Among the tourist cities of Iran, we have gone to the most popular tourist city of our country and we want to get interesting information about the tourism, cultural, recreational and artistic aspects of this city by introducing the city of Isfahan. In this article, we want to tell you about the sights and souvenirs of Isfahan, to go to the sights around Isfahan, to gain new knowledge about the history of this dream city, and to review facts from half of the Iranian world.

Of course, if you want to plan a trip to Isfahan and need more information than what is said in this article, all you have to do is enter the travel guide page to Isfahan to get acquainted with the sights and entertainment of this city and stay in it. Get useful information on public transportation in Isfahan and many other cases. You can also use the online map of Iran to carefully check the location of the city's attractions and plan your trip better.

Why travel to Isfahan?

Unique tourist attractions such as Naghsh Jahan Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Chehelston Palace, Isfahan Bazaar, Vanak Church, Isfahan Grand Mosque, Minar Janban, etc. can be visited in this city.

Some of the most important and beautiful bridges in Iran, such as Sivosseh Bridge and Khajoo Bridge, are located in this city.

Apart from the famous historical attractions, fascinating sights such as the Music Museum, Isfahan Aquarium, the Armenian Quarter, Chaharbagh Street, the Sofeh Mountain Amusement Complex, the Nazhvan Forest Park Amusement Complex, etc. make sightseeing in this city more enjoyable.

By traveling to Isfahan, you can have a memorable trip to one of the most important periods in the history of Iran, the Safavid period, by exploring the historical context and famous attractions of the city.

A trip to Isfahan is a trip to the handicraft capital of Iran. By choosing the map of the world as a travel destination, you can also get acquainted with this part of Iranian culture.

Imam Square of Isfahan

Before leaving for Isfahan, it is better to get brief information about different aspects of life in this city and travel to this city with a more open vision and more comprehensive information.

Population: According to the official statistics of the country in 2016, the population of Isfahan is 2243249 people Isfahan Travel Guide.

Language: The people of Isfahan speak Persian and the Isfahani dialect. In the Isfahani dialect, there are differences in phonetics, vocabulary, melody and sometimes structure compared to Persian. An interesting feature of the Isfahani dialect is the addition of the letter S instead of to the end of the words. In addition to the Isfahani dialect, Taklam is also spoken in the dialect of Isfahan and Armenians, as well as Lori (in the language of the Bakhtiari Lors).

Religion: The majority of people in Isfahan follow Islam and Shiism; But Armenians, Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians and other religious minorities also live in the city.

Economy: Isfahan is considered as the tourism hub of Iran due to its many attractions. Also, part of the city's economy is affected by the common agriculture and animal husbandry around it. Beekeeping and fish breeding is one of the common occupations in Isfahan. Industries also play an important role in Isfahan's economy and include: Steel Factory, Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Industries, Isfahan Polyacrylic Factory, Military Industries, Ceramic and Tile Factories, Food and Plastic Products Industries, and Weaving and Spinning Factories.

In addition to industries, mines also have a tremendous impact on the city's economy. Mines, among which are stone, gold and lead mines. The prosperity of tourism in this city has caused handicrafts to take their place and finishing, enameling, carpet weaving, button embroidery, engraving, miniature making, painting and gilding, ceramic tiles, silver making and tapestry making are also a source of income for the residents of Isfahan. .

Sister Cities: Xi'an-China, Kuala Lumpur-Malaysia, Florence-Italy, St. Petersburg-Russia, Yash-Romania, Barcelona-Spain, Yerevan-Armenia, Kuwait City-Kuwait, Freiburg-Germany, Havana-Cuba, Lahore-Pakistan, Dakar-Senegal, Baalbek-Lebanon, Neishabour and Yazd and Tabriz-Iran, Hyderabad-India, Tokyo-Japan, Osan-South Korea.

