At the start of Ramadan in 2018, photographer Sascha Luna Esmail traveled to Oman – the oldest independent state in the Arab world. Temperatures are constantly above 110 degrees and tourists are virtually non-existent this time of year, so Esmail was able to experience historic landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House in their full glory.

Continue on for a closer look at some of the most iconic sites in Oman, as shot by Sascha Luna Esmail. Make sure to follow her on Instagram at @by.sascha.esmail.