Cornell Scott

Berlin Then Berlin, the capital of Germany, has a rich historical and linguistic connection to Slavic languages, particularly due to its location in northeastern Germany.  Many place names in this region have Slavic origins, as the area was historically inhabited by Slavic-speaking peoples.  The city’s name, “Berlin,” is believed to come from the Old Polabian

Paris Then Paris, the capital of France, is located in the north-central region of the country and has a rich historical background that dates back to ancient times.  The city’s origins can be traced to the ancient oppidum of the Parisii, a Gallic tribe, which was first mentioned by Julius Caesar in the 1st century

London Then London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, has a rich history reflected in the evolution of its name.  The earliest recorded form, Londinium, appeared in Latin sources from the first century AD when the city was a thriving Roman settlement.  The name likely derives from the Common Brythonic language, spoken by the

Phnom Penh Then Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, derives its name from the iconic Wat Phnom, a small hill where a legend is tied to the city’s origins.  According to the legend, in 1372, a wealthy widow named Penh discovered a Koki tree floating down the Tonlé Sap River after a storm. Inside the

Kathmandu Then Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has a rich history and cultural heritage reflected in its name.  In the indigenous Newar language, known as Nepal Bhasa, Kathmandu is called Yen, derived from Yambu, which historically referred to the northern part of the city.  The Nepali name Kathmandu originates from Kasthamandap, a traditional wooden

Colombo Then Colombo, the executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka, holds a rich history reflected in its name.  The name “Colombo” is thought to have been introduced by Portuguese explorers in 1505, likely derived from the Sinhala term Kolon Thota, meaning “port on the river Kelani.”  An alternative origin suggests the name comes from

Dhaka Then Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has an uncertain origin for its name, with multiple theories proposed by historians and linguists.  One of the leading theories suggests that the name Dhaka comes from the dhak tree, which was once abundant in the area.  Another theory links the name to Dhakeshwari, the Hindu goddess

Lahore Then Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan and the capital of the Punjab province has a rich and diverse history, and its name has various proposed origins.  Historical records show different versions of its name, with early Muslim historians referencing it as Luhawar, Lūhār, and Rahwar.  The renowned Persian scholar Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni referred

Karachi Then Karachi, the bustling metropolis and capital of Sindh province in southern Pakistan has a rich history that dates back to its origins as a small settlement known as Kolachi-jo-Goth.  Founded around 1729 during the rule of the Kalhora dynasty, this village is thought to have been named after Mai Kolachi, a local figure

Istanbul Then Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and principal seaport, has a rich and complex history reflected in its changing names.  Initially founded as Byzantium around 657 BCE by Megarian colonists, the city was named after their legendary founder, Byzas, who was said to be the son of Poseidon and the nymph Ceroëssa.  Over time, the