in ancient Greek cities, an open space that served as a meeting ground for various activities of the citizens. The name, first found in the works of Homer, connotes both the assembly of the people as well as the physical setting; it was applied by the classical Greeks of the 5th century bc to what they regarded as a typical feature of their life: their daily religious, political, judicial, social, and commercial activity. The agora was located either in the middle of the city or near the harbour, which was surrounded by public buildings and by temples. Colonnades, sometimes containing shops, or stoae, often enclosed the space, and statues, altars, trees, and fountains adorned it. The general trend at this time was to isolate the agora from the rest of the town. Earlier stages in the evolution of the agora have been sought in the East and, with better results, in Minoan Crete (for instance, at Ayiá Triádha) and in Mycenaean Greece (for instance, at Tiryns).
In the 5th and 4th centuries bc two kinds of agora existed. Pausanias, writing in the 2nd century ad, calls one type archaic and the other Ionic. He mentions the agora of Elis (built after 470 bc) as an example of the archaic type, in which colonnades and other buildings were not coordinated; the general impression created was one of disorder. The agora of Athens was rebuilt to this type of design after the Persian Wars (490–449 bc). The Ionic type was more symmetrical, often combining colonnades to form either three sides of a rectangle or a regular square; Miletus, Priene, and Magnesia ad Maeandrum, cities in Asia Minor, provide early examples. This type prevailed and was further developed in Hellenistic and Roman times. In this later period the agora influenced the development of the Roman forum and was, in turn, influenced by it. The forum, however, was conceived in a more rigid manner than the agora and became a specific, regular, open area surrounded by planned architecture.
The use of the agora varied at different periods. Even in classical times the space did not always remain the place for popular assemblies. In Athens the ecclesia, or assembly, was moved to the Pnyx (a hill to the west of the Acropolis), though the meetings devoted to ostracism were still held in the agora, where the main tribunal remained.
A distinction was maintained between commercial and ceremonial agoras in Thessaly and elsewhere (Aristotle, Politics, vii, II, 2). In the highly developed agora, like that of Athens, each trade or profession had its own quarter. Many cities had officials called agoranomoi to control the area.
The agora also served for theatrical and gymnastic performances until special buildings and spaces were reserved for these purposes. In Athens respectable women were seldom seen in the agora. Men accused of murder and other crimes were forbidden to enter it before their trials. Free men went there not only to transact business and to act as jurors but also to talk and idle—a habit often mentioned by comic poets. In exceptional circumstances a tomb in the agora was granted as the highest honor for a citizen.

Ancient Corinth, the original City of Corinth, was founded in the 10th Century BCE and was the largest city in ancient Greece. More importantly, Corinth was ancient Greece’s richest port. The Corinth Paul knew had been re-founded by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony in 44 BCE. Using Rome’s tried and true format for subduing conquered populations, the “new” Corinth was populated with conscripted Italian, Greek, Syrian, Egyptian and Judean freed slaves. Like Ancient Corinth, New Corinth thrived. It’s strategic location also brought thousands of settlers from all over the Mediterranean. Soon enormous personal wealth was to be found in the local ruling class, which was made up of self-made men and a surprising number of self-made women, as well.

Corinth was known as an especially “wild” city and had a reputation for licentiousness. Paul was faced with a city that was used to coin one of the Greek words for “fornicate”, which was korinthiazomai ! This reputation was based, in part, on the ancient Greek historian Strabo's report that there were 1,000 sacred prostitutes in the temple of Aphrodite on the Acrocorinth, which was an 1,886-foot hill that rises above the City of Corinth to the south.

The wealth of Corinth rested largely on control of trade in western Mediterranean. In the late 6th century Corinth sought to maintain this commercial hegemony by mediating conflicts arising between its neighbors, specifically Athens, Thebes and Sparta, and by contributing to the Pan Hellenistic efforts against Persian attempts to subdue Greece.

Corinth, or Korinth (Κόρινθος) is a Greek city, on the Isthmus of Corinth, the original isthmus, the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnesus to the mainland of Greece. To the west of the isthmus lies the Gulf of Corinth.

