Every city in the world has a story behind it. The oldest cities in the world have cultural heritages and prehistoric remains that attract the people towards it. These cities not only have cultural architectures but also have imprints of previous civilizations. They reveal human development both constructively or destructively. Here, I am going to discuss the top 10 oldest cities in the world and their historical aspects.
Top 10 oldest cities in the world
10. Lisbon, Portugal
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Jeronimos Monastery |
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is utmost 3500 years aged. It is known as the edge of the world due to its unique architecture. In the 18th century, much of its architecture was destroyed due to earthquakes. Jeronimos Monastery, one of the most historic places in the city, attracts tourists toward this city.
9. Varanasi, India
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Varanasi (oldest city in India) |
Varanasi which is the oldest city in the world is located in India. It is approximately 5000 years ancient. The Hinduism religion is originated from this city. It is located on the Ganges river bank. Due to its link with Hinduism, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit this city every year. They perform their religious rites and also bathe in the river. Varanasi is also famous due to the presence of many Hindu temples, such as the Golden Temple, Vishwanath Temple, etc.
8. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Plovdiv(oldest city in Bulgaria) |
Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, is the utmost 6000 years old city in the world. It is also known due to the the region of six millennium. Also, its ancient town on the Nebet Tepe Hill is a habitat of people. Plovdiv is also a hub of the Persian and Ottoman Empires. Due to its historical background, people prefer this city as their tourist destination.
7. Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan
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Erbil |
Erbil, the city in Iraq, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is approximately 6000 years old. The city was occupied by persons, Ottomans, Romans, Greeks, and Mongols. Hawler Caster which is an ancient structure attracts tourists to this city. Erbil is famous due to modern markets and ancient places. Erbil city is recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
6. Susa, Iran
Susa, an Iranian city, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is almost 6300 years old. It is located in the Tigris river. Today it occupies the Middle East region. It is also known as the home of Early civilization. During the Assyrian invasion, the city has faced huge destruction. But later, it was rebuilt, and during Persian Empire, It was known as a glorious city. Susa, in the Hebrew language, means Water lily, was named due to the presence of a large number of water lilies.
5. Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital city of Greece, is also the world's oldest city. It is almost 7000 years old. People had been inhabiting this city since the 7th Millennium BC. It is considered a hub of Western civilization. Athens is also famous due to its philosophical background. During the Persian and Dorian invasion, the city faced a lot of destruction. It is also the oldest capital city in Europe.
4. Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos, the city of Lebanon, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has been inhabited continuously by humans for 7000 years. It is located on the north side of Beirut. Firstly, the import of papyrus in Greek was held in this city. This city is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Byblos is famous due to public parks and open-air markets on the sea. One of the famous open-air markets is Crusader Castle.
3. Aleppo, Syria
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Allepo (third oldest city in the world) |
Aleppo is the third oldest city in the world. It is an almost 8000 years old city in Syria. Aleppo is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mesopotamia Sea. People have been living there for thousands of years. Prehistoric remains are still present in the city. It is also a trade hub due to its geographical location. However, due to warfare between government and rebel forces, Aleppo has been facing severe destruction since 2012.
2. Çatalhöyük, Turkey
Çatalhöyük in Turkey is the world's second-oldest city. It is almost 10000 years old. It is located in southeast Anatolia in Turkey. Due to its connection with early civilization, it is also known as the Stone age. It is almost a 3 hours drive from Ankara. This city is famous among people who love to view prehistoric remains.
1.Damascus, Syria
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Gate of Damascus (oldest capital city in the world) |
Damascus, a Syrian city, is the oldest city in the world. It is 11000 year's old city. It is also the oldest capital city in the world. The city has experienced many rise and fall of civilizations. In the seventh millennia, it was the first inhabited. Also, it is a cultural hub of the Arab world. In 2008 it was named as Arab Capital of Culture. Damascus is an urban city with an almost 2 million population. Damascus is also recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
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