Isfahan – The Heart of Iran

Isfahan, also Esfahān, is located in the middle of Iran. Once the capital of Persia and largest city in the world Isfahan is well known for its beautiful Islamic architecture.

Today Isfahan is the third largest city of Iran after the capital Teheran and the holy city Mashhad. Almost 1.6 Million people of various nationalities live here. Referring to its multicultural character the Persians called the city “‘Esfahān nesf-e jahān ast”, which means „Isfahan is half of the world“. Beautiful historic mosques, palaces, bridges, boulevards etc. define the cityscape.

History of Isfahan

Located about 340 km south of Tehran Isfahan looks back on a long history. Archaeologists recently have found relics that can be dated back to the Paleolithic Age. Over the centuries Isfahan has fallen under several authorities and got defined by different cultural influences.

From 1050 to 1722, Isfahan had its time of prosperity. Under the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century it became the capital of Persia. Most of Isfahan’s beautiful architecture arose in this century.

Isfahan today

Today Isfahan is a city with an enormous economical, social and cultural potential. There is an university as well as an airport. The production of fine carpets, steel, textiles and handicrafts give Isfahan an important status in Iran.

For a long time it was one of the centers for producing the world famous Persian Rugs. Besides of that Isfahan is known for its nuclear experimental reactors as well as for its facilities for producing nuclear fuel. The beautiful Islamic and Iranian architecture let Isfahan become an attractive destination for tourists.

Isfahan – Points of interest

The past glory of Isfahan can still be seen in its beautiful cityscape. Historic architecture is spread all over the city. Particularly worth seeing is the Naghsh-e Jahan Square, also known as Imam-Square.

In 1979 it has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the largest city squares in the world and gives an example of the outstanding architecture of Islamic world. Furthermore one should not miss seeing the Si-o-Seh Pol, „the Bridge of 33 Arches“ from 1602 and the Royal Palace Ali Qapu, also built in early 17th century.