This Soviet statue is based on a piece of propaganda that's been elevated to national myth.

In Kazakhstan, a colorful cathedral with many lives once survived the most powerful earthquake in the region.

This sprawling market is a one-stop shop for traditional Kazakh foods, from mare’s milk to sheep’s head.

When the Soviets destroyed the historic Armenian monastery they somehow left its bell tower intact.

Unusual building appears to be haphazardly built from randomly piled bricks.

Fast food feels like fine dining at this award-winning modern Georgian building.

Once part of an ancient international harbor, it's now an all-you-can-eat shrimp buffet for flamingos and other water birds.

A sacred lake with thousands of sacred carp and a biblical history.

This 470-meter-long dripstone cave was discovered by chance in 2006.

Mediterranean castle on a tiny Turkish island.

This arch granting triumphal entrance into Antalya was designed to honor the emperor's visit.

One man’s collection of photography books has transformed into a charming exhibition space.

This little medieval church hidden in the center of Yerevan was lost and rediscovered—twice.

Over the centuries, this island paradise has done it all, from providing monks with ecclesiastical respite to sheltering an exiled Leon Trotsky.

This historic hotel preserves many treasures from its heyday hosting passengers on the Orient Express.

The legendary luxury train passage is commemorated with a charming museum inside its former eastern terminus.

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

A charming beach town in Turkey captures all the colors of the rainbow.

Roman ruins, natural methane fires and a lovely beach.

Large miniature theme park with 100-plus models.

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

While not Turkey's deepest underground city, this subterranean redoubt is the largest.

The best-preserved ancient theater in the world.

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.