Splashes of blue in an otherwise monotonous lunar landscape.

Once an impressive link to Afghanistan’s Buddhist past, now a sad reminder of intolerance towards other cultures.

This magnificent blue mosque in Afghanistan is surrounded by thousands of white doves.

Ancient rock-cut tomb? Definitely. That of a great Median king? Unlikely.

The sacred shrine of the Yazidis.

9th century Abbasid mosque, damaged in modern warfare.

Celebrated as a center of civilization, the remains of the ancient city have been nearly destroyed by greed, egoism, and war.

An ancient instrument used to measure the waters of the Nile so Egyptian farmers would know whether to expect famine or flood.

These Egyptian statues have survived for 3,400 years and were an acoustic wonder of the ancient world.

Ozymandias’ time-keeping temple.

The beautifully designed resting place of Iran's national poet is a masterpiece of modern Persian architecture.

The most sacred Jewish shrine in Iran and a fine example of restoration works gone wrong.

The largest covered bazaar in the world.

Marked by the hand of the explorer Henry Morton Stanley.

Colorful mineral deposits turn these mountains into an Impressionist fantasy.

This 17th-century structure is a beautiful testimony to traditional Persian architecture

Burial site of a Jewish prophet revered in Iran.

This ancient burial site is believed to be one of the first earthquake-protected structures in the world.

The colorful soil of Iran’s "Rainbow Island" attracts artists and nature lovers.

The fire inside this temple has burned for more than 1,500 years.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

The hottest, driest, and most scenic desert on Earth.

A historic trade hub teeming with gorgeous architecture, colorful goods, and vibrant designs.

These little castles each held thousands of pigeons.