29 Aban This year, after years of controversy over whether the 3rd of Ordibehesht is the day of Isfahan or the first day of Azar, finally, the 1st of Azar was chosen as the day of Isfahan. This long journey of choosing Isfahan Day began in February 2004 after Dr. Shahin Spanta suggested choosing a day for Isfahan. Some scholars and officials have suggested the 3rd of Ordibehesht as the day of commemoration of the Sheikhs as the day of Isfahan; But others believed that Azar 1 should be the title of Isfahan Day. The reason for this group was that according to the paintings of the constellation Sagittarius (which is the symbol of the month of Azar) on the entrance of Qaisaria Bazaar and Naqsh Jahan Square and also according to the historical documents of the construction of Isfahan in December, therefore the first day of this The moon should be chosen as the day of Isfahan. However, after many years, it was decided that December 1st would be Isfahan Day and the first week of May would be called Cultural Week. The constellation of Sagittarius was also chosen as the symbol of this day, and on this occasion, sculptures and paintings of it were placed in different parts of Isfahan Travel to Iran with IranAmazze.

Symbol of Isfahan Day

Facts about Isfahan

* It is the third largest city in Iran and the third most populous city in the country after Tehran and Mashhad.

* 6 of its monuments are registered as historical heritage in UNESCO.

* In 2006, it was selected as the cultural capital of the Islamic world.

* In 2009, it was the capital of culture and civilization of Islamic Iran and the industrial capital of Iran after Tehran.

* Due to the beautiful Islamic architecture and many beautiful boulevards, covered stairs, beautiful tunnels, palaces, mosques and unique minarets in Iranian culture, half of the world has been named.

* In December 2015, along with Rasht, as the first cities in Iran, joined the network of creative cities in the world (a city that uses the innovations and capabilities of citizens in sustainable urban development) under the auspices of UNESCO and was selected as a creative city of handicrafts and traditional arts.

* Isfahan has one of the highest per capita green space rankings in Iran.

* Isfahan rams and sheep are considered animal symbols of this city.

Foods and delicacies of Isfahan

Brian or Brioni: Undoubtedly, one of the most famous and delicious traditional dishes of Isfahan is Brian or our own Brioni; A food that looks like a hamburger and is prepared from a mixture of mutton neck, white mutton liver, Isfahani spices, onion, salt and pepper and turmeric.

Kaleh Josh: One of the traditional dishes of Isfahan that is prepared quickly is Kaleh Josh (Kaleh Josh); Food that is cooked in almost all cities. Due to the ease of preparation of this food, it can be placed in the category of ready meals. The raw materials of this food consist of curd, dried mint, onion, walnut, oil, salt and pepper.

Yogurt stew: Yogurt stew is one of the traditional foods of Isfahan that the people of this city cook depending on their specific living conditions. This food, which looks like mild and has a sweet taste, is made from a combination of boneless neck meat, yogurt, salt, sugar, water, rose, turmeric, saffron and sliced ​​pistachios, almonds and barberry. If you go to Isfahan, after eating a famous Isfahani dish, choose our yogurt stew as a dessert.

Mung bean and moonshine: Mung bean and moonshine is a mild bread-like food that is obtained from a combination of lunar cabbage and mung bean and is served with bread. Garnish with hot onions and serve with fresh and pickled bread.

Qalamkar's soup: Qalamkar's soup, the same delicious soup that we have all tasted once, but did you know that this food is a traditional Isfahani soup! Qalamkar soup is very suitable for the cold season because it uses meat in its cooking, and its raw materials include chickpeas, mung beans, leeks, onions, rice, meat and spices.

Goshofil and Doogh: One of the most famous dishes in Isfahan is Goshofil and Doogh; But many of us have no idea what an elephant is. This dish is made with ingredients similar to zucchini and okra and has two forms. Its main shape is like a large leaf that resembles an elephant's ear, which is why it is called an elephant's ear. Gosofil in Isfahan is served with local doogh to which mint and rose are added.

