Thanks to a spelling mistake this bizarre beaver-tiger hybrid became the symbol of a Siberian town.

Intricate wood carvings on an island in Siberia.

A remote forest of stone pillars along the Lena river.

The coldest city in the world.

The cathedral stands in New Jufa, Isfahan's Armenian quarter that was established in 1606.

Marked by the hand of the explorer Henry Morton Stanley.

A historic trade hub teeming with gorgeous architecture, colorful goods, and vibrant designs.

The fire inside this temple has burned for more than 1,500 years.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

In this tiny Iranian town playing on the roof isn't just encouraged, it's the only place to go.

These little castles each held thousands of pigeons.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.

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

A spectacular rainbow of stained glass makes the "Pink Mosque" one of the most beautiful in Iran.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.

Touching displays of wishes for peace from the Cold War era.

Where Stoddart and Connolly suffered in the infamous Bug Pit.

One of the most ethnically diverse spots on the planet.

18m long sarcophagus of a constantly growing dead prophet.

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.