Way back in the 13th century, Marco Polo wrote that there were mysterious flames that were found all over this unexplored area. Since then, it’s fostered legends and religions.

These natural flames are attributed to the enormous gas reserves under the ground. While most of the natural flames died out as the gas began to be exported, there’s still a massive wall of flame at Yanar Dag. According to local legend, a shepard accidentally tossed his lit cigarette away in the 1950’s, and started the whole thing.