Blue Mosque from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul, Turkey

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) is one of the most magnificent buildings in Turkey and a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul. It’s located in Sultanahmet, the heart…

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia is one of the most magnificent structures ever built. The building, with an interior full of priceless Byzantine mosaics and Islamic artwork, is part of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Reconstructed arches on the south side of Zvartnots Cathedral in Armenia

Zvartnots Cathedral, just outside Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat), is an important archaeological site in Armenia.

Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat, Armenia

Vagharshapat (Վաղարշապատ), more commonly known as Etchmiadzin (Էջմիածին), is the spiritual capital of Armenia and the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It’s also spelled Echmiadzin of Ejmiatsin.

Geghard Monastery, Armenia

Geghard (Գեղարդ), or Geghardavank (Գեղարդավանք), is a monastery in Armenia. It’s in a spectacular setting surrounded by cliffs, and visitors often combine it with a trip to nearby…