Baan Wichayen was the residence of the French envoy that visited the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 17th century. The ruins of Baan Wichayen, also known as Vichayen House are found near King Narai’s Palace in the center of Lopburi. The residence was first known as “Ban Luang Rab Rat Thut”, which translates to “Royal House to receive dignitaries”.
It is believed that the Palace buildings were designed by Constantine Phaulkon. Phaulkon was a Greek adventurer who first came to Siam as a merchant and later became one of the most influential counselors of King Narai. Later the mansion became Phaulkon’s residence and was renamed after his title, Chao Phraya Wichayen. After Narai’s death, Phaulkon was executed by the next King because of rumors that he planned to become King himself.
Baan Wichayen consists of several buildings in European style. The main buildings are the ambassadors mansion and the two story houses where the foreign dignitaries lived. According to the accounts of the ...
The Holy Assumption Cathedral in Tashkent, formally the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God, is the principal Russian Orthodox cathedral of the local diocese.
It originated in 1871 as a modest church dedicated to the healer Saint Panteleimon, built beside a military hospital and cemetery during the period of Russian expansion into Central Asia. Growing numbers of worshippers led to construction of a larger brick church between 1877 and 1878, financed by local donations including major gifts from Governor-General Konstantin von Kaufman and merchant Dmitry Zakho; it was consecrated on 31 January 1879.
After the Revolution the parish was assigned to the Renovationist movement. Worship ceased in 1933 and the building served as a military sanitary depot until the end of the Second World War. Returned to the faithful in December 1945, it was reconsecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God and became the cathedral of the Tashkent Diocese.
Between 1958 and 1960 it was ...
The railway network of Uzbekistan traces its roots to the late nineteenth century when the Russian Empire built the Trans-Caspian line across the region. During the Soviet period the system expanded into a dense network of broad-gauge tracks that linked industrial centers and agricultural zones.
After independence the country began modernizing its rails, focusing first on passenger comfort and then on speed. High-speed services arrived in 2011 with the Spanish-built Afrosiyob trains and expanded further in 2026 with the Korean-built Jaloliddin Manguberdi, yet many travelers still choose the reliable standard trains that continue to form the backbone of everyday intercity travel.
The route from Samarkand to Tashkent covers roughly three hundred thirty to three hundred forty kilometers across open steppe, farmland, and the approaches to the capital. High-speed options such as the Afrosiyob or Jaloliddin Manguberdi complete the trip in about two hours and fifteen minutes, offering modern seating, ...
Port FC vs Beijing Guoan – A Night to Remember at BG Stadium
Port FC and Beijing Guoan brought contrasting histories and recent form into their AFC Champions League Elite clash at BG Stadium.
Port FC, founded in 1967 as Port Authority of Thailand FC, is one of Thailand’s oldest clubs. Nicknamed the Port Lions, the Khlong Toei side built a strong reputation through multiple Kor Royal Cup titles in earlier decades and later FA Cup successes, including 2019. While they have never claimed the modern Thai League crown, they remain a passionate top-flight club known for energetic support and competitive football.
Beijing Guoan, one of China’s most traditional and popular clubs, traces its roots to the early 1950s and became fully professional in 1992. A founding member of the Chinese Super League, they have never been relegated from the top flight. Their honours include the 2009 Chinese Super League title and several Chinese FA Cups. Guoan has long been a regular in Asian competition with a large, ...
