Looking for a unifying history, Uzbekistan finds its answer in a 14th Century Turco-Mongol conqueror... despite the fact he wasn't Uzbek.

This "tower of death" has acted as an observatory, a religious hub, and an executioner's lair.

Ancient barriers wrap around what was once an important stop along the Silk Road.

Light still pours into the ruins of this ancient Islamic observatory.

The Avenue of Mausolea is a series of grand palatial tombs.

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

A colorful and enigmatic cemetery in the middle of nowhere.

What might be the largest completely Jewish town in the world outside of Israel now faces dwindling numbers and empty streets.

Foreign invaders almost left this lovely Caucasus palace alone—almost.

Resonant stone, that has been played since prehistoric times.

Swirling layers of white and red rock earned these mountains their festive nickname.

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.

Mysterious hillside with a continuously burning natural fire.

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

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

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

A gigantic collection of teeny, tiny books.

Hundreds of people walk past this palm tree every day without spotting its secret.

This Western Australian mint was established during the height of the Australian gold rush.

Finland's oldest astronomical observatory once played a crucial role in seafaring and timekeeping.

A lovingly curated curio shop in which the taxidermy wear newspaper party hats, and peanut shells are spread across every surface.

This endearingly discomfited urinating statue commemorates the sneaky pees had by us all.

This insurance company building reminds customers that witches, bears, and gnomes are out there, best be insured.