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BY  Sibashree Jan 5, 2026

For me, the Jaffna food tour was like walking into the locals' way of life. If the Jaffna temples show how the city is sincere about its culture, the food, and the art of having it, they show how rooted the entire Tamil community in Jaffna is.  How they mix the rice and curry with their right hands and consume the food is an art you will love, and it is the way to truly appreciate the flavor profile.  Furthermore, Jaffna has maintained its spicy soul in food despite years of colonization by European forces and civil wars. The Tamil cuisine here is not similar to the coconut-milk-rich curries you find in South India. Also, they use roasted spice powder instead of raw ones.  From the first bite, my taste buds knew it, and the no-frills service at restaurants made me feel comfortable and concentrate only on the steaming hot food.  So, do you want to try these authentic Jaffna dishes and experience how this Northern Sri Lankan city preserves an authentic Tamil culture? Read my complete Jaffna Sri Lanka Travel Guide, where I talk about an inclusive and hospitable city.  Jaffna Food Tour For Breakfast: What To Eat And Where To Eat?  The streets of Jaffna smell of freshly made Indiappa, steamed rice noodle nests, and Puttu, a steamed cylinder of rice flour and coconut. The acidic and mildly sweet taste of these dishes goes well with spicy black chickpea curries, Pol Sambol, and Onion Sambol.  You can also definitely have Pol Roti or coconut Roti and Dosas for breakfast. Here are the places that you can visit for breakfast in Jaffna. 1. Malayan Café: The Old World Charm View this post on Instagram A post shared by りかරිකා (@rk_itooo) The Malayan Cafe at C Ponnampalam Road is the best place to have Indiappa in Jaffna. It tastes great with Pol Sambol and Sothi or coconut milk gravy. This eatery has marble tables and old photos on display. So, it almost feels like time travel. It remains open from 7:30 AM to 9 PM, and on Saturdays, it opens at 8:30 AM.  They served me food on banana leaves and in steel utensils. Also, remember that they only accept cash. You must make a visit to the Malayan Cafe a part of your Jaffna travel itinerary.  2. The Red Rice Puttu Experience I tried the red rice puttu at a small local eatery. These eateries are called Saapadu Kades in the local language. I was blown away by the earthy and subtly sweet taste of the puttu.  The spicy chickpea curry perfectly complemented it. I also tried some Babat (Tripe) curry and fish kool.  The Lunch Stops And Specials  The food of Jaffna and Northern Sri Lanka has become so popular that Peter Kuruvita now conducts a food tour of the region. A tour of the Jaffna Market and attending the local cultural dance here is a prominent part of his food tour itinerary.  However, this tour offered by the Australian Chef is expensive, and you will have to spend between AUD 1885 and 6720 to be a part of the tour.  As a budget traveler, you can see much more and experience the food scene here better by walking around the city and talking to the locals.  There is so much authenticity in these DIY tours. Also, one great thing about the lunch staples in Jaffna is the variety. While the crab curry gets all the glory, there is something very comforting about the Sattvik food served here, including rice, different types of curries, and dal.  Let’s find out what to eat and where to eat.  1. Jaffna Crab Curry Jaffna crab curry is just the way I want to have the crab. It needs to be spicy and hot without adulterating the authentic taste of a crab. I had the crab curry at Cosy Hotel & Restaurant on Stanley Road.  However, let me tell you that Cosy Hotel is expensive, and I did not mind because we were a group of 5, travelers bonded over food, and our local guide. If you are traveling solo, the pocket-pinch will be around USD 20.  You can even try the crab curry at the small eateries in the streets of Jaffna. They don’t “look” impressive, and you may raise eyebrows about the hygiene. Still, they serve piping hot food, and the locals have it. So, they are safe. 2. Vegetarian Thali On A Banana Leaf At Nallur Bhavan During my temple visit in Jaffna, I found the Nallur Bhavan very close to the Nallur Kovil. They serve Sattvik food on banana leaves and in steel plates.  