Travel to Isfahan

The vast province of Isfahan, is located almost in the centre of Iran between Tehran and Fars. Although it is mostly arid, there are several high mountains (Mount. Karkas at 3899m) and rivers such as the Zayandeh Rud 1 that dominate its landscape. On approaching the city of Isfahan, leaving behind the great deserts bounded by the mountain chains that enclose the Iranian plateau, one comes upon a wide basin at the bottom of which sleeps the historical city. The most striking thing, at first site, is the contrast between the endless expanse of rock and sand behind, and the huge oasis that lies ahead, with its big trees bearing lush, verdant foliage. Only the bulbous domes of the Mosques show above the canopy of vegetation glowing turquoise-green in the sunshine. The cool blue tiles of Isfahan’s Islamic buildings, and the cities majestic bridges, contrast perfectly with the hot dry Iranian countryside around it.

The main monuments of Isfahan are essentially the work of one man; Shah Abbas I (more commonly known as Shah Abbas the Great), who made the town his capital in 1598, and had it rebuilt with large avenues, magnificent gardens and a royal palace. Shah Abbas chose Isfahan as his capital, prompted by the fear for the safety of the old capitals, Tabriz and Qazvin, which were considered too close to the Ottoman Empire.

During his reign, Isfahan was opened up to the outside world with the presence of a number of foreigners at the Safavid court - English and Dutch merchants, European artists, and diplomats hoping to secure alliances against the common Ottoman enemy - and became one of the most glorious cities of its time. The famous half rhyme "Isfahan nesf-eh jahan" (Isfahan is half the world) was coined in 16th century to express the city’s grandeur. Isfahan or Esfahan (historically also rendered as Ispahan, Old Persian Aspadana, Middle Persian Spahan, Persian اصفهان) located about 340 km south of Tehran is Iran (Persia)'s third largest city. Isfahan has been designated by UNESCO as a world heritage city. It contains a wide variety of Islamic Architectural sites ranging from the 11th century to the 19th.
The unique blue tiles of Isfahan's Islamic buildings, and the city's majestic bridges, contrast perfectly with the hot, dry Iranian countryside around it, Isfahan is a sight you won't forget. Not only is the architecture superb and the climate pleasant, but there's a fairly relaxed atmosphere here, compared with many other Iranian towns. It's a city for walking, getting lost in the bazaar, walking in beautiful gardens and meeting people.
The famous half-rhyme Isfahan nesf-e-jahan (Esfahan is half the world) was coined in the 16th century to express the city's grandeur. There's so much to see that you'll probably have to ration your time and concentrate on must-sees such as the Imam Mosque, a magnificent building completely covered in Isfahan's trademark pale blue tiles; This mosque is situated to the south of Naqsh-e-Jahan sq. built in the reign of shah Abbas, tile work and architecture of this Mosque is amazingly superb. Its minarets Are 48 meters high. Naghsh-e-Jahan (world picture) Square, one of the largest town square in the world. The Chehel Sotun Museum & Palace, a marvellous 17th century pavilion and a great place for a picnic; this palace is another building dating back to the Safavid period, built amidst a vast garden covering an area of 67000 sq m. The building has a veranda with 18 pillars and a large pool in front of it. Being mirrored in the still water of the pool, the pillars create a beautiful view. The wall painting in the interior of the building is superlative in their kind. Ali Qapoo Palace Situated to the west of Naghsh-e-Jahan Sq. belongs to the Safavid period. It was used for the reception of the Ambassadors and envoys from other Countries. Ali Qapoo is a six-storied plasterwork and paintings of which are extremely impressive. and the Vank Cathedral, the historic focal point of the Armenian church in Iran. Taking tea in one of the teahouses under the bridges is also an essential part of the Isfahan experience.
Isfahan is about 400km (250ml) south of Tehran. Several flights make the trip daily. There are buses, usually overnight, to Tehran, Shiraz and other domestic cities. The express train between Isfahan and Tehran might be a preferable alternative to sitting all night on the seat.sfahan
Amongst Iranian cities Isfahan is a unique jewel that still has a noble and fascinating shining after many historical fluctuations and the passage of several centuries. It is so fresh as if it has come to life on this very day; and yet it is so original and deep rooted as if it has always been there.Isfahan's rich culture and beautiful nature are in such a wonderful harmony that they seem to be each other's reflection.Isfahan may be a complete manifestation of the Iranian-Islamic civilization, culture and arts that are as old as Iran herself.

Isfahan: The City Of Four Seasons

The city of Isfahan is located in the central part of Isfahan province on the plains that are situated alongside Zayandehrood. Isfahan province itself is located in a rather mountainous region in the center of the Iranian plateau spanning from the snow-capped zagross mountains in the west to the central desert in east and north. There are many climatic variations in the province due to varying altitudes. Generally, with the declining altitude from west to east, the temperature rises while precipitation declines. A breeze flows across Isfahan throughout the four seasons. Particularly the westerly and southwesterly winds of spring and autumn coming along the river Zayandehrood lend a certain delicacy to the city's climate. Isfahan is a city of regular seasonal changes. Spring begins in late March with blossoming trees, summer begins in late June, autumn starts in late September with falling leaves and a cold winter begins in late December. Of all these seasons and months, Isfahan is in its most glorious state in May when a breeze comes from heaven to a colorful city of fresh favorable climate and fascinating light. Isfahan is a city full of sunlight. It is sunny in almost three fourth of the year.

Isfahan: The Museum Where People Live
With its age-old history and numerous ancient monuments Isfahan is one of the exemplary cities of the world. According to French author, Andre Malraux, only Florence and Peking can be compared to Isfahan. The historical monuments of Isfahan comprise a collection of the finest examples of various styles of Persian architecture within a thousand years and more. The quality and quantity of these works of art are great works and masterpieces of the Persian post-Islamic architecture .Among the historical monuments of Isfahan, one can see various types of Domes, Tile work, Plaster work, Fresco and Calligraphy at their best. Works that reveal the religious faith of their creators and fascinate the viewer so overwhelmingly that he or she is pulled into their times and feels himself or herself in a world of light, delicacy and agility.

Isfahan: A World Of Art

Isfahan may be well named the city of Iranian handicraft and traditional arts. The global fame of Isfahan's traditional arts and handicraft is age-old. The products of this form of art constitute a major part of Iran's export, particularly to Europe. The contemporary traditional arts and handicraft of Isfahan is in fact a continuation of the Safavid period art by master craftsmen. The objects they produce are appreciated and welcomed by Iranians and foreigners alike, and constitute a major item in exports from Isfahan. Carpet weaving, engraving, miniature painting, Inlaid work, tile making, brocade, calico and enamelwork are among the most important forms of art in Isfahan. The contemporary artists of Isfahan have made new innovations in recent years in the areas of miniature painting, tile making and engraving. Isfahan also has a long lasting musical tradition. Today, scholars of music speak of the Isfahan style in the Iranian music.

Isfahan Today

Isfahan has undergone an eyecatching growth and development in recent decades. It has found the face of a modern city with its increasing population, expanding area and new streets, buildings and factories. Isfahan's growth has found a particularly faster momentum following the Islamic revolution; yet, with all these changes it has preserved its originality.

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