Holiday Ayo - The existence of these oldest cities is not only important for the lives of the people in them, but also as evidence of historical heritage for the world. The oldest cities in the world offer many interesting things to visitors. Starting from ancient architecture, historical sites, to traditions and culture that are still strongly attached to the local community.

Walking around these cities seems to take us back in time and understand how people lived and the culture of ancient times.   Through this article, we will discuss the 4 oldest cities in the world that still exist today and still have residents for you. 

Jericho, Palestine

source: Bein Harim

The city of Jericho in Palestine is currently known as the oldest city in the world, this city is believed to have been built and inhabited by humans from 9,000 BC until today.  This city is known as the city built by the Prophet Adam and is recognized by many religions as one of the holy places in the world.

Jericho has a long history and has served as a strategic city for thousands of years. This city has large walls that were built in 8,000 BC to protect its residents from enemy attacks. These walls witnessed many battles throughout history and played an important role in the struggle for control over this area of the city.

Jericho is also one of the most important cities in Christian history, as it is the place where Jesus performed the miracle of causing the city walls to collapse. The city also hosts many other sacred sites, with many sites and monuments still standing today.

Aleppo, Syria

source: Britannica

This city was founded around 5,000 BC and has a long history to this day covering several important historical periods, including pre-Islamic times, Roman times, and Islamic times. Aleppo has several important archaeological sites, such as an antique castle, a large mosque, and many ancient buildings that stretch along the city's streets. The city also has stunning architecture, including old buildings made of stone and brick that still stand today.

Apart from history and architecture, Aleppo is also famous for its rich traditions and culture. Unfortunately, the city has experienced severe conflict during the Syrian civil war, affecting the security and quality of life of its residents. Many old buildings and archaeological sites have been damaged or destroyed as a result of the conflict.

However, many efforts are being made to restore and preserve Aleppo's cultural and historical heritage. The city has great potential to become one of the world's top tourism destinations, and remains an important part of Syria's history and culture.

Varanasi, India

source: Klook

Varanasi is the oldest city in the world located in India. This city has existed since 3500 before and is one of the holy places for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The city has a rich and strong history and culture, and is one of the main destinations for historical and spiritual travelers from all over the world.

Varanasi is known for its beautiful and historic holy places, including ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist buildings. The city is also known for its rich traditions and culture, including music, dance and arts and crafts. 

One of the most famous activities in Varanasi is bathing in the Ganges River, which is considered a sacred ritual by the Hindu community. This ritual has a strong significance in Hindu tradition and culture, and plays an important role in the lives of local people.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

source: The Times

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded about 4000 years ago. This city is the capital of the southern Bulgarian province. The city is located on a plateau and has a long history, including the reign of Ancient Greece, Rome and Byzantium. 

Plovdiv has many historical sites and old buildings that still stand today, such as an Ancient Greek theater, Roman fortifications, and several Byzantine churches that reflect its heyday as an important city during the Roman and Byzantine eras.

The city is also famous for the arts and culture festival held annually, showcasing Bulgarian culture and traditions.