In addition to these delicious and hearty foods and delicacies, you can also find other famous and popular foods and snacks of Isfahan such as Gaz, Nabat, Kashan Ghamsar rose, chickpea, Bershtok sweets, Polaki, Sohan Asali, Nabat, pear and Natanz, nutmeg , Badrud pomegranate, Golpayegan kebab and walnut, Khansar honey and Fereydunshahr and many others.

Elephant ears and buttermilk

Isfahan handicrafts and souvenirs

It is Isfahan and its special and unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Here are some of them; But the complete list of them is available in the links provided in this section. You must know that Isfahan Bazaar is the best place to buy all kinds of souvenirs and original handicrafts of Isfahan.

Turmeric: The production of turmeric in Isfahan dates back to the Safavid period and for its preparation, nectar and the extract of a shrub called honeysuckle or honeysuckle turmeric are used. This extremely delicious sweet has different types, the most important of which are bite gauze, flour gauze, coin gauze, sliced ​​gauze, chocolate glaze gauze and screw finger gauze.

Khatam Kari: It is impossible to name Isfahan handicrafts and not talk about Khatam Kari. In this original and beautiful Iranian art, the surface of various objects is covered with small triangles made of ivory, bone, wood and rice wire and has a spectacular effect. Triangles that have different designs and bring different objects to life with their regular geometric shapes.

Bookbinding: Although bookbinding is a forgotten art in many cities in Iran; But in Isfahan, it still maintains its position among the people. The people of Isfahan do the binding work of old books in the best way.

Goldsmithing: One of the beautiful and attractive arts that can be found in Isfahan is the art of goldsmithing, which is flourishing in this city and is considered one of the important handicrafts of Isfahan. Of course, the gilding industry also has its own place in Isfahan and the people of Isfahan have a special skill in doing it.

Pottery and ceramics: Isfahan is also very famous for its pottery and ceramics. Shahreza in Isfahan province is one of the important centers of pottery in Iran and with the role of flowers, plants and fish, its pottery wins the hearts of many buyers.

Polaki: Polaki is a delicious and popular souvenir of Isfahan and is obtained from the extra juice and the rest of the process in which the plant is made. Flakes are offered in different flavors, including saffron, lemon, sesame, coconut, pistachio, honey, cocoa, ginger, mint, etc.

Other souvenirs and handicrafts of Isfahan include fluffy sweets, brass sweets, bershtuk, Sohan Asali, felt felt, locksmithing, fur embroidery, traditional embroidery, glabton making, carpet weaving, ababafi, calligraphy, pen making, weaving, weaving Embroidery, miniature, painting, silver work, tapestry embroidery, mosaic work, inlay work, turquoise, embroidered fabrics, engraving, coppersmithing, enameling, etc. were mentioned.

Accommodation in Isfahan

When traveling to Isfahan, you can use different types of accommodation to spend the night in this city. Hotels in modern and traditional types, inns, guesthouses, eco-lodges, local houses and camping are the options that are in front of you.

Of course, choosing the best option from all these accommodations is not an easy task and can be very time consuming. For this reason, we in Kanaval, using different filters, have categorized accommodation and hotels in Isfahan so that you can easily choose your desired accommodation. So if you are staying in a hotel during your trip, enter the booking page of Isfahan hotels without delay to get acquainted with the types of hotels and their facilities in this city. If you want to experience  iran luxury tours accommodation in half of the world, you can visit the page of five-star hotels in Isfahan to learn more about these hotels and their reservation conditions and prices. If you are a fan of staying in a suite, go to the suite rental page in Isfahan and book your favorite suite online.

Abbasi Guest House

Isfahan tourist attractions

Isfahan is one of the top destinations in Iran for sightseeing and has many attractions. Due to the multiplicity of different attractions in Isfahan, we have placed them in different categories so that we can introduce them to you more easily. Of course, if you want to get acquainted with the full review of many of these attractions and access information such as cost, visiting hours, route and map, etc .; All you have to do is visit the sights and entertainment page of Isfahan.

