26 Oct Isfahan – The Pearl of Persia

Isfahan was once one of the largest cities in the world as it sat on a major intersection of the main north-south and east-west routes crossing Iran.Today is well known by its tree lined boulevards, historical bridges and Islamic architecture. The city of Isfahan, the heart of intellectual and economic life, political and religious activities of the Persian world is located in the heart of the beautiful Iran, about 400 kilometres south of the capital Tehran, on the edge of the mountain of Zagros and in the river valley Zajande-Rud. The city has 1,756 million inhabitants, and wider metropolitan area of about two million.
This unique city is interwoven with numerous gardens and swimming pools, located almost 1.500 meters above sea level, where river Zajande-Rud “River of Life” passes through the city and supplies water network of Isfahan. Among 43 minarets are decorating the city, and Sareban Minaret is considered the most beautiful one.
Isfahan is a city also known by a unique and ancient Persian carpets. Carpets manufacturers are actually artists who illustrate its own environment, including geometry, architecture, poetry, literature and even religion, nature and history. In the city centre lies the craft “Baharestan carpet,” one of the best manufacturers of carpets. Their most precious specimens can be found in various mosques and shrines throughout Isfahan.

Main tourist attractions in Isfahan

Jameh Mosque

Jami Mosque is one of the biggest and most mysterious mosque in the Islamic world. Interior of the mosque is unique by specific decorations representing an architectural achievements of certain age through fourteen centuries of its history.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Naqsh-e Jahan Square known as Imam Square, and formerly known as Shah Square , is second largest squares in the world ( 525 m wide, and 162 m long) and is situated at the centre of Isfahan city. Once upon a time this square market was the place where people used to play polo – today at the square you can still see the four pillars, at the south and north side which remind on historical times 400 years ago. Pulsating heart of Isfahan city is a home of social and cultural structures of the time, including science and civilisation, politics and culture, religion and economics where two hundred two-floored-chambers are connecting four unique and adjoining historical sites: Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Gate to Kaiseriyeh Bazaar (market), and Aali Qapou Palace (Kakh-e-Aali Qapou).

Si-o-se Pol Bridge

Bridge with 33 arches represents a unique piece from the era of king Shah Abbas. Si-o-se Pol Bridge is the longest bridge on Zayandeh River with the total length of 297.76 metres and is considered the largest Iranian construction on water. The bridge is specific by its two levels of arches. Lower level has 33 arches while upper has two arches above lower level and one arch above a pier. Upper level is bounded by two high and magnificent walls that were used as a shelter and protected travellers from winds and heavy traffic.

Khaju Bridge

This is a place where people come to experience the peace and the feeling of love. For this reason the bridge also carriers the name „The bridge of Meetings“. The Khaju Bridge is very famous bridge in Iran, due to its pleasing construction idea, and is one of the oldest bridge in Isfahan. The main road on the bridge used to be the road only for horses and chariots, and people were walking parallel on the side, while levels below served as a resting place for travellers and citizens of the city. The bridge is a unique place where people meet, where men singing folk songs under the dome and the sound echoes through the entire bridge.

Chahar Bagh Boulevard

Spectacular gardens, designed by the king Shah Abbas, made a favourite promenade of the people of Isfahan. Once upon a time people enjoyed in magnificent palaces with the most lavish royal gardens in the world. Due to the modernisation and construction of modern buildings today here you will find only remains of several gardens. Chahar Bagh has become one of the main shopping streets of the city with tea rooms, cinemas and fashionable clothes shops.

Read more about our recent project about Persian food.

Photo Credits: Mira Pavlakovic-Freeimages, magic4.club