The world's 20 oldest cities: Ancient settlements that defy time
Countless civilizations have come and gone throughout history, but some cities have persisted for thousands of years, bearing witness to human history. These ancient settlements have managed to survive wars, natural disasters, and the rise and fall of great empires. Today, these cities remain vibrant centers of life, keeping the traces of the past alive in their streets, architecture, and cultures. Here are the world's oldest and most resilient cities...
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These ancient cities, which have witnessed the birth and collapse of civilizations, have managed to reach the present day by defying the destructive power of time. These treasures of history, where life has continued uninterrupted for thousands of years, carry the traces of a different civilization in every stone. Standing tall against wars, invasions, and natural disasters, these cities continue to exist not only as remnants of the past but also as vibrant centers of life today. Here are the world's oldest and most resilient cities from the pages of history...
1. DAMASCUS, SYRIA
Damascus is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Located in the heart of the Fertile Crescent, it is one of the most important landmarks in human history, with a past dating back to 10,000–8,000 BC. Having hosted great empires such as the Roman, Umayyad, and Ottoman, the city today serves as the capital of Syria and has a population of approximately 2 million. Its historic Old City district is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and enchants visitors with its narrow streets and traditional bazaars.
2. BYBLOS (JBEIL), LEBANON
The pearl of the Mediterranean, Byblos, was one of the most important port cities of the Phoenician civilization, with a history dating back to 7,000–5,000 BC. Famous for its papyrus trade with Ancient Egypt, the city also witnessed the birth of the modern alphabet. Today, with a population of approximately 40,000, Byblos is an attractive destination for tourists with its ancient ruins, medieval castle, and picturesque harbor.
3. ALEPPO, SYRIA
This ancient city in northern Syria was an important stop on the Silk Road, with a history dating back to 5,000–4,300 BC. Bearing the traces of many civilizations such as the Hittites, Assyrians, Romans, and Ottomans, Aleppo has suffered great damage from the civil war that began in 2011, but it still stands. Although its pre-war population of over 2 million has significantly decreased, structures like the historic Aleppo Citadel and the Great Mosque continue to reflect the city's past glory.
4. SUSA (SHUSH), IRAN
This ancient city in southwestern Iran was founded in 4,200 BC and served as an important center for the Elamite and Persian empires. The city, where the Code of Hammurabi was found, is also home to the tomb of the Prophet Daniel. Known today as Shush and with a population of approximately 65,000, the city is an important part of Iran's cultural heritage.
5. FAYUM, EGYPT
Founded in 4,000 BC on the fertile lands of the Nile River, Fayum was one of the important agricultural centers of ancient Egypt. Today, the city has a population of approximately 3.5 million; in addition to being a modern settlement southwest of Cairo, it also draws attention with its ancient temples and historical water canals.
6. SIDON (SAIDA), LEBANON
Founded in 4,000 BC, Sidon was one of the most important port cities of the Phoenician civilization. Famous for its purple dye and glass production, the city today has a population of approximately 200,000. The historic Sidon Sea Castle and its ancient harbor shed light on the city's rich past.
7. ERBIL, IRAQ
Erbil is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places, with a history dating back to 4,000–3,000 BC. Mentioned as "Arbela" in Assyrian and Sumerian sources, the city is not only a metropolis today with a population exceeding 1.5 million, but it is also famous for the historic Erbil Citadel.
8. JERUSALEM, ISRAEL/PALESTINE
Jerusalem, sacred to three major religions, was founded between 3,000 and 2,800 BC. Home to important shrines of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the city today has a population of approximately 1 million. Its Old City district is one of the most visited religious centers in the world, with structures such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall.
9. GAZIANTEP, TURKEY
Gaziantep, one of the ancient cities of Anatolia, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places, with a history dating back to 3,650 BC. Having hosted many civilizations from the Hittites to the Romans, and from the Seljuks to the Ottomans, the city is one of Turkey's important trade and cultural centers today with a population exceeding 2 million. The city, which enchants visitors with the Gaziantep Castle, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and its world-famous cuisine, is also known for its copper craftsmanship and pistachio production.
10. PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
One of the oldest cities in Europe, Plovdiv was founded by the Thracian civilization in 3,000 BC. Known as "Philippopolis" during the Roman period, the city today has a population of 350,000. The city, whose ancient theater is still used for concerts and events, is famous for its Old Town district decorated with colorful Bulgarian houses. It is a vibrant cultural center with its international fairs and art festivals held every year.
11. VARANASI, INDIA
Varanasi, the holiest city of Hinduism, was founded in 3,000 BC. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, the city today has a population of 1.5 million. Considered the final destination for Hindus who want to escape the cycle of rebirth after death, Varanasi is a mystical city where thousands of people bathe in the river every morning and Ganga Aarti ceremonies are held in the evenings. It has a unique atmosphere with its narrow streets, temples, and ghats.
12. ATHENS, GREECE
Athens, the city where democracy and Western philosophy were born, is one of the oldest capitals in Europe, with a history dating back to 3,000 BC. A modern metropolis today with a population exceeding 3 million, the city is an open-air museum with its ancient ruins, led by the Acropolis. It is a favorite of tourists with the narrow streets of the Plaka district, its neoclassical architecture, and its vibrant nightlife.
13. LARNACA, CYPRUS
Founded by the Phoenicians in 1,400 BC under the name "Kition," Larnaca today has a population of 85,000. Located in the southeast of Cyprus, the city is famous for its tourist beaches, salt lake, and the Hala Sultan Tekke. Bearing traces of the Phoenician, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, the city is the oldest continuously inhabited place on the island.
14. LUXOR (THEBES), EGYPT
Thebes, the religious and political capital of ancient Egypt, was founded in 3,200 BC. Known today as Luxor and with a population of 500,000, the city is home to the most magnificent structures of the ancient world, such as the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. The city on the banks of the Nile River is considered the world's largest open-air museum.
15. TYRE (SUR), LEBANON
Founded by the Phoenicians in 2,750 BC, Tyre is known today as Sur and has a population of 175,000. Famous in the ancient period for its purple dye production and maritime trade, the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its Roman-era hippodrome and aqueducts.
16. ŞANLIURFA, TURKEY
Known throughout history as the "City of Prophets," Şanlıurfa is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in human history. Mentioned as "Urshu" in the Ebla tablets, the city has hosted many civilizations from the Hittites to the Romans, and from the Seljuks to the Ottomans. Balıklıgöl, where it is believed that Prophet Abraham was born, is located in the heart of the city, while nearby Göbeklitepe (9,600 BC) is the world's oldest known temple complex. Today, the city enchants visitors with its vibrant bazaars, traditional Urfa houses, and cuisine famous for its isot pepper; it is also one of Turkey's fastest-growing cities. With its historical texture and cultural richness on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Şanlıurfa is an open-air museum where life has continued uninterrupted for 6,000 years.
17. BYBLOS, LEBANON
Founded in 5,000 BC, Byblos is considered the birthplace of the Phoenician alphabet. Today, with a population of 40,000, the city is one of the most visited tourist centers in Lebanon with its medieval castle, ancient harbor, and historical bazaar. The city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.
18. JERICHO, PALESTINE
Jericho, dating back to 9,600 BC, is one of the oldest known cities in the world. Located in the Jordan River valley and with a population of 20,000 today, the city is of great importance to archaeologists with its ancient walls and the Tell es-Sultan mound. Jericho, the lowest settlement in the world, is also one of the oldest cities mentioned in the Bible.
19. ARGOS, GREECE
Founded in 3,000 BC, Argos is one of the oldest cities in Ancient Greece. Today, with a population of 22,000, the city is known in mythology as the home of King Agamemnon. Attracting tourists with its ancient theater and the ruins of the Temple of Hera, the city reflects the historical richness of the Peloponnese region.
20. MULTAN, PAKISTAN
With a history dating back to 3,000 BC, Multan is one of the oldest cities in Pakistan. Today, with a population exceeding 2 million, the city was one of the important centers of the Indus Valley Civilization. Famous for its Sufi shrines, Multan is known as the "City of Saints and Shrines" and is recognized for its very colorful ceramics.