More than 10,000 small mirrors cover the curved surface of the world's second-largest solar oven, located in a remote village in Uzbekistan.

One of the most well-preserved mammoth specimens in the world.

This memorial complex contains several mass graves for victims of the Siege of Leningrad.

Pictures tacked onto trees remember the more than 40,000 of Stalin's victims buried here in mass graves.

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

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

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

This family-owned canteen has been selling goat milk ice cream since 1933.

An Art Nouveau gem hides beneath the layers of city grime obscuring this once-magnificent building.

The ornate miniature mansions were built for Istanbul's feathered residents.

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

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

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

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.

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

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

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

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

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

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet, your wish will be granted.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

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

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