Corinth is about 80 km west of Athens. The isthmus, which was in ancient times traversed by hauling ships over the rocky ridge on sledges, is now cut by a canal. It is also the capital of the prefecture of Corinthia. The city is surrounded by Lechaio, Kalamaki, Loutraki, Geraneia mountains, and the southern mountains.

Needles to say about the importance of Greek culture, philosophy, art, language to our todays world... So here is just a very, very small reminder of it ...

It's always interesting place to visit. Even if there is nothing to buy there are always interesting people to see ...

It's always interesting to take the photo under this condition, usually sunsets ... but there are also countless motives that can look equally good

Capitol of Serbia. Always under siege, demolished so many times, somehow cornered between East and West influence... Belgrade kept a little bit of everything and developed it's own, unique charm. Known by it's hospitality, variety of places to see ...
If there is one thing that surprises people when they come to Belgrade for the first time, it's the people. You hear all those stories of nationalism and bad politics and you'd expect Belgraders to be grumpy, tired folks - NOT SO. Serbians in general are loud, happy, outgoing, hospitable people always happy to meet new people and have guests over. The culture is very intimate and it's incredibly easy to make contact with people - it also helps that they speak English a lot better than any of their East European neighbors. Sure, you'll occasionally run into a super-obnoxious cab driver but hey, that just adds to the charm.

Generally, what you will see in downtown Belgrade is crowds of young, beautiful people sitting around cafes, eager for some fun - and more than happy to talk to and entertain foreigners. Don't be surprised if you ask someone for directions and they end up taking you where you want to go, giving you a free lesson of Serbian culture, politics and history, buying you drinks, and inviting you home for mom's dinner later.

Photos of small fishing boats, taken all over Greece

Photos taken during my first (and probably only) visit to Tripoli. It was a real surprise to see them playing almost forgotten games (marbles). I've been invited to play as well. They do not have modern toys (like most of the kids their age) but it does not stop them from playing.

Churches and monasteries in Serbia. Photos taken at various places in Serbia (and more will added to the album).
The subject is complex to be explained in just few words. More can be found on
http://www.srpskoblago.org/Archives/

Similar, but each time so different.

My participation in Fotki contests

The Danube is the most important river running into the Black Sea. It is the second largest European river, which flows over 2,857 kilometres from its source in the Black Forest of Germany to the Black Sea.

The Danube river basin can be divided into three sub-regions: the upper, the middle and the lower basin including the Danube Delta. The Upper Basin extends from the source in Germany to Bratislava in the Slovak Republic. The Middle Basin is the largest part and comprises the section from Bratislava to the dam between Republic of Serbia/Romania. The Romanian-Bulgarian lowlands and its upland plateaux and mountains form the Lower Basin of the river. Finally, the division of the river into three main branches creates the Danube delta, covering an area of about 6,000 km2.

Photos shown here are taken near Cortanovci and Belgrade, Serbia.

When choosing the camera, we're all aiming at more pixels ... But sometimes less pixels are even more interesting ....

It is very difficult to define what is exactly "digital art"? Some are thinking that it is a cheap, technically achieved digitally manipulated product... Definitelly, the “art” is not just the canvas and brush anymore. Judge it yourself.

Dimitsana, (60km from Tripoli), is a typical example of Arcadian architecture. The amphitheatrical construction of the village over river Lousios, on an altitude of 1000m, the astonishing view of Megalopolis` lowland and mount Taygeto, the tall stone built houses and the stone paved lanes create an atmosphere of nobility and charm. With a population of 600 it contains a municipality.

Dimitsana is a preserved settlement with many Byzantine churches. It is the birthplace of Patriarch Grigoriou the Fifth and of Paleon Patron Germanou, whose statues adorn the village today. During the War of Independence of 1821 against the Turks, the General Theodoros Kolokotronis used to run here the largest gunpowder warehouse of Peloponise called “the gunpowder warehouse of revolution for liberation”. The gunpowder mills of Dimitsana –that are still in function- used to supply non-stop the warriors of Roumeli and Moria.

Dimitsanas` library owns rare editions (20000 volumes that were saved amongst many others that were destroyed during the revolution for the needs of the war), codexes and a rich historic record. There are also the Laiko Museum where one will see the saddle of Papaflessa and the sarcophagus of Paleon Patron Germanou bones, the Historic Record, the Laographic Collection (in the library), and the Communitys` Hostel.

