OK - to avoid to many different subjects within 1 thread I will raise this separately!

I suggest a connection for those sites which discriminate regarding entry on the grounds of Sex, Religion or Nationality
Mt Athos - Men Only
Bagerhat - Khan Jahan's tomb - Men Only
Fez - Great Kairaouine Mosque - Muslims only
Marrakesh - Koutoubia mosque - Muslims only

Does anyone know of any sites which, assuming they have obtained a visa to enter the country, non-nationals are not allowed to visit. I remember France used to (I think it stopped now) prevent entry to non nationals at one of its military ports (not a WHS but you get the idea). I know that some Russian towns are still "closed cities" - but I can't think of any which are WHS. I assume Kronstadt is fully open now?


It isn't good enough for someone to say regarding the Muslim sites that this is a "religious" belief which shouldn't be "criticised"
a. Mere identification of the site is a statement of fact not an inherent criticism
b. In my own personal view a site shouldn't have it both ways - if it wants to be "universal patrimony" then entry generally and to the parts which are significant for its inscription should be open (or closed) to all equally on the basis of gender, nationality and religion!
c. Since many Islamic sites ARE open it is in fact a cultural factor in just some countries

Aren't / weren't some of the South Indian Hindu sites closed to non-Hindus? Have never been there, but recall to have read so.

I remember no problems at Thanjavur (Chola Temples), nor indeed at most other non WHS Hindu temples in S India I visited - but I do seem to remember 1 room in Madurai (not a WHS) which couldn't be entered by non-Hindus. I also found this on the web about Kerala (where I think Hindus are only just in the majority?)
http://www.hindu-blog.com/2007/06/on-entry-of-non-hindus-in-guruvayur.html


Just to show what can happen - I remember the Buddhist temples outside Mandalay were closed to "Menstruating ladies"!

Some part of Kii Mountain in Japan is also closed to woman.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20040501f1.html

My twin daughters will be 2 in August (site total 13). They were prevented from entering the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta on age grounds! (probably a good rule given the nature of the site).

Great Post Durian - Thanks. I will treasure that "picture" of the Japanese protester in women's clothes and his falsetto voice!

Most of the big Hindu temple in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath, is closed to non-Hindus. Personally I think that any site which discriminates should be disqualified from the list.

Rob

i found this: http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1143992450&cid=4

it says that this regarding the Sacred Kaya Forests of Kenya "Strangers are not allowed to the sacred site where all worshipers must speak the local language"

Good find, Xeres!