fine mist of perfumed water was sprayed over the patrons to keep them comfy” (Homsonline.com).

Apamea (or Pharmake) is an ancient city that was built on the Orontes River in 300 BC. Much of what can be seen today was constructed in 64 BC, and a served as an important trade marker. It was created by Seleucus Nicator, a Seleucid king – the first in Syira – and was named for his wife Apame (Famouswonders). Today, much still remains, like the Cardo Maximus, a mile-long lineup of beautiful columns.

Dr. Oussama Khatib is famous Syrian scientist known for robotics. According to the Stanford page, his research includes “Methodologies and technologies of autonomous robots, cooperative robots, human-centered robotics, haptic interaction, dynamic simulation, virtual environments, augmented teleoperation, and human-friendly robot design.” He received his Doctorate degree from Sup’Aero, Toulouse, France, in 1980 (Stanford). He is heavily decorated and awarded, and is President of the International Foundation of Robotics Research. A quote on his work in robotics: “Humanoid robots today can walk and wave, but they cannot interact with the world. We are developing robots with the capability to physically touch, push and move objects.” (Lifeboat).

Sources:

Mosque - http://www.artemistravel-sy.com/en/monuments.htm

Theater - http://www.homsonline.com/EN/Citeis/Bosra.htm

Apamea - http://famouswonders.com/apamea/

Khatib - http://cs.stanford.edu/groups/manips/people/oussama-khatib/

                http://lifeboat.com/ex/bios.oussama.khatib

Image Sources:

Mosque - http://karim74.wordpress.com/2009/06/27/islamic-architecture-around-the-world-5/umayyad-mosque-in-damascus-syria-night/

Theater - http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-bosra-theatre-image3612780

Apamea - http://romeartlover.tripod.com/Apamea1.html