Historical attractions of Isfahan

Naghsh Jahan Square: Isfahan's most famous tourist attraction, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is a dream of many tourists. In this square, you can visit unique attractions such as Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Isfahan Bazaar and Aali Qapo Palace, or sit in the open space of the square and enjoy the atmosphere.

Chehelston Palace: Chehelston Palace and Garden is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that was used by the Safavid kings during the Safavid period to look after the affairs of the country and to meet with people and foreign representatives. The palace is also famous for its wonderful paintings, drawings and mirrors.

Hasht-e-Behesht Palace: Hasht-e-Behesht Palace is the only remaining pavilion and palaces in the Chaharbagh region in the Safavid period, which at that time was known as the most beautiful palace in the world. Different and nested architecture along with its spectacular and unique decorations are considered as the charms of this work.

Khajoo Bridge: Khajoo Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Isfahan and Zayandehrud and is one of the most popular nightlife places in the city. This bridge was also one of the most beautiful bridges in the world during the Safavid period.

Thirty Bridges: Thirty Bridges is the most famous bridge in Isfahan and is one of the major attractions of this city. This bridge, like Khajoo Bridge, is one of the main promenades of the people of Isfahan and is also considered one of the top night attractions of the city.

Isfahan Bazaar: Isfahan Historical Bazaar is one of the famous traditional and historical bazaars of Iran and is very popular among foreign and Iranian tourists. In this market, you can get acquainted with the original culture of the people of the city, enjoy watching the art of Isfahani architects and have an attractive purchase of souvenirs and handicrafts of Isfahan.

Minar Janban: Minar Janban is one of the top tourist attractions in Isfahan and is very famous for its trembling minarets. This historical monument is the tomb of a mystic named "Uncle Abdullah Karladani" and attracts many tourists every year.

Atiq Grand Mosque: Isfahan Grand Mosque, or as it is in historical sources, Atiq and Juma Mosques, is one of the most important historical monuments in Isfahan and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This mosque is mentioned as the oldest historical monument of Isfahan, which dates back to the Sassanid period.

Imam Ali Square: Imam Ali Square in Isfahan was the most important square in the city before Naghsh Jahan Square was built and was also known as Atiq Square or the Old Square. This square is located in the center of Isfahan and consists of four main spaces that include the main square, the front of the Grand Mosque, underpass complex and parking lot and the surrounding areas of the square.

Vank Church: Vank Church is one of the most famous churches in Iran and the largest church in Isfahan and is known as the most beautiful church in the city in terms of historical paintings and decorations. The special architecture of Vank Church, which is a combination of Iranian and Armenian architecture, is one of the attractions of this famous monument.

Hasht Behesht Palace, Isfahan

Isfahan natural attractions

Flower Garden: Isfahan Flower Garden is one of the famous attractions of the city and has a good atmosphere for sightseeing and sightseeing. In this garden you can get acquainted with many flowers and plants and enjoy its beautifully designed landscape.

Bird Garden: Isfahan Bird Garden is located in Nazhvan Forest Park and more than 130 species of birds are kept in it. The bird garden has different sections such as ponds, glass cages, rocks and green and wooded spaces where you can both enjoy the green space of the garden and get acquainted with different types of birds.

Sofeh Mountain: Sofeh Mountain in Isfahan, which is also known as the roof of Isfahan, is one of the most popular promenades in the city. Mount Sefeh has many recreational, natural, and historical attractions such as cable cars, bowling alleys, Gordenebad valley, zoo, all kinds of natural springs, Shahdej castle, zip line and suspension bridge, children and adults' playground, etc. It can be used for all kinds of activities such as walking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rock climbing and belly walking.

