Since the beginning of this century, the world has seen so much change that it is impossible to conceptualize how much things have progressed in that span of time. Many of the world’s most well-known cities and national capitals, such as Manhattan or Hong Kong, bear little resemblance to their former selves. Some cities, such as Dubai, didn’t even come into existence until a very recent period of time.
Take a look at these photographs of well-known and attractive cities around the world, taken both “Then” and “Now”. They are certain to provide you with a new way of looking at the largest cities and communities that have emerged anywhere in the world over the past one hundred years.
1: Seoul, South Korea (1900) and Now
Seoul is the capital of South Korea. It is a huge city where Buddhist temples, palaces, and street markets are mixed in with modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and pop culture.
2: Dubai (1964) and now
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates. It is known for high-end shopping, modern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. The 830-meter-tall Burj Khalifa tower stands out in a skyline full of tall buildings.
3: Melbourne, Australia (1920) and today
The city of Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, which is located in the southeast of Australia. The contemporary Federation Square complex can be found in the heart of the city, and it features plazas, pubs, and restaurants along the Yarra River.
4: Hyderabad in India in the 1880s and Now
Hyderabad is the capital of the Telangana state in southern India. It is a hub for the IT industry and home to numerous upmarket restaurants and stores. Golconda Fort, a historical diamond trading center and former capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, is among its historic landmarks.
5: Colombo (1915) and Now
Colombo is the administrative and judicial capital of Sri Lanka, as well as the most populous city on the island.
6: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (1970) and Now
The city of Abu Dhabi, which serves as the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, which is also known as the Arabian Gulf. The sophisticated towers and shopping megacenters such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls are a reflection of the city’s emphasis on oil exports and business, which can be seen in the city’s skyline.
7: Fortaleza,Brazil (1975) and Now
The city of Fortaleza serves as the state capital of Ceará, which is located in the far northeast of Brazil. It is famous for its beaches, which have crimson cliffs, palm trees, dunes, and lagoons among other natural features.
8: Chicago in 1838 and Now
One of the major cities in the United States, Chicago is located in Illinois on the shore of Lake Michigan. Skyscrapers, including as the well-known John Hancock Center, dot the skyline of this city, which is famous for the daring architecture that it exhibits.
9: Bangkok in 1822 and Now
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is a huge city that is well-known for its magnificent shrines and its lively street life.
10: Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge on the right in 1873 and Now
Manhattan has the highest population density among the five boroughs that make up New York City. It is mostly composed of Manhattan Island, which is surrounded by the Hudson River, the East River, and the Harlem River.