Brawny guys rolling around in oil is the oldest regular sporting event besides the Olympics.

This Turkish cave boasts some rather bizarre associations with the King of Mount Olympus.

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

This remote mountain shrine is one of the most sacred Zoroastrian temples remaining in the world.

Colorful mineral deposits turn these mountains into an Impressionist fantasy.

The colorful soil of Iran’s "Rainbow Island" attracts artists and nature lovers.

Salt cured mummies continue to turn up in this Iranian mine.

Hundreds of stones dangle from barren trees in the middle of the desert.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

These little castles each held thousands of pigeons.

Modern-day cave dwellers carve elaborate homes out of volcanic debris.

One of the world's largest salt caves is filled with fragile salt sculptures, salt rivers, and huge salt megadomes.

This beautiful system of tunnels built into natural rock serves as a centuries old plumbing system.

A sophisticated astronomical tower built by one of the greatest Persian scholars of the Islamic Golden Age.

Mirrors and glass shards cover every inch of this arrestingly beautiful mosque.

Ancient structures used to make and preserve ice in the deserts of Persia.

Putrefaction plateaus in Iran, where the dead were sent for decontamination before going to their final resting place.

This ruined fortress was the stronghold for a persecuted medieval leader and his infamous Assassins.

Iran's colorful terraces are a rare geological masterpiece.

Superstitious? Discover the witchy side of Mexico through its largest esoteric market.

Part bookstore, part café, and part forest.

These azure waters were thought to lead to the Mayan Underworld.

Frida Kahlo's childhood home, now a museum of her life and works.

An island filled with hundreds of hanging, decomposing, decapitated dolls.