Nazhvan Forest Park: Nazhvan Forest Park is the most famous natural attraction of Isfahan, which includes Bird Garden, Butterfly Museum Garden, Trap Sage, Isfahan Aquarium, Reptile Garden, Amusement Park, Oysters Museum, Health Road, Family Bicycles, Strollers and Trains, Growth Garden , Green space, amusement park and ....

Fadak Garden: Fadak Cultural and Recreational Garden is one of the lesser known attractions of Isfahan and has 47,000 trees and shrubs such as Tehran pine, mulberry, sparrow tongue, Shirazi cypress, purple, etc. This garden is located in the northeast of Isfahan and has facilities such as camping, passenger accommodation, sports fields, skating rink, children's play site, women's garden and ....

Isfahan Sofeh Mountain

Other famous attractions of Isfahan

Music Museum: Isfahan Music Museum is a very different attraction of this city, which is very popular among foreign tourists and provides visitors with a unique museum tour experience. In this museum you can see more than 300 Iranian musical instruments and enjoy live music. You can also see musical instruments in this museum that are not seen in any other country and buy a variety of Iranian handicrafts from its store.

Wank Church Museum: Wank Church Museum is one of the most famous museums in the city and is located in the Wank Church complex. In this museum, you can watch a variety of manuscripts and books such as the Torah, the Bible, etc., get acquainted with an attractive collection of bed paintings and paintings, and a collection of metal works such as gold and silver jewelry, See the holy oil container and ... Also, collections of textiles, pottery, woodwork, steering wheels, printing industry and many more, provide interesting works for watching and exploring history.

Isfahan Aquarium: Isfahan Aquarium is the first aquarium tunnel in Iran and is located in Nazhvan complex. In this aquarium, you can watch a variety of aquatic animals, from seahorses and crayfish to piranhas, octopuses, stray sharks, and more.

Chaharbagh Street: Chaharbagh Street in Isfahan is one of the most beautiful streets in the city and its construction dates back to the time of Shah Abbas Kabir. This street connects 33 bridges to the government gate and is one of the most popular pedestrian attractions in Isfahan, which has its own spectacular effect in each season.

Takht-e-Foolad Historical Cemetery: It may be strange for you to place a cemetery among the attractions of Isfahan, but you should know that Takht-e-Foolad is one of the important historical attractions of the city and the tombs of many important people such as Mirfanderski, Baba Rokanuddin, Sardar Asad Bakhtiari, Bibi Maryam Bakhtiari, Abdolhossein Spanta, Hassan Kasaei, Jalaluddin Taj Esfahani, etc. are in this cemetery.

Jolfa neighborhood: One of the most attractive sights of Isfahan is its Jolfa neighborhood, which has a happy atmosphere and is very famous and popular for its wonderful cafes and pubs. If you have extra time during your trip to Isfahan, be sure to visit this place and get acquainted with its various sights, including a variety of historic churches, old houses and various cafes, and refresh your soul.

 

Jolfa neighborhood of Isfahan

Travel to Isfahan is not limited to sightseeing in this city and there are extraordinary attractions around this city that you can visit during your trip to this region.

Egyptian Desert: Approximately 423 km from the center of Isfahan

Marnjab Desert: approximately 300 km from the center of Isfahan

Varzaneh desert: at a distance of approximately 130 km from the center of Isfahan

Imamzadeh Agha Seyed Ali Abbas: At a distance of approximately 170 km from the center of Isfahan

Matin Abad Desert Camp: Approximately 200 km from the center of Isfahan

Abyaneh: approximately 219 km from the center of Isfahan

Kashan: Approximately 218 km from the center of Isfahan

Niasar: Approximately 205 km from the center of Isfahan

Egypt desert

Amir shahcheraghian

Transportation in Isfahan

To reach Isfahan, you can use various means of transportation. You can use the following link to get complete information about transportation in Isfahan and public transportation in the city as well as the airport, railway and passenger terminals.

