Amazing Isfahan: Iran's 'Half of the World'

[rashel jones]

Arad Mojtahedi




Also spelled Esfahan, this city in central Iran - a five-hour drive or hourlong flight south of Tehran - is the country's top tourist destination for very good reason. Dating back as far as 2700 BCE to the pre-Persian Elamite civilization, Iran's third largest urb (pop. nearly 2 million, metro area nearly 4 million) flourished especially from 1050 to 1722 - the last 124 years of which it was the capital of the Persian Empire - and the Persians called it Nesf-e Jahan, meaning "Half of The World."

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Diego Delso


It certainly remains impressive today - in fact, due to its beautiful hand-painted tiling; magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage Naghsh-e Jahan Square (top, one of the world's largest); tree-lined boulevards; gorgeous gardens; beautiful bridges; and imposing Islamic architecture including some of the world's most stunning mosques, Isfahan is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It's also been traditionally famous for its fine carpets, cashmere, and silver filigree, and the many artisans working here perpetuate its reputation as a living museum of traditional culture. In 2005 it was declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world, and is especially popular with Muslim tourists as well as increasing numbers from Europe and beyond.

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Koohkaan


Most of what we’ll see was built under the rule of Shah Abbas in the 17th century, when his imperial capital was established here. The jewel is of course magnificent Naghshe Jahan Square, with its turquoise domes and Ali Qapu Palace (second photo above), positioned around an old polo field - truly wondrous as well as animated, and you’ll want to see them again and again.


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Reza Haji-pour

Most of Isfahan's historical sites date back to the Safavid era, and located near the Zayanderud River. Other highlights include the 17th-century Gran Bazaar (third photo above); Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque; the Shah (Imam) Mosque; the Armenian Orthodox Vank Cathedral; Menar Jonban shrine; Chehel Sotoun pavilion; Hasht Behesht Palace; the pre-Islamic, 3rd-century Fire Temple archaeological site; the medieval Takht-e Foulad cemetery; the modern Bird Garden; and beautiful bridges such as Allahverdi Khan, Khaju Shahrestan, and 33-span Si-o-se-pol (last photo above).