Some great travel scholars have claimed that if you ever want to understand the true essence of a country, you must simply start walking on the bustling streets of the city. Nobody knows how to define a city, but in simple words, it can be understood as a location of human settlements doing non-agricultural activities.
The city is the place where you can get to know about the soul of the nation. What water is for a fish, similarly a city is for a nation. Probably it’s because of a city that an individual dreams of adapting to a high-standard lifestyle, indulging in the happening aura, and exploring every bit of it in a very enthusiastic and wholesome way.
For me, cities are the best educators. Every single city in this world is filled with emotions, stories, anecdotes, and chaos that probably no Google Map or a prompt by Chat GPT can guide you about. It can only be experienced and felt when you observe it just like a local. Everybody travels, but quite a few explore and leave a part of them behind while moving forward.
Let’s start from the beginning, how does the city get formed? What do you call a place city? I also had this same question when I started drafting this piece. Science explains that the first cities appeared thousands of years ago in areas where the land was fertile, where man roamed to find his source of income to fulfill his needs.
Currently, some of the largest cities in the world are home to almost 20 million families and the number of migrants is just double. Cities have always been considered the center of learning, economic activity, and finding a spot for oneself in a colorful culture.
Do you know there are various cities in the world that are known to be the pioneers of the first human settlements? You probably just know a few prominent cities from the last decade. I have a list of the Top 10 world’s oldest cities which are examples of early human inhabitants. You might have heard few, but many would make you awestruck with its history.
Xi’an, China: Unearth Ancient Wonders!
Whenever we talk about ancient, some or other time the name China appears automatically. When it comes to the oldest inhabited cities, dive into Xi’an, China, where the iconic Terracotta Army stands as a testament to the city’s ancient roots. Xi’an boasts a history dating back over 3,000 years, once serving as the starting point of the Silk Road. Wander through the city’s ancient walls and immerse yourself in a living history book that unfolds with every step.
Multan, Pakistan: City of Saints and Spice!
Our heartiest, pure beauty yet the biggest enemy nation of Pakistan has also engraved its name in the list of oldest cities in the world. If for a second, you can forget about our rivalry with this nation you would know how picturesque this place is. I have always adored this nation when it comes to beauty and stunning scenery. Welcome to Multan, Pakistan, an oasis of history and culture. Known as the ‘City of Saints,’ Multan has thrived for thousands of years at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. From its vibrant bazaars, marvelling at the grandeur of Multan Fort, and the flavors of its spice-filled air transport take you through the bygone area.
Varanasi, India: Spiritual Hub Along the Ganges!
If Pakistan can engrave its name in one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, then no chance India could be left behind. There is only one prominent city in our country that comes first in my mind when thinking about the olden ancient era. Varanasi, India, stands as the spiritual heartbeat of the country, tracing its origins to over 3,000 years ago. Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi is a city of rituals, ghats, and ancient temples. Indulging in the mesmerising Ganga Aarti and inhaling the spiritual energy has been drawing seekers and sages for centuries.
Athens, Greece: Cradle of Western Civilization!
We relate ourselves to Greece at a very similar level when talking about our language and literature. As we all know most of the words have been taken from the Greek language. No doubt why this country exists on the list. When it comes to the birth and evolution of Athens, Greece, it is a living museum of the ancient world, where every stone whispers tales of democracy, philosophy, and mythology. Home to the Acropolis, Athens proudly carries a legacy dating back more than 3,400 years. Some of the keen observations you can witness here are the historic Plaka district, savoring Greek cuisine, and letting the city’s ancient spirit captivate your imagination.
Luxor, Egypt: Gateway to Ancient Egypt!
Luxor, Egypt, unfolds the grandeur of ancient Egypt along the banks of the Nile. Once Thebes, the city boasts a history spanning over 4,000 years, adorned with the temples of Karnak and Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings. Step back in time as you cruise the Nile, marveling at the monumental wonders that have withstood millennia. Curious about the mummies that are adorned by the entire world. Find its origin here.
Damascus, Syria: An Oasis of History!
Damascus, Syria, proudly claims the title of one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with roots stretching over 11,000 years. Wander through its ancient bazaars, marvel at the Umayyad Mosque, and imagine the echoes of civilizations that have called this city home. Damascus is not just a destination; it’s a journey through time.
Susa, Iran: Echoes of Persian Glory!
Welcome to Susa, Iran, an archaeological marvel that traces its origins back over 4,000 years. Once a prominent Elamite city, Susa flourished under Persian rule, leaving behind remnants of its glory days. With the magnificent glory of Apadana Palace and the impressive Susa Acropolis, the magical whispers of ancient Persian civilizations envelop you.
Byblos, Lebanon: Where History Meets the Mediterranean!
Byblos, Lebanon, stands as a coastal gem with a history stretching over 7,000 years. Revered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, Byblos boasts ancient Phoenician ruins and a charming harbor. Stroll through its historic streets, feel the sea breeze, and immerse yourself in the magic of a city where every stone tells a tale.
Gaziantep, Turkey: Culinary Capital with Ancient Roots!
Gaziantep, Turkey, not only tantalizes the taste buds as the culinary capital but also reveals a history dating back over 5,000 years. Explore the ancient citadel, marvel at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and savor the fusion of cultures that define this city. Gaziantep invites you to a journey where flavors and history intertwine.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Europe’s Oldest Inhabited City!
Plovdiv, Bulgaria, proudly claims the title of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, with origins dating back 6,000 years. Wander through its charming Old Town, where Roman ruins coexist with vibrant cafes. Feel the pulse of history in the Roman Theater, and let Plovdiv’s timeless spirit captivate your senses.
Enjoyed reading it? I love researching about this unique topic and sharing my bit of research with all of you. Let me know your thoughts about it. Also, would you like to visit these cities?
Being a city lover I would surely like to plan my trips to these places one day!
Which city did you like the most? write about it in the comments. Let’s have a conversation!
Till then Happy Sunday!
Travellogs 