Dimitsanas` sights are the six gunpowder mills around the city, the houses of Patriarch Grigoriou the Fifth and Paleon Patron Germanou, the excellent fountain of Mustafa and the Kefalari of Saint Yianni. Of historic interest are also the churches of Saint Euthimio, Saint Georgio and Saint Ioanni.

During antiquity an ancient town called Tefthis was located on the same hummock where Dimitsana is built. The Acropolis of the ancient town used to be on the hill that is above Dimitsanas` houses. Ancient walls made of big stones can be seen in Dimitsana. Findings from ancient Tefthida (inscriptions and burial reliefs) can be found in the local collection located in Dimitsanas` library. At “Kefalari of Saint Yianni”, 1.5 km from Dimitsana, a spot of great natural beauty.

Just recently there was an Dinosaurs exhibition in Belgrade.
Even now, their remains look equally scary and strong. We can just imagine how dangerous they have been.
All photos are taken without flash, so there might be a bit "shaky" or noisy.

Photos taken all around Greece.

Elafonissos island does not have the spectacular beauty of its island cousins in the Cyclades chain. But it is surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise seas and has some of the finest and longest sandy beaches in Greece.
Simos beach may be the best beach in Greece with soft white sand and clean blue water. All the beaches on Elefonissos have a tropical look and feel to them and the cantinas play as much latin as Greek music. Besides the beautiful beaches there is not much to see on the island. The snorkeling is terrific.

It's amazing how simple and ordinary photo can be turned into something unusual and interesting ... With a bit of imagination and curiosity ...

It can be any field ... Flowers, vegetables, empty ... but they all have something in common, simple beauty
Photos are taken in Serbia and Greece.

It is always fascinating to view the photos of flying birds. So many different phases which are not noticed with the naked eye...

Needles to say anything about them ...

Gypsies are known as a nomads, traveling from one place to another.
Their culture, trades, and language are passed down from one person to the next. Most do not read or write. Caravans are formed of related families.
Romani typically married between the ages of 9 and 14. Marriage to an outsider is strongly discouraged.
Some of the photos here you might find disturbing, but they are real. They are taken in various places of Balkan peninsula, but similar situations can be seen anywhere in south of Europe. Most of the time we do not notice these people, or we just pretend that we do not notice them.

It seems very interesting subject (almost as faces), because in a certain way they are showing someones personality. Strong, weak, old, young ... each of them different, showing the way of living, and the traces of time passed.

Hydra is one of the Saronic islands, close to Athens. Even though it has a good nightlife, it is quiet since cars and motorbikes are not allowed.

The people on Hydra live off tourism to a great degree, but there are also fishermen and farmers on the island. Hydra also houses a large amount of artists, and many foreigners have settled down on the island. Because it is so close to Athens Greece, many islanders also work in Athens during the winter.
Hydra town is a lovely place just for strolling around. Many of its buildings date back to the 18th century, and is built around the harbour. Here, you can visit many art galleries, the churches of St. Constantine (ag. Konstantinos), the Virgin Mary (with a tall clock tower) and St. John (Ag. Ioannis) for example.

There are many monasteries on the island open for visitors. Note: you must dress appropriately to be let in: long skirts and covered shoulders for women, long trousers for men. The nunnery Ag. Efpraxia and the monastery of the Prophet Elias (Profitis Elias) are both situated on Mt. Eros and both have breathtaking views to offer.

Photos taken on a beautiful, although windy afternoon, at Paleo Faliro beach in Athens ...

According to its mythology, the island of Corfu was named after the nymph Kerkira (the Greek name of Corfu is Kerkira), daughter of Asopos, with whom Zeus fell in love and brought to this island. The fruit of their union was Phaiakas and so Corfu was also known as the island of Faiakes. It was here that Ulysses met the daughter of Alkinoos, Nausica, as described by Homer in the Odyssey.