Most people were having Dosa here. However, I had some Chilli Kothu Parotta, and it was yum.  For a more comforting and filling experience, you can try rice with rasam and different types of sabzi here. The restaurant opens from 7 AM to 10 PM, and you can contact them at +94-212225556.  Evening Snacks And Cool Downs In Jaffna  The evenings in Jaffna are suitable for ice creams and snacks like Vadai. Check out where to find them.  1. Rio Ice Cream View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rio Ice Cream (@official.rioicecream) Rio Ice Cream at Point Pedro Road is an iconic institution if you want to try the signature Jaffna-style dessert. The Special Rio Sundae with neon jelly, nuts, and ultra-sweet syrup is out of this world.  It’s great for me or anyone with a sweet tooth, but if you are up for something milder, it may be too sweet to appease your cravings.  The Rathinam Industrial Organisation (RIO) opened its doors in 1970. So, tasting the ice cream here is like cherishing the 55-year-old heritage of a city.  So, what Rio offers is nostalgia and not a gourmet experience.  Don't go to Rio Ice Cream expecting Italian Gelato. It is sugary, gelatinous, and nostalgic. Go for an authentic Jaffna cultural experience of seeing 500 locals enjoying it on a Friday night. 2. Point Pedro Vadai View this post on Instagram A post shared by JNS Kitchen 🔵 (@jns.kitchen) This is a deep-fried savory snack that comes in a disc shape. It is a crispier, crunchier, and thinner version of the South Indian Vada you have been eating so far. Also, with each bite of the vadai, you will get a taste of chillies, whole cumin, and curry leaves.  The street carts near the Nallur Temple are the best places to buy these Point Pedro Vadai. Point Pedro has some of the most beautiful beaches in Jaffna. Relish the snack with the pleasant sea breeze.  Dinner In Jaffna  Are you looking for something comforting and hearty for dinner in Jaffna? Let’s gorge on Odiyal Kool and Dosa. 1. Odiyal Kool Or The Seafood Soup View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kandy Bites by Chef Ceylon (@kandy_bites_) This is the dish that makes you understand the power of slow cooking in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is Jaffna’s take on seafood soup with palmyra root flour, crab, cuttlefish, and prawns as the main ingredients.  Odiyal Kool is not fast food. It is a slow-cooked seafood bisque thickened with Palmyra flour. It takes around 3-4 hours to cook Odiyal Kool. So, if you want to have it for dinner, you must pre-order.  2. Dosa Jaffna serves many other variations of Dosa, along with the typical Plain Dosa and Masala Dosa we are familiar with. For a richer culinary experience, you can try the Ghee roast Dosa.  Also, you can choose a healthier version with Siri Dhaniya, made with multiple millets. Adai Dosa is a protein-rich variation of Dosa with ingredients such as Urad Dal, Channa Dal, and Toor Daal. It has dried cumin and chillies.  Kondakadalai Dosa is a different take on the Adai Dosa, and here, kondakadalai or white chickpeas are the main ingredients. Vegan Food Options In Jaffna  Some authentic vegetarian dishes in Jaffna are also vegan. So, if you are a vegan and you want to try the authentic local food, Jaffna will be your paradise.  You can have steamed rice and curry made with long beans, drumsticks, spinach, and dhai. These coconut-milk-based curries are simple and flavorful.  Dosa and Idli are, of course, the Tamil staple any vegan can eat. These are made using rice and lentils. Ponggal, a savory rice dish, and pumpkin and tapioca dishes are the other variations you can try in Jaffna. Nallur Bhavan and Malayan Cafe are the two reliable places to have vegan food in Jaffna.  