While the countries of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan are primarily Islamic, each differs in architecture, culture, economic policies, educational practices, geography, government, history, religious practices, and women's rights. The presenter has been privileged to spend time behind the scenes in each of these cities. She will share slides of her journeys to Riyadh (2000), Istanbul (2025), and Baku (2025); describe why she traveled to these cities; and contrast the differences she encountered within the context of her personal experiences.