The sacred shrine of the Yazidis.

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.

One of the holiest Shi'i shrines in Iran honors the life and death of a learned noblewoman who became a saint.

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

The beautifully designed resting place of Iran's national poet is a masterpiece of modern Persian architecture.

This mosque turned crypt is an amazing display of Persian-Islamic architecture.

The largest covered bazaar in the world.

One of the world's largest shopping malls covers an area of 15 million square feet—and it's still set to grow.

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

Two Chinese dragons guard the caves of this medieval temple in Iran.

Iranian tombstones shaped like male and female sexual organs.

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

Colorful mineral deposits turn these mountains into an Impressionist fantasy.

This 17th-century structure is a beautiful testimony to traditional Persian architecture

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

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

Named after a legendary garden called Eram in southern Arabia, built by order of Shaddad, an Arab king who wanted to compete with Paradise.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

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

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

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.

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