1. The Old Firm
Arguably the greatest football derby in the world (Glaswegians always argue that it is), the eyes of the globe turn to our Dear Green Place whenever Celtic and Rangers clash in glorious sporting competition. As well as providing an electric match-day atmosphere seen nowhere else (save possibly the Korean Demilitarized Zone) the fact it's estimated to be worth a cool £120m to the Scottish economy means we should all be grateful for Glasgow's premier teams.
READ MORE: Ten years of top Old Firm clashes in pictures
2. Comedy
From Kevin Bridges and Frankie Boyle, to the Godfather of Scottish comedy himself Billy Connolly, Glasgow is the birthplace of some of the planet's top professional funnymen. And it's clear these giants of comedy share a great civic pride for their home city. To quote one of the Big Yin's one-liners: "The great thing about Glasgow is that if there's a nuclear attack it'll look exactly the same afterwards."
3. The People
Never has a city's branding been more appropriate than People Make Glasgow. Few, if any, other cities can boast as warm, or as intrinsically funny, a population. Whether a razor-sharp quip from a cashier while purchasing a pint of milk, or a sympathetic ear at a taxi rank, you'll always find a friend in Glasgow.
4. It may be indirectly responsible for Batman
The world's first-ever comic book, the Glasgow Looking Glass, was a satirical look at goings-on first published back in 1825. Credited as the title responsible for informing future generations of comics, it was the first mass-produced title to marry words and pictures. Full of Glasgow patter, it was ironically the author William Heath's wit that may be responsible for the comic's short lifespan of a year. He mocked the clergy and the well-to-do, which, coupled with debts ran up in drinking clubs, caused him to leave the city without saying his goodbyes. A true son of Glasgow...
5. Birthplace of television
Engineering genius John Logie Baird first demonstrated the new opiate of the masses in 1927, when the world's first long-distance television pictures were transmitted from London to Glasgow's Central Hotel. Something to remember when you're next streaming House of Cards to your smart TV.
6. Street Art
Go pretty much anywhere in the city and you're more than likely to run into some of Glasgow's stunning street art. From Commonwealth Games murals, to deconstructed hipster versions of the city's crest, the works both brighten the streets and dissuade graffitti.
7. The city responsible for Oasis (Definitely Maybe)
This one might be a bit divided between feeling thankful and vengeful, but love them or loathe them, Oasis were a huge influence over the nineties music scene. And where did they get their big break? Glasgow's world-famous music venue King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.
8. It's the closest you'll come to a real-life Hogwarts simulator
Are you a massive Harry Potter fanatic who still laments never receiving that owl-delivered letter of admission? Then come to Glasgow University! The Gothic splendour of the institution's Gilmorehill campus will make you feel like you've Apparated onto Hogwarts' grounds.
9. Our role as Scotland's rebellious heart
Us Glaswegians have always been an unruly lot for the right cause, to the point the UK Government once feared a Bolshevist uprising would kick off in the city. The Battle of George Square, also known as "Bloody Friday", took place on Friday, January 31 1919, and was one of the most intense riots in Scotland's history. Then-Secretary of State for War Winston Churchill ordered tanks and soldiers to the city in response to a campaign from workers calling for shorter working hours backed by widespread strike action. One could say that rebellious heart is still alive today, as following more than half of the city voting Yes in the independence referendum, Glasgow was given the moniker of Freedom City.
10. A keen sense of equality for all
In 1981, at a time when much of the world was still condemning him as a terrorist and agitator, Glasgow offered the Freedom of the City to Nelson Mandela in recognition of his struggle against South African apartheid. Furthermore, in the proud tradition of the Glaswegian sense of humour, the council changed the name of St George's Place - home to the South African consulate-general - to Nelson Mandela Place. We imagine that was a tad awkward for the postie.
11. Our healthy irreverence for authority
Though the local authority spent years and (reportedly) tens of thousands of pounds saying cone-ny no do that, Glaswegians' irreverence is best seen in our treatment of the grand old Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art. Crowned in military glory in life, in death Arthur Wellesley is crowned by a fluorescent traffic cone.
