Afghanistan: The Unconquerable Land for Over a Century
For more than a century, Afghanistan has earned a reputation as a place where no foreign power has been able to achieve a complete victory. Its strategic location, which serves as a crossroads connecting Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, has made it a target of numerous foreign incursions.
1 minute read
In Iran, More and More Young People Choose "Contract Marriage"
In Iran, a unique form of marriage - "contract marriage" - has been gaining popularity, especially among the younger generation. This phenomenon has emerged as a response to various social and economic factors within the country.
2 minute read
Mosuo People: The "Mysterious Kingdom of Women" with Unique Matriarchal Traditions
In the 21st century, the Mosuo people retain a matriarchal family structure, earning them the nickname "mysterious kingdom of women"—a cultural phenomenon that fascinates scholars and visitors worldwide. A key aspect is their "walking marriage" practice.
1 minute read
Jordan - A Country that Resembles Mars
Jordan, a country in the Middle East, has a region that bears a striking resemblance to the surface of Mars. Wadi Rum, located in southern Jordan, is often referred to as the "Valley of the Moon" but it truly looks like a piece of Mars on Earth.
1 minute read
The Amish: Living Like 18th-Century Hermits in High-Tech America
In the technologically advanced United States, they live like reclusive hermits, rejecting modernization. They travel by horse-drawn carriages—exactly as seen in old photos. Their economy relies mainly on agriculture, resembling the villagers in The Peach Blossom Spring. They make a living through traditional crafts: blacksmithing, inlaid woodwork, and cheese-making. They use candles at night, study the Bible before bed, and barter to meet family needs.
1 minute read
Irish Dye Rivers Green? St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Explained
On March 17 each year, Chicago’s Chicago River is dyed green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, while New York’s Fifth Avenue hosts grand parades. People worldwide don green clothing, shoes, bags, or hats—all part of the festive tradition.
1 minute read
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival: The Spectacle of Thousands of Sky Lanterns
Among Thailand’s traditional festivals, the most beautiful is undoubtedly the "Yi Peng (Water Lantern) Festival." If April’s Songkran reveals Thais’ exuberance in water fights, November’s Yi Peng embodies the tender romance of Thai youth. Chiang Mai’s celebration stands out nationwide—beyond floating water lanterns on rivers to pray for blessings, it hosts a breathtaking mass release of thousands of sky lanterns into the air.
1 minute read
Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban on Female Drivers, Marking a Historic Change
For a long time, Saudi Arabia was the only country globally that prohibited women from driving. The Saudi Arabian interior ministry, specifically the head of the traffic police, refused to issue driver's licenses to women. Although there was no formal traffic law explicitly barring female drivers, women who dared to drive would be arrested and punished by law enforcement.
1 minute read
Satellite Dishes Adorning Red Roofs in Turkey: A Common Sight
In Turkey, a scene that has become a common part of the urban and suburban landscapes is the sight of satellite dishes perched on top of red roofs. These satellite receivers have become an integral element for many households seeking to access a wide range of television programming.
1 minute read
Mexico’s Radish Festival: When Radishes Take Center Stage
Each December 23, Oaxaca hosts one of the world’s most creative celebrations: "Noche de Rábanos" (Night of the Radishes). Locals carve this humble vegetable into intricate depictions of historical scenes or biblical stories—from the Three Kings’ journey to pivotal moments in Mexico’s war history. Witnessing these creations, one can’t help but marvel at the radish’s surprising transformation.
1 minute read
Icelandic Custom: Babies Left Outside Restaurants
In Iceland, a rather unique and heartwarming sight can be often witnessed outside restaurants. It is not uncommon to see babies sleeping peacefully in their strollers, left just outside the dining establishments while their parents enjoy a meal inside.
1 minute read
America’s Coffee Break Festival: Celebrating a Beloved Workplace Tradition
For many office workers, the short coffee break holds great importance. Each year, Stoughton, Wisconsin, honors this ritual with its Coffee Break Festival, featuring coffee tastings, brewing contests, and even bean-spitting competitions.
1 minute read
Denmark: A Nation Crazy About Cycling
Denmark is widely recognized as a country where bicycles reign supreme. With a population deeply in love with cycling, this Nordic nation has made the two - wheeled vehicle an integral part of daily life.
1 minute read
Fly Bikes: No Longer Sci-Fi—British Inventors Make Them a Reality
You can actually buy a flying bicycle. It sounds like science fiction, but British inventors John Foden and Yannick Read have created one: the XploreAir Paravelo. Combining a foldable bicycle with a lightweight trailer housing a biofuel-powered fan engine, it can take flight with a long enough "runway," reaching speeds of 25 mph and heights up to 4,000 feet.
1 minute read
Russian Girls: Baring Thighs in Winter
In Russia, especially during the harsh winter when the temperature often drops well below zero, a unique scene can be witnessed on the streets - many Russian girls expose their thighs despite the cold.
1 minute read
