MY SELECTED LIST OF CITIES (PART 5)

Asia

33. Damascus

Being called as 'Dimashq' among Arabs, it is the capital city of Syria. Damascus is known as "the pearl of the East,"because it is praised for its beauty and lushness. Damascus is both Syria’s cultural and political centre, as the city has long attracted great interest for its numerous sites of historic and cultural significance, including the Great Mosque of the Umayyad period and the turbah, or tomb, of Saladin. 

34. Jerusalem

Also known as 'Yerushalayim' in Hebrew and 'Baitulmaqdis' in Arabic, the Palestinian capital, which is set in West Bank, is one of the oldest cities in the world, and is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem is famed by its Wailing Wall, Great Mosque of al-Aqsa, and also the Dome of the Rock (Kubah as-Sakhrah).

35. Medina

Medina, or Madinah al-Munawwarah, formerly known as Yathrib, is situated on the Hijaz region in western Saudi Arabia, about 440 kilometres from Mecca. It is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca. Therefore, non-Muslims are prohibited to enter Medina and Mecca. There built the heart of the city, which is Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque).

36. Mecca

Mecca, or Makkah, is the most prestigious and holiest city in Islam. Located 70 km from the east of Jeddah, the city has the largest mosque in the world, the Great Mosque of al-Haram, where Muslims from all over the world come to Mecca in order to perform hajj once in their lifetime. The mosque are being renovated continuously for accommodating the increasing pilgrimages every year.

37. Abu Dhabi

Proudly modern and cosmopolitan, Abu Dhabi is not just the UAE's capital, but indeed the nation's forward-thinking cultural heart where nothing stands still. Abu Dhabi was previously an undeveloped town of only local importance, but the emirate’s oil revenues enabled it to evolve into a modern city with a fully developed infrastructure. Recently, Abu Dhabi owns a number of man-made islands, where luxurious buildings constructed.

38. Dubai

This city is being the largest in UAE, in terms of population. Not just a global city and the business hub of the Middle East, but it is also a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo. Dubai is popular for its well-known only seven-star hotel, Burj al-Arab, and there stands proudly a 163-storey building, called Burj Khalifa.

39. Baghdad

Located along the Tigris River, the city was founded in the 8th century and became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. Recently, it becomes the capital of Iraq and the second largest city in West Asia. During Islamic golden era, Baghdad evolved into a significant cultural, commercial, and intellectual center for the Islamic world, garnered the city a worldwide reputation as the "Centre of Learning".

40. Tehran

With around 9 million residents live in the city, Tehran becomes the largest city in both Iran and West Asia. Tehran's most famous landmarks include the Azadi Tower, a memorial built under the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah of the Pahlavi dynasty in 1971 to mark the 2,500th year of the foundation of the Imperial State of Iran, and the Milad Tower, the world's sixth-tallest self-supporting tower which was completed in 2007.

41. Kabul

Being the largest city in Afghanistan, Kabul is located high up in a narrow valley between the Hindu Kush mountains, with an elevation of 1,790 metres (5,873 ft) making it one of the highest capitals in the world. It is located strategically along the trade routes of South and Central Asia, and a key location of the ancient Silk Road.

42. Tashkent

This capital and largest city in Uzbekistan, located at the northeast of the country, just close to the border of Kazakhstan. Since 1991, the city's economy, culture and architecture has rapidly changed. New development has replaced icons of the Soviet era. The largest statue ever erected for Lenin was replaced with a globe, featuring a geographic map of Uzbekistan.

43. Nur-Sultan

After moving the capital from Almaty since 1997, the city had been called as Astana, until its name changed to Nur-Sultan in 2019, following the resignation of Kazakh former president, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Modern Nur-Sultan is a well-planned city. The city cardinally changed its shape, now it is home to many futuristic buildings, hotels and skyscrapers, such as the iconic tower of Baiterek.

44. Lahore

Located in Pakistani province of Punjab, Lahore is second most populated city in the country, after Karachi. It lies 1,305 km northeast of Karāchi in the upper Indus plain on the Rāvi River, a contribution of the Indus civilization. One of the top attractions is Badshahi Mosque.

45. Delhi

Delhi, a city which is neighbored by India's capital, New Delhi. It is a huge metropolitan area in the northern part of India. In the old city stands the Mughal-era Red Fort, and the gorgeous Jama Masjid Mosque. The national capital territory embraces Old and New Delhi and the surrounding metropolitan region, as well as adjacent rural areas.

