Photo credit: MIR corp
Architectural Inspiration: from Mud Bricks to Futuristic Cities
From Samarkand’s Registan to Riyadh’s modernist towers
Architecture is more than buildings – it reflects the history, values, and vision of the people who created them. From the grand Timurid landmarks of Uzbekistan to the glass-and-steel towers of the Arabian Peninsula, architecture tells the story of ambition, belief, and identity. MIR’s small group journeys go beyond the famous sites, uncovering a wide spectrum of architectural heritage – from Silk Road caravanserais and mud-brick fortresses to Soviet legacies and modernist experiments. Whether you’re drawn to medieval skylines, atmospheric old towns, or bold contemporary design, these destinations showcase human creativity across time and place. Explore the interplay of form, function, history, ambition, creativity, faith and modernity all through the lens of architectural inspiration, across 9 distinctive MIR destinations.
1. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – A City of White Marble and Bold Design
Turkmenistan’s capital holds the Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white marble buildings, giving the city an almost surreal appearance. Monumental government buildings and broad boulevards contrast with nearby Silk Road sites like Nisa and Merv, where ancient civilizations once thrived.
Explore Ashgabat and the Silk Road cities of Central Asia on MIR’s small group journey: Silk Road Backroads & Byways.
2. Lhasa’s Legendary Landmarks – From Potala Palace to Norbulingka
Lhasa’s skyline is ruled by the Potala Palace, a 13-story fortress of gold-topped stupas and ancient murals. Nearby, Jokhang Temple’s gilded rooftops guard Tibet’s holiest shrine, while Norbulingka’s gardens hide summer palaces carved with Buddhist motifs.
Venture to the Roof of the World with MIR: China’s Silk Road & Tibet: Route of Monks and Merchants.
3. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – From Mudbrick Fortresses to Steel-and-Glass Skylines
Riyadh’s architecture reflects Saudi Arabia’s dynamic transformation. Visit the historic Masmak Fortress, a key landmark in the country’s formation, then take in the sweeping views from modern towers like the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah Tower.
Discover Saudi Arabia on a small group journey through shifting landscapes and urban innovation: Saudi Arabia: Trade Routes, Tradition & Transformation.
4. Samarkand, Uzbekistan – The Jewel of Timurid Architecture
Samarkand’s Registan is one of the most celebrated ensembles of Islamic architecture – mosaic-covered madrasahs, towering minarets, and geometric precision. The city reflects the cultural fusion of its Silk Road heyday, with Persian, Mongol, and Central Asian influences visible in every tile.
Experience the architectural highlights of Central Asia on MIR’s signature small group tour: Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans.
5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Designing the Skyline of Tomorrow
Dubai’s skyline is a living experiment in architectural ambition. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the elliptical Museum of the Future and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the city fuses spectacle with engineering ingenuity. Master-planned neighborhoods like Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah reflect a bold vision of urban space in the desert.
Include Dubai on a custom cent journey through the Gulf region – contact us for options.
6. Tbilisi, Georgia – Balconies, Brutalism, and a Bold, Creative Spirit
Tbilisi’s cityscape reflects its layered past. Wooden balconies cling to hillside homes in the Old Town, while Soviet-era monuments and striking postmodern designs like the Bridge of Peace and Public Service Hall speak to a culture that embraces contrast. Architecture here is raw, evolving, and deeply expressive. For a deeper look at the city’s built environment, read the architectural review of Tbilisi.
Explore Tbilisi and the South Caucasus on MIR’s small group adventure: Treasures of the South Caucasus.
7. Riga, Latvia – The Art Nouveau Capital of Europe
Riga has one of the highest concentrations of art nouveau buildings in the world. The facades lining Alberta Street and surrounding neighborhoods are intricate, expressive, and full of early 20th-century detail – an ideal destination for design lovers.
Explore architectural and cultural heritage on MIR’s small group journey through the Baltics: The Baltics: Definitive Journey Through Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania.
8. Seoul, South Korea – Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Seoul’s skyline brings centuries of design into conversation. Royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty stand near cutting-edge buildings like Dongdaemun Design Plaza, designed by Zaha Hadid. Traditional hanok neighborhoods add texture and depth to the city’s evolving landscape.
Join MIR’s small group adventure to experience Seoul’s architectural contrasts firsthand: South Korea: A Journey Through Time.
9. Baku, Azerbaijan – East Meets West on the Caspian Shore
Baku blends tradition and innovation on the edge of Europe and Asia. Admire detailed craftsmanship at the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, explore the dramatic Heydar Aliyev Center—one of Zaha Hadid’s signature works—and see the Flame Towers light up the skyline each night. Then travel outside the city to experience Azerbaijan’s rural heritage, including Khinalug Village, where a way of life has endured for millennia.
Explore Baku and beyond on MIR’s small group journey: Village Traditions of the South Caucasus.