Beautiful island, friendly people, rich history. Malta's position in the Mediterranean, midway between Europe and Africa, has made it a strategic prize. In the 16th century, the Knights of St. John repelled 30,000 soldiers of Süleyman the Magnificent's Ottoman Empire. It withstood Axis bombs during World War II. In 1964, after almost 150 years as a British colony, the Maltese islands won independence. Tourism is the cornerstone of the nation's economy, and it joined the EU in 2004.

Kea was once called the Water Island, Ydroussa, and it is believed that the name is connected to the water nymphs, that lived here according to mythology. Because it was such a pretty island, gods got jealous, and sent a lion to ravage the land. The nymphs fled, and as a subsequence, the island dried out. The Keans then asked Apollo's son Aristaeus for help, and he built a temple to Zeus, who apart from being the highest god, also was the one who sent rain. This pleased him, and the nymphs and waters returned, giving Kea a fertile soil with good crops.

The island has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The poet Simonides was born here. In the 13th century, the island was ruled by the Venetians, and 300 years later by the Turks. Meanwhile, Kea was often raided by pirates, and the locals suffered greatly. It is therefore not surprising that Kea was one of the first Greek islands to enroll in the War of Independence in 1821. In 1930, it was liberated.

Photos taken all over Milos island. Some of them might not be so good, but they are here just to show typical Greek island, and the it's atmosphere. Volcanic origin, with unusual landscapes, beaches and the crystal clear sea. One of the clearest I've seen in Greece.

Let's try to forget for the moment global crisis, global warming, and all other threats ... and hope that the new year will be better than this one
... and wish to people we know and others we do not,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Monemvasia is often called "the Gibraltar of Greece". The town, on the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, is a massive walled fortress that once housed an estimated 50,000 Byzantine Greeks. Today, fewer than a hundred people live year-round on the Rock of Monemvasia; most of the town’s 5,000 residents prefer the port, where cars, supermarkets, and other modern conveniences make up for the lack of historic atmosphere. Monemvasia derives its name meaning "sole entrance". With its back to the Aegean resembles a ship that is about to sail. Many claim that Monemvasia is none other than the ancient Akra Minoa, naval stop of King Minos An interesting footnote to Monemvasia’s history is the town’s role in the Malmsey wine trade. Malmsey, a sweet dessert wine made from the Malvasia grape, originated in Monemvasia, which exported large quantities of Malmsey to England in the 15th Century. Today, the name “Malmsey” refers to a type of Portuguese Madeira wine grown from the same grape

There is one very small and picturesque port called Microlimani. It is a part of Pireas port. Filled with small tavernas and fishing boats, makes it beautiful place to make photos. Early morning are always the best.

Muscat (Arabic: مسقط, Masqaṭ) is the capital and largest city of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians and the Portuguese Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians, the Balochis and Gujaratis. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.
I've spent only two days in Muscat, and did not have enough time to see it.

Second Visit...(photos with prefix OM...)

Some year and a half after my previous visit to Oman, it was necessary to go there again. This time I went to a small town called Sohar (some 200km north of Muscat). It was really pleasant experience to explore this part of Oman. Sohar is not so developed as Muscat, but it does not make it less interesting. I've met so many different people, and they all had one thing in common, amazing hospitality. Wherever I've been I was invited for lunch, dinner or (at least) a tea. It did not matter that I could understand just few words of Arabic, and that they hardly spoke any English. We could communicate easily. Needles to say that it was not necessary even to hire a taxi. There was always someone ready to drive me back to hotel.
By the way, I do not remember when was the last time I eat so tasty fruits as there. No pesticides, no chemicals, just pure nature ...

Mystras became the seat of the Latin Despotate of Morea, a vassal state of the Latin Principality of Achaea, established in 1205 after the conquest of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Prince William II Villehardouin, a grand-nephew of the Fourth Crusade historian Geoffrey of Villehardouin, built a palace there in 1249.

The Latin despotate was retaken in 1262 by Michael VIII Palaeologus after the recapture of Constantinople in 1261, when John Palaeologus, Michael's brother, ransomed William to the other Latin princes. It remained the capital of the despotate of Morea, ruled by relatives of the Byzantine emperor, although the Venetians still controlled the coast and the islands. Mystras and the rest of Morea became relatively prosperous after 1261, compared to the rest of the empire. Under the despot Theodore it became the second most important city in the empire after Constantinople, and William II's palace became the second residence of the emperors.

