The Taj Mahal, often referred to as the “Monument of Love,” stands as one of the world’s most awe-inspiring architectural marvels. Erected in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it has since become a symbol of undying love and an emblem of India’s rich history. In 1983, its significance was further recognized when it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each year, it attracts a staggering number of visitors, equivalent to nearly thirty percent of the global population.
Over the years, the Taj Mahal has not only been a must-visit for tourists but has also hosted numerous world leaders and dignitaries. Their visits often reflect the monument’s global appeal and its role in fostering international relations. Here’s a curated list of some notable visits:
American Presidents and the Taj:
- Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump marveled at its beauty in February 2020.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower and his daughter-in-law Barbara were captivated by its charm in 1959.
- George Washington and his wife toured the site in 1984.
- Bill Clinton shared this experience with his daughter Chelsea in 2000.
- Barack Obama had plans to visit in 2015, but a change in schedule prevented this.
European Leaders and Their Moments:
- Emmanuel Macron, the French President, and his wife Brigitte Marie-Claude Macron took in its splendor in 2018.
- Nicolas Sarkozy, another French President, visited in 2008.
- Ion Iliescu, the former Romanian President, posed for photographers in 2004.
- Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Prime Minister of France, had his moment in 2003.
- Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, the President of Italy, was there in 2005.
- Yoshiro Mori, Prime Minister of Japan, admired it in 2000.
Royalty and the Taj:
- Kate Middleton and Prince William, the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge, reminisced at the same spot where Princess Diana had been photographed 24 years earlier.
- Princess Diana herself had memorable moments with Prince Charles in 1992.
Other Distinguished Visitors:
- Jair Bolsonaro, the Brazilian President, toured with his daughters.
- Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, explored it with his family.
- Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, visited twice, with the notable one being in 2000 with his wife Lyudmila.
- Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, was there with his wife Begum Sehba in 2001.
- Driss Jettou, former President of Morocco, Gloria Arroyo, former Philippines President, Hu Jintao, former President of China, and Yingluck Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, are among other leaders who have been enchanted by the Taj.
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Photo of World Leaders at Taj Mahal:
On February 24, the American President Donald Trump arrived in India along with his wife Melania Trump on his two-day trip.
Former American President Eisenhower witnessed the beauty of this wonderful memorial with his daughter-in-law Barbara in 1959.
American President George Washington with his wife came to India in 1984. Taj Mahal was one of the important destinations that they visited on the tour.
This year, the President of Brazil Jair Bolsaro also visited the seventeenth-century Mughal mausoleum on his India tour. He visited the monument with his daughters.
The Duchess of Cambridge and Duke, Kate Middleton, and Prince William also visited the grand memorial after their week-long India tour in 2016. The duo spent some time sitting on the bench in front of the memorial. This was the same place where the Princess of Wales, Diana, clicked twenty-four years back.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau came to India for a week along with his wife and children. Along with the Taj, they visited a few more significant places in India as the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
In 2000, the President of Russia, as Vladimir Putin also visited the Taj Mahal while on his tour to Agra. He attended the trip with his spouse Lyudmila. The duo clicked several snaps in front of this enthralling monument.
The former American President Barack Obama visited India in 2015. He could not visit the Taj Mahal as he had to shorten his tour due to the demise of King Abdullah.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron was also the guest of this highly noteworthy Mughal mausoleum. He visited the monument with his wife Brigitte Marie-Claude Macronin 2018.
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In 2001, Pakistan Prime Minister Pervez Musharraf visited the monument with his wife Begum Sehba.
Past President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silv, visited the monument along with his spouse Marisa Leticia Lula Da Silva in 2004.
In 2004, Ion Iliescu, the former Romanian President, also made a visit to the Taj Mahal.
In 2000, former American President Bill Clinton witnessed the beauty of the Taj with his daughter Chelsea Clinton.
Former President of Morocco, Driss Jettou also made a visit to the Taj Mahal.
In 2007, the past President of Philippines as Gloria Arroyo also visited the monument of love.
In 2008, Former President of France named Nicolas Sarkozy made a visit to the Taj Mahal.
The President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas spends time appreciating the beauty of the mesmerizing Taj Mahal in 2008.
Former President of China Hu Jintao visited the Taj Mahal with his spouse Liu Yongquing in 2006.
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra visited the Taj Mahal in 2012.
The Prime Minister of Israeli named Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Taj Mahal with his wife Sara. The couple deeply admired the splendor and the attractiveness of this treasured monument of eternal love.
In 1992, Princess Diana came with her spouse Prince Charles and clicked a few memorable shots at this place.
In 2007, the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Sergei Stanishev also poses close to the historic Taj Mahal in his week-long visit to the Taj Mahal.
In 2004, the Defence Minister of China Cao Gangchuan visited the Taj Mahal.
On November 30, 1996, Chinese President Jiang Zemin also visited the Taj Mahal in the north Indian tourist city of Agra.
On February 8, 2003, Prime Minister of France Jean-Pierre Raffarin, along with his wife Anne-Marie posed for photographers in front of the momentous Taj Mahal.
Foreign Minister of Chile Canadian Maria Soledad Alvear also visited this iconic monument of love in 2003.
In 2005, the President of Chile, Ricardo Lagos visit the Taj with his wife Luisa Duran de Lagos and poses in front of the memorial.
On October 31, 2000, the President of Iceland as Olafur Ragnar Grimsson came to India with his fiancé Dorrit Moussaieff to witness one of the seven wonders on this Earth “the Taj Mahal”
On February 16, 2005, the President of Italy Carlo Azeglio Ciampi also visited the Taj Mahal.
Prime Minister of Japan Yoshiro Mori visited the spectacular monument on August 24, 2000.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clarke relaxes in front of the world’s most popular Taj Mahal on October 17, 2004.
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Conclusion
The Taj Mahal is the epitome of love. The beauty of this grand memorial has made everyone fall in love with it. It will always be a special experience for everyone.
Also Read:
- Top 10 facts about the Taj Mahal, Agra
- How to Travel from Delhi to Agra?
- 10 Places Near Agra for Weekend Getaways
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