fredkrystian's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

Jabal Ikmah

The rocks around this mountain are filled with so many carvings that the area became known as the "open library."
Hadiyah, Saudi Arabia

Hadiyah Railway Station

Once a major stop on the Hejaz Railway, this desert station (complete with steam locomotive) has been abandoned for decades.
Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.
Istanbul, Turkey

Palace of the Porphyrogenitus

Byzantine emperors ruled, lived, and died in this 13th-century palace-turned-museum.
Istanbul, Turkey

Taksim Mosque

One of the newest mosques in a city filled with thousands.
Istanbul, Turkey

Meryem Ana Rum Ortodoks Kilesesi

It's believed that this small church was connected to the Hagia Sophia via a secret tunnel.
Istanbul, Turkey

Isa Yusuf Alptekin Park

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.
Istanbul, Turkey

Yeralti Camii (Underground Mosque)

A surprising and unconventional mosque hidden in the subsoil of Istanbul.
Istanbul, Turkey

Pierre Loti Hill

Have tea in a cemetery with a dazzling view of Istanbul.
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul 2461

Quite possibly the oldest love poem known to humankind.
Istanbul, Turkey

Vedat Tek House

The eclectic home of a leading Turkish architect is a gorgeous piece of eye candy.
Istanbul, Turkey

Beylerbeyi Palace

This former Imperial summer home was the venue for a royal slap that once echoed 'round the world.
Adalar, Turkey

Prinkipo Orphanage

One of the largest wooden constructions in Europe was meant to be a casino, but soon became an orphanage.
Istanbul, Turkey

The Spoonmaker's Diamond

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.
Istanbul, Turkey

Serpent Column

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.
Istanbul, Turkey

Column of the Goths

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.
Istanbul, Turkey

Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.
Istanbul, Turkey

Rumeli Hisari

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.
Istanbul, Turkey

Tünel

Climb a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second-oldest urban subway in the world.
Istanbul, Turkey

St. Stephen Bulgarian Iron Church

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.
Istanbul, Turkey

Panorama 1453 Museum

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.
Istanbul, Turkey

Nakilbent Cistern

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.
Istanbul, Turkey

Piri Reis Map at Topkapi Palace

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.
Istanbul, Turkey

Camondo Stairs

A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.