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.
