There’s something fascinating about ancient cities that makes
you want to explore everything they have to offer. If you, too, love to
explore ancient civilizations or what remains of them, we have put
together a list of the 10 oldest cities in the world that are still standing,
reminiscent of how people lived millenniums ago.

1. Gaziantep, Turkey (3650 B.C.?)



The capital city of Gaziantep Province informally known as Antep is the
oldest city that’s still standing, with a history dating back to the Hittites
period. It was continually inhabited ever since the Paleolithic age,
experiencing serious growth along with the Ottoman Empire. Today,
Gaziantep is a friendly, upbeat city with numerous mosques, medresse,
inns and baths from centuries ago. The stone houses and vibrant bazaars
are bordered by beautiful gardens and vineyards, combining in a
spectacular sight anywhere you turn. With several museums and holy
places, you’ll surely need more than one day to experience everything
Gaziantep has to offer.


2. Jerusalem, Israel (3000 B.C.?)



A holy city for three different religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,
Jerusalem is the place where ancient values combine with modern culture
to bring a fascinating metropolis. Jerusalem is divided into three parts –
West Jerusalem, the rapidly developing commercial part of the city, East
Jerusalem – home for the majority of the Arab population, and the Old City
– a truly breathtaking location, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.
Once you get tired of sightseeing, you can check out the marketplace, a
place teeming with tourist shops.

3. Kirkuk, Iraq (3000 B.C.?)



With archaeological remains that are over 5,000 years old, Kirkuk is an
important city for the Kurdish identity and also the center of the Iraqi
petroleum industry. While it may not be the most inviting tourist
destination, Kirkuk stands on the site of the ancient Assyrian, once being
the battlegrounds for three empires, Assyria, Babylonia, and Media that
took turns controlling the city. Sights include the citadel, the tomb of
Prophet Daniel, and Al Qaysareyah Market. If you want to go back in time
and see the remains of the ancient city, visit archaeological sites of Qal’at
Jarmo and Yorgan Tepe, located at the outskirts of the city.

4. Zurich, Switzerland (3000 B.C.?)



Switzerland’s biggest city and one of the oldest cities in Europe, Zurich was
established in Roman times under the name Turicum. Traces of these times
can be found throughout the Old Town – narrow streets filed with antique
shops, boutiques and cafes. Shopping is concentrated around the famous
Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe.
Besides shopping, you can explore the city’s culture by visiting
Grossmünster or Fraumünster – two old churches with amazing interiors,
the Swiss National Museum or Kunsthaus, another popular museum. Head
down to Aussersihl – a newly developed area filled with bars, clubs,
restaurants where you can get a taste of the real Swiss life. After seeing
the city, you’ll surely find out why it was named the city with the best
quality of life in the world.