amcclusk's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Mezairaa, United Arab Emirates

Singing Sand Dunes of Liwa

Over the dunes of the Empty Quarter, the mysterious music of the desert.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Gold Souk

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Masdar City

Planned as the world’s first zero-carbon city, it had lofty ideals—but is only 5 percent completed and aiming for 50 percent carbon-neutral.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Al Arab

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Miracle Garden

Billed as the "largest natural flower garden in the world" this Middle Eastern show field has little competition at 45 million flowers.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ski Dubai

This indoor ski resort has a mountain contained inside a mall.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The World Islands

This artificial archipelago was supposed to resemble a map of the world.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Elephant Clock

A faithful reproduction of Al-Jazari's enormous water clock.
Istanbul, Turkey

Pera Palace Hotel

This historic hotel preserves many treasures from its heyday hosting passengers on the Orient Express.
Istanbul, Turkey

Camondo Stairs

A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.
Istanbul, Turkey

Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant)

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

Vedat Tek House

The eclectic home of a leading Turkish architect is a gorgeous piece of eye candy.
Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia Wishing Column

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet, your wish will be granted.
Istanbul, Turkey

Tünel

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

Büyükada

Over the centuries, this island paradise has done it all, from providing monks with ecclesiastical respite to sheltering an exiled Leon Trotsky.
Istanbul, Turkey

Asitane Restaurant

This eatery re-creates dishes from the Ottoman Empire so you can dine like a sultan.
Kuşadası, Turkey

Cave of Zeus

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

Kuşadası

A charming beach town in Turkey captures all the colors of the rainbow.
İkizler Köyü, Turkey

Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross

An ancient church on a tiny island covered in stone bible stories has controversially been turned into a museum.
Kemer, Turkey

Olympos Coastal National Park (Çıralı)

Roman ruins, natural methane fires and a lovely beach.
Kaymaklı Belediyesi, Turkey

Kaymaklı Underground City

While not Turkey's deepest underground city, this subterranean redoubt is the largest.
Safranbolu, Turkey

Safranbolu, Turkey

Ottoman-era houses lovingly preserved.
Hajvali, Turkey

Gamirasu Cave Hotel

Live a night as a Byzantine King, with a minibar and private jacuzzi.
Kaleüçağız Köyü, Turkey

Kekova Island Sunken Ruins

Hidden just under the waters around this Turkish island are the ruins of a once great city.