Nafplio (or Nafplion) was the first capital of Greece after independence. Today Nafplio is a lovely seaside town about a 2.5 hour drive southwest of Athens on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Many visitors to Greece use Nafplio as a base for visiting the many ancient archeological sites nearby. Cruise ships love Nafplio because of its picturesque harbor, which is dominated by three citadels -- the vast Palamidi Fortress, the Akronafplia Fortress, and the Bourtzi Fortress. Cruise ships anchor in this wonderful harbor and passengers take a tender ashore.

Although Nafplio is a charming town featuring elegant Venetian homes and towering fortresses over the harbor, the town is also a good place to use as a base for shore excursions to two nearby World Heritage sites -- Epidaurus and Mycenae.

It's interesting to see old adverts. Some of them, shown here, are replicas of adds that are used maybe 50 years ago. It's funny to see how the style has changed, and to be reminded on some old products, or do not exist any more.

Color photos where only one (or just few dominating) color(s).

Visit to local street market. It was an unusually nice and warm day for December.

Amazing island! Different landscapes, crystal clear sea, empty beaches, old villages, ancient sites ... Great place to explore

Different people from different places, living their lives....

This small town, located some 70 km from Athens, offers beautiful clear sea and beaches. For ancient site lovers and explorers, there are remains of the old tower (from 300 b.c.), just 10min walking distance from the sea.

Here are some samples of different editing applied on the same photo. Each one has a brief description of the method that was applied.
Programs and gear used:
Adobe Ligthroom & Color Efex, Sony A350, Sigma 17-70 Lens and circular polarizing filter.
The names of processing effects described here are from the Color Efex program.

Regards to all

Santorini Island is the most spectacular and romantic island of Cyclades. It is a unique place due to its volcano and its magnificent landscape.

I just started experimenting with selenium tone. It's amazing how much the whole feeling is different, when compared with the original (color) photo. All comments and suggestion are welcome.

Regards to all

Zlatko

It is really surprising how some photos can have completely different atmosphere when turned from color into Sepia. Photos taken in Greece and Serbia

Countryside in Serbia

It was very cold, rainy day and felt bored to spend it in front of the TV, and this is the outcome ...

For most of us the most beautiful part of the year ...

Actually I was curious to se how some of the old equipment (Hoya close up filter) works together with Minolta 28-80 mm lens.
Although there was not enough light, I think that the outcome is not so bad. There is no editing on any of the photos.

I know nothing about them (except the Rolling ones). What impressed me here is the variety of patterns and colors within few hundred meters. Photos are taken in Kea island, Greece

Different at the sunset or sunrise. Sometimes coming very fast, sometimes "cooking" for a while, but always fascinating ...

They are always nearby, playing their tune. Some are good, some are not, but all of them adding to downtown aroma ...

Simply beautiful ... Any season of the year, with or without the rain, snow, fog ... Photos taken at various places in Greece and Serbia

Photos taken in various places in Greece

Mainly known by it's islands, Greece has lot of other beauties to offer. Green valleys, crystal clear rivers and lakes...

Libya (Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) stretches along the northeast coast of Africa between Tunisia and Algeria on the west and Egypt on the east; to the south are the Sudan, Chad, and Niger. This was my first visit. Unfortunately I did not have enough time to travel out of Tripoli. What I saw is that the people are very friendly, although the communication might be a difficulty. But, when you are about to buy something in the shop, then there is no problem at all. Hands, face expressions, and little bit of every spoken language, will help you to find a way. The antiquities are awesome and because of its isolation, not many people have visited this fascinating North African country.
Tripoli itself seems very safe place to go around. I was walking around the town, even some remote areas, without a single problem.
Most of the photos you see here are captured while walking, so some of them are not so good. The reason that they are here is that I wanted to show how ordinary people live their lives.

Diving is my hobby from a childhood. All photos in this album are taken in Greek waters. They might not be so attractive like some other destinations, but anyhow, I like them.

Vienna, also described as Europe's cultural capital, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure. It is very clean and safe, and has all the inspiration that you could wish for in order to discover this wonderful part of Europe.