Essential Jaffna Food Vocabulary  Want to know about the local names of Jaffna food and their spice levels? Have a look at the table below. Tamil Name (தமிழ்)English DescriptionSpicy Levelசோறு (Sōru)Steamed RiceNoneகறி (Kari)Spicy Curry with Vegetables/Fish/Chicken/Meat/Crabs and Other SeafoodMild to Hotமீன் குழம்பு (Mīn Kuzhambu)A Fish Curry with Spices and TamarindHotநண்டு குழம்பு (Naṇḍu Kuzhambu)Jaffna Crab CurryVery Hotஇறால் கறி (Iṟāl Kari)Prawn CurryMedium to Hotகோழி கறி (Kōḻi Kari)Chicken CurryMedium to Hotஆட்டு கறி (Āṭṭu Kari)Mutton/Goat CurryMedium to Hotஒடியல் கூழ் (Odiyal Kūḻ)Palmyrah Root Flour Rich Seafood SoupMildஒடியல் பிட்டு (Odiyal Pittu)Steamed Palmyrah Flour & Coconut DishNoneபிட்டு (Pittu)Steamed Rice Flour and Coconut DishNoneதோசை (Dōsai)A Crispy Pancake Made with Fermented Rice PasteNone (Can be Customized)இடியாப்பம் (Idiyāppam)String Hoppers or Rice NoodlesNoneசாம்பார் (Sāmbār)A Lentil and Vegetable Curry with Tamarid Pulp. Ideal for Having with Dosa, Idli, or Rice.Mild to Mediumரசம் (Rasam)Tamarind and Pepper Soup to be Had with Rice or Idlis. Mildசம்பல் (Sambal)A Relish Made of Chillies and Fresh CoconutHotதேங்காய் சம்பல் (Thēṅgāy Sambal)Coconut SambalMedium to Hotபால்சம்பல் (Pāl Sambal)Sambal with Coconut MilkMediumவறுவல் (Varuval)Dry-fried Seafood or MeatHotபொரியல் (Poriyal)Stir-fried Vegetables Mildஅப்பம் (Appam)Fermented Rice HoppersNoneவடை (Vadai)Deep-fried Lentil FrittersMild to Medium  A DIY Jaffna Food Tour: Listen To What The Experts Are Saying  Are you planning to have Indiappa or string hopper for lunch or dinner? You may not find them unless you have pre-ordered somewhere. It is a breakfast staple.  So, when you are new to Jaffna, you need to be familiar with the local customs about food and eating. 1. You Cannot Fear The Ghee In Jaffna Jaffna Dosas, in many restaurants, are served drenched in ghee. The use of ghee or clarified butter makes the dish more flavorful and richer. It also makes the Dosas more filling.  2. The “Bone” Warning When you are having chicken or mutton curry in Jaffna, you will get pieces chopped with bones in them. The bones release the flavor into the curry, and sucking the marrow out of the bone (for mutton) is the ultimate pleasure the locals relish.  So, you must be mindful while chewing your food.  3. Wash Your Hands Before You Sit Jaffna can be yout guide for “Eating with Hands 101.” Every hotel or restaurant has a wash basin so that you can wash your hands thoroughly before or after eating your food.  If you are confused about how to eat the mix of rice and daal, follow how the locals are doing it.  4. Jaffna Foods Are Really Spicy Jaffna foods are hot and spicy. So, if you have a poor stomach, a buttermilk drink (Chanch) or lassi (sweet buttermilk) is going to be your savior. Also, always choose the “mild” option.  In fact, the dishes in Jaffna are way spicier than the ones in Colombo. Foods that are red hot in Colombo are labelled as “medium spicy” in Jaffna.  5. Point Pedro Vadai Lasts Weeks Point Pedro Vadai are harder and crispier. So, unlike the soft vadai, which becomes inedible in a day, the Point Pedro Vadai lasts more than a week.  So, these are even great for carrying when you are traveling. You can also take these snacks back home as souvenirs.  6. Look For The "Hotel" Sign Small restaurants in Jaffna or Sri Lanka are often labelled as hotels. These are humble places for having tea, snacks, lunch, or dinner.  Do not expect any lodging facility there unless separately mentioned.  7. Sunday Closure Jaffna is fairly conservative. Many authentic local spots may close or have limited menus on Sundays or Poya days. Authority Voices On Jaffna Food: People Who Know It The Best  “Jaffna cuisine is the untamed sibling of Sri Lankan food. The Crab Curry here isn't just a dish; it's a ceremony of spice and sweat.” - Peter Kuruvita (Chef & Author). “The flavor of the roasted curry powder in Jaffna is unlike anything else in the world. It hits you with an aroma that is deep, smoky, and incredible.” - Mark Wiens (Food Vlogger). Jaffna Food Tour: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna food tour. 1. What Is The Most Famous Dish In Jaffna? Jaffna crab curry is the most famous dish in Jaffna. It is cooked using murunga or drumstick leaves. Also, the curry is fiery with roasted spices. However, for a more comforting experience, Odiyal Kool or the slow-cooked seafood is a close second for me. While this soup is also quite spicy, the spiciness is balanced with the use of tamarind pulp and jackfruit seeds, tapioca, and long beans, which add flavors and texture to the dish. 2. Is Jaffna Food Suitable For Vegetarians? Yes, due to the strong presence of Hindu Culture, Jaffna has suitable vegetarian and vegan options. You will find Rasam, different types of daal, curries, or Sabzies made with pumpkin, drumsticks, beans, chickpeas, tapioca, and more. Even the basic Idlis and Dosas are vegetarian and vegan-friendly food options. Nallur Bhavan, Mangos Indian, and Vishnu Bhavan are some of the best options for having vegetarian food in Jaffna.  