12. Our varied entertainment tastes
The 2014 Commonwealth Games was a triumph for the city on many levels. Though sporting excellence and social regeneration were undoubtedly important achievements, the true legacy of the Games for many will be being able to go to their graves having seen dancing Tunnock Teacakes in the opening ceremony. Danny Boyle's London 2012 ceremony may have had a grand chronicling of British history and a salute to the NHS, but WE had Nessie and Karen Dunbar. And considering the plan had been to originally blow up the Red Road flats, we could have done worse...
13. Our bravery in the line of fire
When terrorists attacked Glasgow Airport in 2007, the sons and daughters of the city did not go quietly into the good night. Off-duty baggage handler John Smeaton rushed to apprehend the miscreants and, legend holds, screamed "'Mon then" before delivering a firm kick to a terrorist's gentleman parts. And so Glasgow folk hero Smeato was born.
14. It's a public transport dream for the easily-confused
Ever been lost on the labyrinthian London tube? Left reeling by New York's maze of a subway system? Then come and experience the stripped-back joy that is Glasgow's Clockwork Orange. There's an inside line. There's an outside line. Job done.
15. Our local authority's HQ doubles as both the heart of Catholicism and the Russian government
Movie-makers wanting to shoot scenes in the Vatican or the Kremlin can run into some difficulties when it comes to filming permits. Luckily the imperial splendour of the city chambers, built at a time when Glasgow was the second city of the British Empire, makes it a perfect, if unlikely stand-in.
16. The city's industry helped secure Britain's prosperity
The shipyards of the Clyde churned out in massive numbers the vessels that knitted the British Empire together. The word Clydebuilt became synonymous with quality thanks to the diligence of the native workforce.
17. Our music scene
It's not for no reason that Glasgow is a UNESCO city of music. From countless events such as Celtic Connections and the Riverside Festival, to world-class venues such as The Hydro and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, the city truly has something for every ear. Are you a fan of CHVRCHES, Amy Macdonald or Franz Ferdinand? Thank Glasgow for their music.
READ MORE: Chvrches singer Lauren Mayberry faces up to a child's grilling
18. Our nightlife
Whether you're looking for the sophistication of a jazz bar or the carnage of a student dance floor, Glasgow can cater for your needs, mostly all on one thoroughfare - Sauchiehall Street. A haven for the devoted clubber, the sheer concentration of so many fine bars and clubs means a) it's a great place for a pub crawl and b) you're likely to find SOMEWHERE that won't knock you back. Probably The Garage.
19. The architecture
Though it is true many fine buildings fell victim to architects' post-war obsession with concrete, the physical legacy of Glasgow's imperial importance and wealth is still evident nearly everywhere. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Rennie Mackintosh' House For An Art Lover and the Mitchell Library are just a few highlights of our architectural treasures.
20. Delivering to the world the Chicken Tikka Masala
Ever tucked into a plate of chicken tikka masala and thought 'by Jove, there's naan better than Indian cuisine'? Well you may be surprised to know that particular dish has its origins in Glasgow. Legend holds in 1971 a bus driver sating a post-shift hunger in west end eatery Shish Mahal complained of his chicken curry being too dry. The solution? The addition of tomato soup and some spices. Indeed Glasgow Central MP Mohammad Sarwar once tabled a motion in the House of Commons asking for Parliament's support for Glasgow being given European Union protected geographical status for the dish. Amazingly the motion was not chosen for debate.
READ MORE: Scots curry house is 'best place on earth' for chicken tikka masala
21. The patter
A life without the rich and varied lexicon of Glasgow is not one worth living. What kind of colourless existence would it be if instead of the evocative "taps-aff" people merely said "that's the sun out."? Trying to condemn someone for poor personal hygiene? Be thankful that "clatty" emerged from the city. And nothing can so succinctly express the level of one's inebriation than the immortal and oft-used phrase "mad wae it".
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