Iraq, known as the cradle of civilization, is a country with a rich tapestry of history that stretches back to the dawn of human settlement. The land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, historically known as Mesopotamia, saw the rise of the earliest cities and empires, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. These ancient civilizations contributed significantly to human progress with the invention of writing, the wheel, and the law code.
Iran's ancient history is a tapestry of civilizations and empires that have left a profound impact on the world. The earliest evidence of human activity on the Iranian plateau dates back to approximately 100,000 BC, but it was around 1000 BC that the Indo-European nomads known as the Parsa began to settle in the region. The name 'Persia' comes from these early inhabitants, whose legacy would grow to become one of the most influential in ancient history. The Achaemenian dynasty, founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC, marked the beginning of a golden age for Persia.
The Kingdom of Bahrain, a nation comprising more than 80 islands in the Persian Gulf, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. As the site of the ancient Dilmun civilization, Bahrain has been a center of trade and cultural exchange for millennia. Today, it's a modern country where skyscrapers tower over traditional markets, and the Bahrain Grand Prix brings the excitement of Formula One to the Middle East.
an island of sharp contrasts: lush mountains, skyscrapers, gentle tai-chi and good food
dynamic but still not publicly documented destination of East Asia
a nomadic land of vast spaces and mystic Buddhism
Japan is a fascinating country with a rich culture and history. It has many attractions for visitors, such as ancient temples, modern skyscrapers, beautiful gardens, and delicious cuisine. Japan is also known for its innovation and technology, as well as its art and entertainment. Whether you are interested in exploring the traditions of the past or the trends of the future, Japan has something for everyone. You will never get bored in this amazing land of contrasts and surprises!
With cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent, and other old Silk Road citadels, this country has way more than its fair share of culture and history. The people are warm and friendly, and the country naturally is nothing short of beautiful. The government will go out of its way to complicate your trip, though.
An amalgam of desert moonscapes and arid mountains, dotted with the ruins of great ancient civilizations, and ruled until recently by a post-Soviet lunatic cultivating one of the most bizarre cults of personality in history, this is off-the-beaten-path, difficult (courtesy of rotten officialdom), but potentially very rewarding travel.
Tajikistan, Central Asia's poorest backwater, truly is off the beaten path, but with incredible landscapes and Persian culture, and the only post-Soviet state to suffer a civil war.