Isfahan Metro

Climate of Isfahan

In general, the climate of Isfahan is mild and dry, and this has led to low rainfall and snowfall. The climate of Isfahan in the north and east is affected by the desert and is warm, but in the south it has a cooler climate due to the presence of Sefeh mountain.

Spring: In spring and April, the weather is pleasant, but with the arrival of June, it gradually warms up.

Summer: As can be seen from the temperate and dry climate, there are warm summers in Isfahan. This heat lasts until early autumn.

Autumn: In autumn and November and in the first half of December, the weather is pleasant, but the closer we get to the end of December, the more the winter cold is felt.

Winter: In winter, the snowfall is low and the cold weather is not too high.

 

Jame Mosque of Isfahan

Geographical location of Isfahan

The city of Isfahan is located in a plain area made up of alluvial mountain streams and the Zayandeh River. The city of Isfahan is 1570 meters above sea level and reaches Khomeini Shahr from the west, Sajzi plain from the east, Shahinshahr from the north and Safa and Sepahan Shahr from the south. Isfahan city area has fourteen regions and as we said before, it is the third largest city in Iran.

 

Esfahan

Ceremonies that you can participate in during your trip to Isfahan

In Isfahan, like other cities in Iran, various ceremonies are held on certain days of the year. However, with the modernization of lives, many of these ancient rituals have been forgotten; But customs are still held in the city and province of Isfahan, which distinguishes this region from other regions and provinces of Iran.

The ritual of tent-making and taziyeh in Noshabad, Isfahan: A combination of similitude and mourning is a definition of what the people of Noshabad, Isfahan, do in this ceremony in mourning the Karbala incident. This ritual, which is held with the participation of several thousand people in the two divisions of Ashqia and the Prophets, is one of the most different types of taziyeh and mourning in Iran. One of the special effects of this ceremony is the presence of people with make-up of different personalities such as Prophet Moses (pbuh), Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and other divine prophets, angels and jinn.

Muharram mourning in Isfahan: In Isfahan, Muharram mourning begins on the first night of the month and each neighborhood has its own unique categories for mourning. These groups go to each other's neighborhoods on Muharram nights, and on the day of Ashura, all of them gather in Naqsh Jahan Square (Imam Square) and mourn. One of the interesting points of mourning in Isfahan is the existence of a house called Zargarbashi House, where every year the women of Isfahan gather on this day on Tasoa Day and fulfill their vows of the previous year.

Arson and fireworks: In the city of Natanz and its villages, officially every year on the nights of the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth of January, children in large groups in one of the hills and heights of the city or village to build a large fire. A fire whose flames light up the whole area. The people of this region believe that if the light of this fire reaches the trees, they will have more fruit that year.

Rituals of Ramadan: One of the rituals of Ramadan in Isfahan is the ritual of breaking the fast, which is still performed in many areas of the city, and in many mosques of Isfahan, small and large iftar tables are spread to receive the fasting people. The tradition of giving vows, like other cities in Iran, is also very common in Isfahan, and the vow of meat and food is one of the most popular votive foods in this city. In addition, cooking special Ramadan foods is booming, and many Isfahanis prepare a variety of snacks for their Iftar and Sahar dinners, such as biryani, cumin, shrimp, mung bean, moonshine and beans, meat and beans, and eggplant. Yogurt stew is prepared by Qalamkar soup.

Nowruz and New Year rituals: Isfahanis celebrate the arrival of the New Year more or less like other Iranians. Among the relatively special rituals of the people of this city, we can mention the holding of the "First Nowruz" ceremony. In this tradition, the members of a family, during their visits, first go to the family house where they lost a loved one in the previous year. Visitors to the ritual do not offer condolences to the bereaved family, but wish them happiness so that they do not start the new year with a bad omen.

Marriage and wedding ceremonies: One of the most famous wedding rituals in the Isfahan region is the courtship ceremony, reading ceremony, talbun, bride cement, dowry picking, bridegroom, bed band, and so on.