3. Is The Food Spicier Than In The South? Yes, the food in Jaffna and the northern part of Sri Lanka is spicier than the food in the south. So, despite the use of coconut milk or tamarind pulp, your taste buds can have the heat of black pepper and dried chillies. So, what you say is fiery hot in Colombo is actually medium spicy in Jaffna. Also, the heat of the spice and the flavors are so prominent because the spices are first roasted and then turned into a paste before being used in curries. In this context, you must know that Jaffna Market is the ideal place for buying roasted spices and everything that makes Jaffna food stand out. Bring home essentials such as roasted curry powder, dried chillies, and palmyra jaggery. You can even enrich your kitchen by bringing home things like palmyra root flour and some tubar snacks home.  4. Where Can I Drink Alcohol With My Meal? Jaffna has a conservative society, and they are true to their culture. So, you will not find alcohol in the local eating houses. You have to visit hotels like the Valampuri Hotel or specific bars such as Machang Jaffna at Station Road if you want to have alcohol. Remember, alcohol in Jaffna is more expensive than in other parts of Sri Lanka. However, you can talk to the locals and try Arrack or local beer.  5. What Is Odiyal Kool? Odiyal Kool is a seafood soup and a dinner staple in Jaffna. This soup has vegetables, prawns, crabs, and a generous amount of roasted spices. The flavor balance in the soup comes from the use of coconut milk in the gravy. Also, the gravy is made thicker by adding palmyra root flour.Furthermore, this dish is made using a slow cooking method, and at least 3-4 hours are needed to make this dish.  6. Can I Drink The Tap Water? No, you cannot drink the tap water in Jaffna. There are chances of bacterial contamination. Furthermore, groundwater contamination is very common in the Jaffna Peninsula. There can be a massive presence of chemicals due to agricultural and other human activities. In addition, the groundwater of Jaffna has high limestone content. So, when you are in Jaffna, you must only drink packaged or bottled drinking water.  7. What Is The Best Time To Visit Malayan Café? The best time to visit Malayan Café is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. It is the time for the freshest breakfast buzz.Also, having a glass of filter coffee here early in the morning can lead to a great start to your day.  8. How Much Does A Meal Cost In Jaffna? The cost of your meal in Jaffna will depend on the place you are having the food from. For example, if you are having Dosa or Vada from a street food vendor, it will cost around $1-2. Furthermore, if you are having a full crab curry meal at a decent budget-friendly restaurant, the cost will be around $10.  9. What Is "Jaffna Curry Powder"? You can identify Jaffna curry powder from its rich red color and strong aroma. The heat in this spice blend comes from the copious use of roasted red chillies, cloves, and black pepper. The earthy flavors these spice mixes bring come from the following roasted spices. • Turmeric• Black Pepper• Cumin• Coriander• Cardamom• Cinammon• Fennel• Fenugreek• ClovesYou can also add roasted mustard powder and roasted curry leaves paste to make the flavor profile even richer. This spice mix gives the food in Jaffna the signature heat and earthy taste.  10. Do I Need To Tip In Jaffna? If you are having food at small Kades or local street stalls, you can just round up the bill to show your appreciation. DosaHowever, if you are having food at Mangos or any other big restaurant here, a 10% tip is appreciated.   

