Uncover the Rich Ancient Past of the Middle East: Historical Sites to Visit

Uncovering history and archaeological sites can be quite exciting, indulgent, and informative. Nothing can be a better way of knowing your past than unveiling the wonders of old civilisations through your own eyes and experiences. If you love to explore history from various corners of the world, the Middle East is something you must not leave uncovered.

All you have to do is start planning your much-needed foreign trip and secure yourself and your trip partners with an international travel insurance plan. It ensures you have a safety net around you throughout your travel days.

Archaeological Treasures of the Middle East

Some prominent sites in the Middle East take you back into history. It is a place with numerous historical explorations that familiarise you with what happened in the past and how it moulded the present. If you have travel plans to the Middle East, let's check some of the places that must be on your checklist:

Dubai

Dubai is one of the most popular cities when it comes to foreign tours. Most people aspire to get a feel of the city and visit attractions in Dubai when they plan a foreign trip.

Dubai recalls the mighty Burz Khalifa, shimmery city life, and vibrant tourism. But have you wondered about Dubai's past and how it looked before the 360-degree renovation? Emiratis in Dubai were different before the city became a tourist attraction.

• One of Dubai's tourist attractions is the Old City, which offers an authentic taste of old Dubai. The food and buildings also give a strong idea of the old Dubai lifestyle.
• Other Dubai famous places include the pearl diving port of Creek, Al Fahidi to learn about Dubai's ancient art, Dubai Museum, etc.

Baalbek, Lebanon

Another popular historical place in the Middle East is the ‘City of the Sun’, which is commonly known as Baalbek. If you are curious to witness the remains of Roman ruins, Baalbek can be one of the best destinations to visit! The city also had religious importance in the rich past, and every year, Baalbek hosts an art festival to showcase its rich culture.

Abu Dhabi

The capital city of the UAE (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi, is next on the list of the best historical tourist places in the Middle East. Not just this, Abu Dhabi is also the richest among the 7 Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi has numerous sites that are historically rich and famous. If you are planning to visit tourist places in Abu Dhabi, the following are the places you must visit:

• Al Ain Oasis is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. It is home to over 1 lakh palm trees that get oasis from mountains.
• Al Jahili Fort, one of the largest forts in the UAE, was built in the 19th century as a summer residence for the then Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa. The monument is now a tourist attraction and a sight you must not miss.
• Other tourist places include Bidaa Bint Saud, Heritage Village, Hili archaeological park, Jebel Hafeet Tombs, etc.

Old Jerusalem

Middle East explorations and tourism may remain incomplete without visiting Old Jerusalem. The holy city that is the zone of popular and leading religions across the globe like Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, offers a vivid insight of its rich past. Apart from being historically crucial, the city continues to hold its essence and value to leading religions and all the tourists curious to understand the past that shapes today.

Troy, Turkey

Turkey has historical importance, and without a trip to Troy, the journey is incomplete. Humans started settling in the city of Troy in the Bronze Age. You may visit the old ruins that add to its rich past. You may also visit the Troy Museum and historic village for more historical insight.

Babylon, Iraq

Babylonians of Mesopotamia age is not a thing to mention when it comes to the rich ancient past of the Middle East. Babylon has played a crucial role in the past in shaping the present. Some of the popular places to visit in Babylon may include:

• Argyle Park is a fun park for tourists. The soothing sea view is not a thing to miss.
• Hanging Gardens , one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is situated in Babylon. Seeing Hanging Gardens is a lifetime experience. Terraced shrubs, trees, beautiful flowers, and human-made waterfalls are the exceptional beauty of this place.
• Another essential place to visit in Babylon is the Ishtar Gate, which is the entry to the inner city. It has beautiful corridors, vibrant colours and pictures of lions, bulls, and dragons.

Shibam, Yemen

Shibam is often called the “Manhattan of the desert.” Its unique and beautiful architecture is its attraction. The city's huge, tower-like structures are worth watching. Historically, Shibam was a crucial caravan stop on the spice and incense route of the southern Arabian plateau.

Karnak, Egypt

Karnak is situated near Luxor and is historically an essential place. It is of religious importance due to the temples and complexes dedicated to Egyptian gods. The temple also had kiosks, obelisks, and pylons. Karank has the great Temple of Amun, which is dedicated to the popular god Amun. Ipet-it was the original name of the city.

Also Read: Unconventional Destinations To Study Abroad for Indian Students

Conclusion

Travelling is essential to rebooting your mind. Knowing about your past is exciting, refreshing, and is a lifetime experience. Visiting places that have shaped the present also enhances your knowledge and understanding of different cultures. The Middle East is one of the culturally and historically rich places to travel. So, anyone planning for a Middle East trip must plan with sufficient time to not miss a single important destination.

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