Other mirrors of Isfahan include the ritual of Saqqah reading, big and small cheleh, sewing Murad shirt, local belt wrestling, Abrizan celebration, Gardobazi, Esfand night, Nakhl Gardani and many others. Of course, in Isfahan, due to the relatively high population of Armenians in the city, Christmas, New Year and Easter ceremonies are held in Armenian areas.

Mourning of Noshabad, Isfahan

History of Isfahan

Isfahan is one of those cities that is located in the center of the Iranian plateau and has gone through many ups and downs to this day. Many experts agree that Tahmurth, the third king of the Pishdad dynasty, founded the city. At the time of Alexander the Great's invasion of Iran, this city was the center of the Gabi tribes and in history, Isfahan was referred to as Gai or Ji in Upper Pars or Gabai or Tabai.

Isfahan in the Achaemenid period

During the Achaemenid period, due to the location of Isfahan at the intersection of major roads and the existence of a royal residence in it, it is considered as one of the most important cities, so much so that the Greek geographer Strabo named this city as the center of Iran. Historians such as Ibn Faqih Hamedani, Musa Khorni, Al-Istakhri, Ibn Huql, Al-Maqdisi, Yaqut Hamwi, Abu al-Fada, and Ibn Khaldun mention this event in their writings on the settlement of Jews in Isfahan and agree that with the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great and the liberation of the Jews from the captivity of Nebuchadnezzar Shah of Babylon This area was located next to Ji and later, with the connection of Ji and Darolihudia, the city of Isfahan emerged.

Isfahan in the Parthian and Sassanid period

During the Parthian period, Isfahan was considered as the center and capital of one of the vast states of Parthian kings.

Yazdgerd I, the Sassanid king, established a military barracks in Isfahan to train and send auxiliary forces. Fixed troops were also trained at three military bases in Merv, Gorgan and Ctesiphon. For this reason, it can be said that the name Espan (meaning the position of the army) has been given to Isfahan since the Sassanid era. Historical books refer to the settlement of Sassanid cavalry in the meadows around Isfahan in time of peace.

Isfahan and Armenia have always been one of the settlements of the Sassanid Crown Prince, but Isfahan was also the residence and sphere of influence of members of seven large Iranian families who also had influence in the kingdom (Vaspohran) and for this reason special privileges were considered for it at that time. .

Isfahan after the arrival of Islam in Iran

Sources that speak of the history of Iran at the time of the advent of Islam mention a city called Ji in the current location of the neighborhood of Ji and Judea, three kilometers west of Ji. The geographical area of ​​the city is also known as Espahan or Espahan. The city of Isfahan was conquered by the Arabs in 23 AH and, like other cities in Iran, was under their rule until the beginning of the fourth century AH. During the time of Caliph Mansour Abbasi, a lot of work was done to develop it. He ordered the construction of a large palace in the village of Kheshnian in present-day Ahmedabad, then rained down a fort around the city of Isfahan, and at the same time Kheshnian was connected to the river (Judea).

In the year 319 AH. Mardavij Ziari captured Isfahan and considered it as his capital. Rukn al-Dawla Dailami also chose this city as the capital of the Dailami dynasty in 327 AH. From this period, the course of progress in Isfahan is resumed and many people of knowledge come to it.

Isfahan in the Seljuk period

In 442 AH, Tughral Seljuk conquered Isfahan with much destruction and then Abul Fatah Muzaffar Neyshabouri, the ruler of Tughral in this city, spent 500,000 dinars on the development of the city and did not collect taxes from the people for three years. The rapid development of the city caused the people who had fled the city to return to it, and prosperity resumed in Isfahan. Tughral established the capital of his government in Isfahan and this development and expansion continued until the time of Alb Arsalan. The peak of Isfahan's glory can be seen in the reign of Malekshah. It was at this time that Khajeh Nizam al-Mulk al-Tusi raised the city to a high status with great measures, so that the population of the city doubled and beautiful buildings were built in it.