BY  Arnab Feb 16, 2023

Hiking has been a phenomenon for hundreds of adventure lovers. Well, it was invented during the eighteenth century for spiritual purposes. At that time, people used to walk long distances to mitigate their spiritual thirst.  But the concept changed a lot over time, and the word became more popular with adventure lovers. Now it's only to experience the beauty of our world. No matter where you plan to go, make sure you are firm with the plans. Planning a multi-day hike will be hard.  Well, these days, travel agents are fixing all the itineraries for adventure lovers. But if you have decided to explore some routes where people still don't go now and then, you must follow some DIY instances.  If you are taking responsibility, you have to take it properly. Undoubtedly, you will enjoy the whole trail, but hiking is mostly on foot, so you need to take care of your health as well.  From choosing the locations wisely to keeping all the gears, you need a wholesome plan to manage the whole adventure without difficulty. Be Prepared For Your Multi-Day Hiking Trip. If you are preparing for a multi-day hiking trip, ensure that you have managed to take care of all these below-mentioned hiking essentials.  These will help you to get rid of falling into difficult situations. Going on an adventure is simple but planning before it is difficult. If you miss the planning part, it's sure that you are going to be in trouble every now and then.  Remember, it's not a one-day trek, but it's a multi-day hike. Time is important, and when you have more than one day to follow your trail, you also have better planning chances. 1. Decide The Location Wisely It's not a one-day trail that you can easily go by listening to your friends. If you are going to multi-day hiking, make sure that you like the location. It's not about one location, but hiking is more about the adventure than the destination.  So, after taking suggestions, it's your time to sit and search through the internet to decide the whole path of hiking. Do not just stick to a particular place or area; you can decide to go through water and mud on the same trail. Don't let your soul put its finger on your face after you come back from the trail, not being satisfied fully. 2. Test Your Gears Multi-day hiking is not the purpose of using new gear. In fact, it's time to use gears that are tried and tested properly. For instance, if you are carrying a new stove and on the first day, you see that the stove is not lit, it's simply the end of your adventure.  It's not the time to use a new smartwatch that you have not unpacked yet. In the morning, when the trial is going to start, if you see that the watch is not working properly, there will be no chance to replace it immediately, and that might make you more upset than using an old smartwatch. The only solution is to keep all the gears that you have used properly in practical situations. Well, you might not have some gear that you might need to buy for this trail but make sure that you buy it in advance and use it before bringing it to the hiking. 3. Keep Lightweight Gears This is an essential part of your hiking. When you are going on a multi-day trip, it's clear that you have to carry more things than a usual small adventure.  On the other hand, you don't want to miss the adventure part due to the lack of itineraries. In a multi-day trip, people usually consider a location with lakes beside the mountains.  Coming back without sailing to the lake can be dissatisfying. On the other hand, sometimes, you may need to cross small rivers to continue to a beautiful hiking trail.  So what’s the solution? Well, you can simply go with inflatable sailboats, which are lightweight, and you can keep them by breaking them into small parts when not in need.  If you are confused about where you will find such inflatable boats, you can have a look at some inflatable sailboats for sale.  They bring the best quality with the particular product you want. So, it will not be a problem for you to find the particular inflatable boat to bring life to your multi-day hiking adventure. 4. Make Plans For Staying Hydrated This is a crucial step to take. Taking care of your health is a prominent step, and you need to take care with proper planning. Make sure that you are planning for a healthy diet, including minerals.  Keep fruits, water, and electrolyte with you all through the trail. When you are walking, you lose more energy, and you need constant delivery of water and things that can help you be hydrated. It's time to take care of your health if you want to complete the multi-day hiking with ease.  5. Keep Reliable Navigation  Keeping reliable navigation materials with you is necessary.  So, don't forget to keep such gears that will help you to navigate through the areas. You are going to a lone trail, and you were not on that road before. So, the only help you get is from the internet.  