9th century Abbasid mosque, damaged in modern warfare.

Celebrated as a center of civilization, the remains of the ancient city have been nearly destroyed by greed, egoism, and war.

This steamship has been beautifully rusting off the coast of an Iranian island since the 1960s.

Long before air conditioning, Persian architects found an ingenious way to cool off.

This lake in northwest Iran has started turning from green to red more frequently than scientists are comfortable with.

This circular Iranian jail was once a political prison run by the country's secret police.

This ancient fortress in Iran was once the oldest and largest treasury in the world.

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

The tower in this 1,000-year-old mud-brick village seems to vibrate for no apparent reason.

Iranian tombstones shaped like male and female sexual organs.

Burial site of a Jewish prophet revered in Iran.

This ancient burial site is believed to be one of the first earthquake-protected structures in the world.

These little castles each held thousands of pigeons.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

This 12,000 year old Iranian cave village has been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years.

The hottest, driest, and most scenic desert on Earth.

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

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

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

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

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

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

This vast, water-filled underground labyrinth can only be toured by boat.

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