Isfahan

Isfahan: A Persian beauty

Isfahan was once one of the largest and most important cities in Central Asia, positioned as it is on the crossroads of the main north-south and east-west trade routes that cross Central Asia. This city was the capital of Iran during the Seljuq and Safavid dynasties, renowned for its beauty, Isfahan has been given the proverb “Isfahan is half the world” by Iranians. Of all the cities in Iran, Isfahan is the most well-known besides Tehran. 

First, there is the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a 500-meter area that is said to be the second-largest square in the world after Tiananmen Square in Beijing – well, in the opinion of the local population it is the greatest square anyway. Especially on the weekly holidays, you’ll witness people gather together, spending their evenings on the green grass and filling the square with a lively atmosphere. On the other hand, the city comes up with some of the most magnificent buildings in the entire Middle Orient. First of all, there is the royal mosque Masjed-e Shah (or Masjed-e Imam) and the majestic Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque directly at Imam Square. There is also the gigantic Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (Masjed-e Jameh) hidden behind the bazaar, Behesht Palace, and the impressive Forty Pillars Palace Chehel Sotoon amidst wonderful sprawling gardens.

In the evening, when the sun sets behind the peaks of the Zagros mountain range, the only thing missing is a visit to the Pol-e Si-o-Seh (Si-o-Seh Bridge), a 400-year-old, 33-arch bridge that has lost any trace of charm and despite all the efforts of the government in the evening is still a popular meeting place for the young population and secret turtledoves. No wonder, Isfahan, one can easily fall in love with you.

About the Climate of Isfahan

Isfahan has hot, arid, and clear summers, with cold, dry, and mostly clear winters. The temperature typically varies from 24°F to 98°F over the year and is rarely below 17°F or above 103°F. It’s best to visit Isfahan from early June to early September.

Isfahan World Heritage Sites

Isfahan, as a long-term capital of the Persian Empire, holds many important historic sites. Some of them have been restored as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include:

The Jameh Mosque of Isfahan

The Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, also known as the Atiq Mosque and the Friday Mosque of Isfahan, is a historic congregational mosque in Isfahan, Iran. This mosque has been constantly under construction, reconstruction, and renovation from around 771 to the end of the 20th century.

The Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Nagsh-e Jahan Square means "Image of the World Square", which is also known as Meidan Imam Khomeini, and the Shah Square before 1979. 

Chehel Sotoun

Chehel Sotoun meaning “Forty Columns”, is a Persian pavilion located in the middle of a park, in Isfahan. The name is inspired by the twenty slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion, which will then reflect in the waters of the fountain in front of the building, making it appear as forty columns.

Attractions of Isfahan

Known as ‘nesf-e jahân’ (half the world), Isfahan is Iran’s crown jewel and one of the main two cities attracting visitors to the country. Some of the attractions of Isfahan are:

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Imam Mosque with its symmetry and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque with its lofty domes represent Islamic architecture at its best. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also known as Meidan Imam, is a square situated at the center of Isfahan. 

Shah Mosque (Jameh Abbasi Mosque)

This mosque is located on the south side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Shah Mosque has a worldwide reputation for having the tallest double-shell dome at 52 meters. Once inside, if you stand on the black piece of stone on the floor, you can hear the echo of your voice. 

Jameh Mosque

Jameh Mosque, known as the Dream Tunnel, reviles 14 centuries of Iranian architectural achievement. jameh Mosque was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2012. Of its beauties, the Nizam al-Mulk dome and Taj al-Mulk dome are among the most impressive brick dome constructions.

Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu can be considered one of the main royal palaces of the Safavid era. The balcony has 18 wooden columns each made from a single-plane tree trunk.

For the hot hours of the day, you can take a stroll through Bazaar-e-Bosorg Isfahan, where you can lose yourself extensively under its thick walls. The bazaar is mainly famous for its finely crafted carpets and handicrafts. There are many wondrous sights to visit in Isfahan, which include: Chehel Sotun Palace, Vank Cathedral, Khaju Bridge, Menar Jonban, and Abbasi Hotel.

Isfahan Medical View

Isfahan province has activities in all medical areas. The fourth super special center for Neurology in Iran is located in Isfahan. There are also centers for Hair Loss Treatment, Endocrinology, Epilepsy, MS, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Prostate.  Isfahan has also established a town for tourist treatment.