But when the internet will not work, what will you do?  Well, the navigators might help you to be on track when you are out of the internet. This is a particular step that will save you from getting lost. Being on dangerous roads or situations is not uncommon for hikers, and thus, they always keep navigators with them.  6. Pack All Weather Last but not least, you need to keep all-weather dresses. For instance, track pants, waterproof dresses, hiking boots, waterproof shoes, puffer jackets, and so on.  It's time to keep everything you can with you. Do not try to be a hero without any cause, and be responsible and safe.  All the best for your multi-day hiking trip. Stay healthy, stay fit. Read Also: Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Five Best Things To Do In Nepal

BY  Sibashree Apr 1, 2026

While Iran, one of the oldest countries in the world, is fighting back against the joint attack of the USA and Israel, it’s the correct moment to look back at the ancient civilizations of our world.  So, what is the oldest country in the world?  While some say it is Japan, some vouch for India, and China remains the oldest continuous civilization in the world.  Here, I have picked 10 countries that I can call the “Immortal Ten” because of the human resilience they have shown and how they have survived.  What Is The Oldest Country In The World?  The current geopolitical map, in fact, did not exist for a long time.  Most of the countries that are members of the United Nations came into being in the aftermath of 20th-century decolonization or the dissolution of Soviet-era empires.  But what lies under the modern borders and changing flags is a much deeper level of human history.  Although historians generally use continuous sovereignty to measure longevity.  However, a government can lose its sovereignty to an invader, but that does not necessarily mean the end of the culture.  The true measures of a lasting civilization are cultural continuity, the survival of language,  religion, social cohesion, and identity beyond the ruin of even the most magnificent palaces. So, each civilization that qualifies for this list has withstood conquest, colonization, or internal upheaval without losing its very foundation.  Here are the ten oldest civilizations that are still living today. 1. China, The Oldest Continuous Civilization In The World  China traces its origins back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 BC) over 3,500 years ago.  The oracle bone script of the Shang did not simply get lost like the hieroglyphics of Egypt or the cuneiforms of Mesopotamia. Instead, it gradually transformed into the modern Chinese writing system in use today.  Furthermore, the "Imperial Logic" of China, a centralized bureaucracy under moral guidance by Confucianism, was the charter of the Han Dynasty. It continued to be the underpinning even through the rise and fall of the many dynasties.  Even when the country was dominated by foreign powers such as the Mongols (Yuan Dynasty) or the Manchus (Qing Dynasty), they did not "unmake" China.  Rather, the new rulers were "Sinicized, " taking on the Chinese ways of administration and language so as to stay in power.  The present-day People's Republic of China utilizes a model of central governance that is reflective of the bureaucratic mindset of the emperors who ruled the country some two millennia ago. 2. Egypt: The Tital Of Antiquity  Egyptian civilization rose to prominence around 3100 BC under Pharaoh Narmer, at least in theory.  For 3,000 years, it set the standard for administration, engineering, and art.  The native religion faded with Christianity, and later Islam, and Coptic was mostly replaced by Arabic.  Still, the Egyptian character stayed rooted in the Nile.  Foreign powers, such as the Persians, Romans, Ottomans, and British, could never fully erase that identity.  Furthermore, Cairo held a central role in Islamic thought for centuries.  Today, Egypt remains the most culturally influential nation in the Arab world. The people have outlasted every empire that tried to control them. 3. Iran: The Persian Resilience  Iran, once called Persia, ruled the world from 550 BC when Cyrus the Great built the Achaemenid Empire.  The culture soaked up new rulers instead of losing itself.  After Alexander took over, he started wearing Persian royal clothes.  When Islam came in the 7th century through Arab rule, Persians embraced the faith but kept their language and built a unique style of art and religion. Thus, eventually, the formation of Shi'a Islam happened.  Farsi stayed strong with its roots unchanged and gave rise to poetry that shaped global thought, in particular through Rumi and Hafez.  