Shanghaiist: Will the Great Wall be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World?

Alec

Wed, 30 May 2007 10:38:37 +0700

Angkor Wat is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists. Can you give us any other examples of 'cultural cross-road' sites - I'm not sure the Hagia Sophia qualifies, since the 'cultural crossroading' that occurred was the capture of Constantinople by the Turks. I guess the real problem with the lists is that I don't understand what the criteria is . . . . is it simply a popularity contest (Eiffel Tower - which when it was built was considered to be very ugly), a cultural symbol (Statue of Liberty), or an actual feat of architectual magnificence (especially given the abilities of their respective periods) that still inspires awe today. I would vote for the latter, and would choose as the wonders such sites as Angkor Wat, the Great Wall, Petra, Stonehenge, the Pyramids, etc. I mean, otherwise in a hundred years someone might be voting the Pearl Tower (gag) onto the updated list . . .

Orpheus

Wed, 30 May 2007 10:07:19 +0700

For obvious reasons, Islamic cultural wonders are under-represented here (Petra probably got in for its Nabataean and Roman legacies, as reflected in the ruins). Where is, say, the Blue Mosque, or Hagia Sophia in Istanbul? The latter is particularly worth including because of its alternating associations with Christianity and Islam. There is not even one site that qualifies as a "cultural cross-road" in the last 2000 years of immensely interactive human history. It is a sad reflection of this time of paranoid and isolation that we live in.

Alec

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:11:00 +0700

This is a popularity contest. Everyone knows the Eiffel Tower, therefore it is a wonder. A true wonder like Angkor Wat deserves a spot.

African Dave

Tue, 29 May 2007 17:05:01 +0700

Where is Angkor Wat? I am surprised it's not a top 10 contender.