46. Mumbai

Formerly, Mumbai is called Bombay, during British Raj era, is the most densely populated metropolitan area in India, located in the state of Maharashtra. On the Mumbai Harbour, there exists the Gateway of India stone arch, built in 1924. Besides that, this city is very famous for its Bollywood industry.

47. Kathmandu

This Nepali capital is surrounded in valley by the Himalayas. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain refreshingly friendly. This city reached one million residents in 2011.

48. Yangon

Formerly known as Rangoon, it is the largest city in Myanmar. It defined by a mix of British colonial architecture, modern high-rises and gilded Buddhist shrines. Located in southern part of Myanmar, this city is famous for its Shwedagon Paya, a huge, shimmering pagoda complex, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

49. Bangkok

Among Thai people, the nation's capital is commonly known as Krung Thep. It accommodates around 8 million people, making the city as the largest in Thailand. The city is known for some iconic landmarks, such as Rama VIII Bridge and the Grand Palace. Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations, and has been named the world's most visited city consistently in several international rankings.

50. Ho Chi Minh

Named after father of Vietnam, Uncle Ho, this city is also known for its other name, Saigon. It is previously the capital of South Vietnam, before reunification with the North in 1975. Recently, it is the largest city in Vietnam. Top-rated destinations such as Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh Monument and Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon are recommended for visitors!

51. Manila

Established in 1571, Manila, the Philippine capital, is a highly urbanized city. The megacity is situated on Luzon island, neighboring Quezon City in its eastern side. The nearest volcano, Mount Pinatubo can be seen through most parts of the city. One of the major tourist destinations in Manila including the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros.

52. Kuala Lumpur

Founded in 1857 by the British, Kuala Lumpur is not just a capital city. Indeed, the city have achieved some developments, including the built of iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower. The twin towers were recognized as the tallest buildings at the end of 20th century. Despite the towers seems modern, Malaysian identity is still being adapted on its structure.

53. Singapore

A city-island country at the southern border of Malaysia, is a global financial center with a tropical climate and multiracial population. Singapore emerged as an important transportation and logistics hub and a major tourist destination, where some places are well worth the visit, such as Marina Bay Sands and the iconic Merlion Statue.

54. Jakarta

Situated on the northwest coast of Java, the world's most populous island, this huge capital of Indonesia owns a historic mix of cultures; Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and European has influenced its architecture, language and cuisine. Inside the city stands the notable National Monument.

55. Taipei

This Taiwanese capital is located in northern tip of the island. Taipei is the political, economic, educational, and cultural center of Taiwan and one of the major hubs in East Asia. In addition, the city is home to various world-famous architectural or cultural landmarks, which includes Taipei 101 and several night markets dispersed throughout the city.

56. Lhasa

Rising atop Red Mountain at an altitude of 3,700 metres, Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China, lies alongside the Lhasa River's north bank in a valley of the Himalayas. The name Lhasa literally means 'The Place of the Gods'. Above the holy city, a panoramic view of Potala Palace soaring can raise your goosebumps in amaze!

57. Hong Kong

A city that situated in the autonomous territory of Hong Kong, in southeastern China. Its densely 8 million-populated urban centre is a major port and global financial hub with a skyscraper-studded skyline. Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Peak and Victoria Harbour are some attractions available in the city.

58. Shanghai

This Chinese largest city becomes a global financial hub in the East. Known as 'Oriental Paris', Shanghai is located on China's central coast. Shanghai is a tourist destination famous for historical landmarks as well as modern, ever-expanding skylines, such as Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden and Nanjing Road.

59. Beijing

Being Chinese capital and its second largest city, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, and cultural center. It has the most famous wall, The Great Wall of China, built to prevent from the invasion of Eurasian nomads. Other attractions to visit such as Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.

60. Seoul

Besides being named as South Korea's capital, the city is also the largest in the nation, accommodating around 10 million residents in its urban area. In 2015, it was rated as Asia's most livable city with the second highest quality of life globally. Some attractions are well worth the visit, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Seoul Tower.

61. Osaka

Osaka, the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo. The city has been a major economic hub in Kansai Region, southern part of Honshu Island. It is home to the multinational electronics corporation Panasonic. Osaka will be incomplete without its notable landmarks such as Tsūtenkaku Tower, Osaka Castle and Shitennō-ji.

62. Tokyo

This Japanese capital accommodates around 30 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world! In its urban area exists the residence of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese government. Mount Fuji can be seen through most parts of the city. Other attractions available are Tokyo Sky Tree and Sensō-ji.