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.

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

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

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

The best-preserved ancient theater in the world.

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

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

A Turkish ghost town abandoned in a population exchange with Greece.

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

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

In this historic region, homes and churches are carved into ancient volcanic rock formations.

A Lycian city of the dead carved into the hillside of Southern Turkey, complete with startlingly human touches.

These tombs were built into the side of a mountain so that ancient angels could reach the dead.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

A massive collection of petroglyphs dating back some 40,000 years.

This mysterious but iconic tapered tower appears in many Azeri fairytales and legends.

The building's fluid, wavelike walls are a true feat of architectural ingenuity.

A unique museum dedicated to culture and artistry of carpet weaving.

Resonant stone, that has been played since prehistoric times.

A gigantic collection of teeny, tiny books.

Home to nearly a third of the world's mud volcanoes, Azerbaijan is home to a messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive landscape.

A shrine of fire worship built on top of a natural flame.

Keeping Ballard's heritage alive with delicious, lightly battered Alaskan wild cod.

The tale of a strong-willed woman who stood her ground when the commercial world came rumbling in.