Now, Iran's Islamic Republic stands where the ancient emperors once did, same land, same heartland, 2,500 years later! 4. India: The Land Of Spirituality India's story starts with the Indus Valley Civilization (c 2500 BC).  After it faded, the Vedic traditions in the Ganges Valley shaped Hinduism.  Also, the thing is, India has always had this "Diversity in Unity. "  It survived Mughal rule and the British Raj without giving up its core values or spiritual roots.  Local languages, epics like the Mahabharata, and daily life structures held strong through centuries of outside control.  After its independence from British Rule in 1947, India became the world's largest democracy, built on an ancient foundation that still holds together today. 5. Greece: The Land Of Philosophy  Greek civilization had its beginnings in the Bronze Age with the Mycenaeans (c. 1100 BC). Furthermore, its most flourishing period was the 5th-century BC "Golden Age" of Athens.  After the Greek city-states were absorbed by Rome to some extent, Greek culture became the very foundation of the Roman Empire.  In the Byzantine Empire, Greek was the language of the state as well as the church, and it was through these that Classical knowledge was preserved through the Middle Ages.  Even under four centuries of Ottoman rule, Greeks maintained their identity through the Orthodox Church and the use of their ancient language.  Moreover, when modern Greece was liberated in 1830, in essence, it was not a matter of creating a new identity. It was about celebrating a nation and a culture that has been around for three thousand years. 6. Japan: The Land Of The Oldest Continuous Hereditary Monarchy Japan has the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy, beginning with a legendary founding in 660 BC and first documented records in the 6th century AD.  It modernized rapidly during the Meiji Restoration in 1868 without losing its traditional values.  Furthermore, unified by one language and Shinto and Buddhism, Japan was never colonized by a Western power.  Even after World War II destroyed much of its infrastructure, the imperial institution stayed intact as a symbol of continuity.  Probably more or less, Japan's blend of advanced industry and old social norms contributes to its stability.  Today, the nation remains one of the most enduring civilizations in history. 7. Ethiopia: The Highland Fortress Ethiopia stands as a symbol of African endurance.  Its origins go back to the Aksumite Empire (c. 100 AD), which was among the earliest nations to adopt Christianity in the 4th century.  For over seven hundred years, the Solomonic Dynasty, which asserted its lineage from the biblical King Solomon, ruled the country.  The challenging terrain of Ethiopia enabled it to be the only African country that was never colonized (although it was under an Italian occupation for a short time in the 1930s).  The Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Ge'ez script were cultural foundations. It preserved national identity and sovereignty when the rest of the continent was carved up by Europe. 8. Jewish Civilization Starting in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah more than 3,000 years ago, Jewish civilization stands as the most remarkable example of cultural resilience in history.  After the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, the Jews spread out worldwide in a diaspora. Normally, a nation without a territory would lose its identity in a few generations.  However, Jewish civilization, through religious law (Halakha), the Hebrew script, and a strong tradition of education, was able to survive as a "portable nation".  The founding of the State of Israel in 1948 was the political expression of a cultural memory that had been kept alive for over 2,000 years. 9. Armenia: The First Christian State Armenia has been located in the Caucasus region for at least 3,000 years.  It was the first country to make Christianity its official religion in 301 AD.  Yes, the Armenian people had many influences. The Persian, Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet!   They still maintained their unique alphabet (created in the 5th century) and their national church.  Not even the atrocities of the 1915 genocide were able to sever the cultural connection of the modern Republic of Armenia with its ancient Bronze Age heritage. 10. Korea: The Hermit Continuity The Korean culture started with the kingdom of Gojoseon. Further, its cultural identity resulted in a unified nation by the 7th century.  Surrounded by a peninsula, Korea had its unique Hangul script and Confucian values. Thus, despite cultural influences from China and a very harsh period of Japanese colonization (1910-1945), it never lost its identity.  Even though North and South are separate nowadays, they both have the same original myths, language, and sense of ancestors' pride.