Published By: Nirtika Pandita

Middle Eastern countries that should be a must travel

Ditch the common cities and go backpacking to these unusual places

The Middle East is not just the cuisine that you get immersed in, and it is not just Dubai that one can fly to for a holiday. Middle Eastern countries are plenty, and one can be spoilt for choice if they were to pick a country. It is enormous when it comes to picking a country from this territory you would want to visit. From the ancient ruins to the mouth-watering cuisine, there is something for everyone. Here is a list of countries from the Middle East for you to explore.

Amadiyain Iran

Home to the folktale of Three Wise Men - who made a pilgrimage to Bethlehem to see Jesus Christ after his birth - Amadiya is a picturesque village located on the flat mountain top. Coming with a history that is 5,000 years old, this village is a historical place comprising tales of Assyrians, Persians, Jewish and Christian communities that have lived through the village, leaving behind their traces. Surrounded by breathtaking scenic mountains, its features make it one of the beautiful places that one must in the Middle East. Even the town of Esfahan is a must-visit for its jaw-dropping Islamic architecture.

Baalbek in Lebanon

Famous for its giant Roman ruins, Baalbek attracts millions of tourists to its historical ruins throughout the year. Most of the ruins are still in good condition, and the famous one is the Baalbek temple complex comprising two of the largest and grandest Roman temple ruins: the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter. In 1984 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Erbil in Iraq

This town comes with a 30,000-year-old history which makes this an ancient city. To have a glimpse of the history of Erbil, its archaeological museum houses a vast collection of pre-Islamic artefacts. Owing to its history and architecture, in July 2014, the Citadel of Arbil was inscribed as a World Heritage Site. One can also find many ancient bazaars and cafés to better get to know the city.

JerusaleminIsrael and Palestine

It is the holiest place for three monotheist religions - Christians, Muslims, and Jews- and is flocked by pilgrims throughout the year. Jerusalem is a beautiful amalgamation of tradition and history combined with the present generation. A walk down the lanes of the city will give the exact feel offering you amazing nightlife, food, and people.

Some of the other Middle Eastern countries for you to visit are Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Golestan, Cyprus, Jordan, Oman, Turkey, Israel, and Syria.