With the coming to power of the Khwarezmshahis and the Mongol invasion, many damages were inflicted on Isfahan and this city fell to the Mongols in 639 AH.

Isfahan in the Safavid period

In 1006 AH, the Safavid capital was moved from Qazvin to Isfahan by Shah Abbas Safavid. The reason for this is his interest in nature, distance from borders, reducing the power of the Ghezelbas, improving trade and Shah Abbas' fear of astronomers predicting that his life was in danger in Qazvin. Mosques, reservoirs and caravanserais, the emergence of complete communication and irrigation networks initiated by Sheikh Baha'i and the strengthening of agricultural infrastructure with the establishment of the commercial city of Najafabad a few kilometers west of Isfahan to provide food for the city were among the important events of Isfahan in this period.

 These events caused Isfahan to maintain its superiority and authority among the cities of the Middle East from the time of Shah Abbas I until the death of Shah Abbas II. The addition of Abbasabad, Jolfa, Gabrabad and Espahan neighborhoods and the construction of 137 palaces, 162 mosques, 48 ​​schools, 273 baths and 12 cemeteries gave a special advantage to this city.

Isfahan in the Qajar period

But the Safavid rule was shattered by Mahmud Afghan's invasion of the city and he was able to overthrow the Safavid dynasty after 6 months of siege and cause the fall of Isfahan.

During the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah, his son, Massoud Mirza Zul-Sultan became the ruler of Aras, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Yazd and Isfahan. Due to his interest in having a personal military force, he started the military army in the clothes and weapons of the Austrian army and was trained by German military teachers in Isfahan. This caused Nasser al-Din Shah, for fear of his arbitrariness, to remove him from the rule of other countries and leave only Isfahan to him. During his thirty-four years of rule over Isfahan, Zol-e-Sultan destroyed more than 50 Iranian monuments and gardens.

Isfahan in the Pahlavi period

The city of Isfahan in the Pahlavi period due to its special historical and geographical conditions was in the spotlight and measures were taken to reconstruct historical sites and industrial development. In September 1941, during the occupation of Iran by Allied forces (British and Soviet forces), local wars intensified in Isfahan and caused divisions among the people.

Finally, during the Islamic Revolution of Iran on August 5, 1978, most parts of the city were occupied by the people and the Shah declared martial law to oppose them. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, some settlements were built in this city and it became as it is today. Abundance of water and less pollution in the southwest of Isfahan has led to the development of this area in recent centuries.

 

Old photo from Isfahan

Background Name of Isfahan

Isfahan was called by these names from ancient times until the rise of Islam in Iran:

Elihudia, Safahan, Safavids, Rashurji, Sepahan, Sepaneh, Shahrestan, Safahan, Apadana, Asfehan, Asbahan, Asbahan, Spatna, Espadna, Espahan, Aspadan, Espadaneh, Espan, Spinner, Esfahan, Esfahan, Asbahan, Asbahan, Asbahan Isfahanak, Anzan, Basfahan, Darolihudi, Rashurji, Sepahan, Sepaneh, Shahrestan, Safahoon, Gaba, Gabian, Gabieh, Gabi, Gay Ya Ji and Gisfahan

Of course, it is said that after the conquest of the city by the Muslim Arabs, due to the absence of P in Arabic literature, the name of Isfahan was replaced by the name of Isfahan.

Today, we toured the city of Isfahan with you and became more familiar with the various recreational and tourism features of this city. In a quick review, we got to know the top attractions of this city and got information about some of the interesting facts about Isfahan.

What is your opinion about traveling to this historical tourist city of Iran? In your opinion, apart from the historical attractions of the city, what other things attract tourists here? Among the different features of Isfahan, what did you like most about this city?

Share your comments, suggestions and criticisms with us and your carnival friends. We are waiting for you.