Isfahan is located in central Iran at 51°39′40″ E longitude and 22°38′30″ N latitude. The city lies in the eastern part of the Zagros mountain range and is situated on an alluvial plain comprising relatively extensive plains extending in a north-west–south-east direction.

Isfahan currently covers an area of 19,102 hectares. The city’s legal boundaries are divided into five areas and 15 municipal districts. The plain on which Isfahan is located is relatively level, with an average slope of less than 0.3 per cent, extending from north-west to south-east.

In terms of climate, the city lies within the dry belt of the Northern Hemisphere and therefore has a dry desert climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The average temperature is approximately 16°C, while the average annual precipitation is around 110 millimetres. For most of the year, the prevailing winds are from the south-west and west and are generally strong.

Historians of earlier periods have attributed the foundation of Isfahan to Tahmuras, the third king of the Pishdadian dynasty; others have attributed its foundation to Alexander, while some have traced it to a period predating both. Nevertheless, almost all historians have emphasized the city’s ancient origins and long historical background.

With regard to its etymology, the name Isfahan appears in historical and geographical sources in various forms, including “Spahan” and “Sepahan”. It is highly likely that the name derives from the word “sepah” (army), suggesting that the city may have been a place where armies gathered and were stationed in ancient times.

Following the fall of the Sasanian Empire, the people of Isfahan, like those of other Iranian cities, embraced Islam. Muslim historians differ as to the date of the first conquest of Isfahan, variously placing it in 19 and 21 AH. However, it was not long before the people of Isfahan rebelled, and following the city’s reconquest in 23 AH, Isfahan remained under the rule of the Arab caliphs for approximately three and a half centuries.

In 319 AH, Mardavij of the Ziyarid dynasty rebelled against the caliphs and, after conquering the Jibal region, added Isfahan to his territories. He was deeply committed to reviving the customs and traditions of his Iranian ancestors and is known to have celebrated the Sadeh festival of 323 AH with great splendour. However, in the same year, while considering Isfahan as the capital of his realm, he was assassinated in a conspiracy instigated by the Caliph of Baghdad.

Following this, during the Buyid period (Al-e Buyeh), Isfahan was chosen as the capital by Hasan Rukn al-Dawla, one of the renowned rulers of the dynasty. He made considerable efforts to develop and expand the city.

The Jorjir Grand Mosque, also known as the Small Grand Mosque, of which only a magnificent portal remains today, dates from the Buyid period in Isfahan. Parts of the mosque that had fallen into disrepair were rebuilt during the reign of Shah Abbas II and are now known as the Hakim Mosque, one of the renowned monuments of the Safavid period.

In addition to the Buyid period, Isfahan also served as the capital of Iran under two other major dynasties: the Seljuks and the Safavids.

In 443 AH, Isfahan passed from the Buyids to the Seljuks and entered a brilliant new era in its history. Particularly during the reign of Malik-Shah Seljuk and under the able administration of Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk Tusi, Isfahan became one of the most important and prosperous cities in the world. Among the most important surviving monuments from the reign of Malik-Shah are the Nizam al-Mulk Dome and the Taj al-Mulk Dome in the Grand Mosque of Isfahan, distinctive and outstanding structures that hold a special place in architectural history. The Dar al-Batikh Mausoleum, located in the Ahmadabad neighbourhood of Isfahan, is the burial place of Sultan Malik-Shah, Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk and a number of other Seljuk sultans and dignitaries.

In the period between the Seljuk era and the Safavid period—two periods of growth and flourishing for Isfahan—the city also experienced two major catastrophes: first, the Mongol invasion in the seventh century AH, followed by Timur’s massacre in the late eighth century AH.

During the Ilkhanid period, however, Isfahan once again enjoyed a period of relative peace and reconstruction. Restoration and construction projects were undertaken during this period, including the Oljeitu Mihrab in the Grand Mosque of Isfahan, a magnificent example of Ilkhanid stucco work.

Eventually, after years of bloodshed, devastation and plunder, the Safavid era began, and Isfahan entered the most distinguished period of growth, prosperity and development in its history.

When Shah Abbas I transferred the capital to Isfahan in 1000 AH, a wave of urban development began, marked by the continuous construction of squares, streets, bazaars, palaces and bridges. Many of Isfahan’s prominent historic monuments, including Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the Abbasi Jameh Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Si-o-se-pol, were built during this period.

Among the other Safavid rulers, the reign of Shah Abbas II was also one of the brilliant periods in Isfahan’s history. Monuments such as Khaju Bridge and Chehel Sotoun Palace are attributed to this period.

During the Safavid period, Isfahan also experienced remarkable scientific and cultural growth and flourishing. Art and architecture reached their highest levels of development, while new intellectual currents emerged in Islamic philosophy and wisdom.

Finally, following the incompetence of Shah Sultan Husayn, the Afghan invasion of Isfahan took place in 1135 AH. With the fall of the Safavid dynasty, a new period began in the history of the city.

Isfahan has few significant surviving monuments from the Zand period. However, a number of buildings from the Qajar period remain, most of which were constructed through the efforts of statesmen and benefactors of the time. Nevertheless, these efforts may not have been sufficient to compensate for the extensive damage inflicted on Isfahan during the rule of Zill al-Sultan, son of Naser al-Din Shah.

Over the past century, Isfahan has expanded and, through the restoration and renovation of historic buildings and the revitalization of handicrafts, has developed into a major tourist city. With the establishment of major iron and steel plants, including the Isfahan Steel Company and Mobarakeh Steel Company, as well as other industrial centres, Isfahan is today regarded as one of Iran’s major industrial and tourism cities.

Isfahan, with its exceptional beauty and remarkable historical attractions, has earned the nickname “Half the World”. However, the attractions of the province are not limited to its historical monuments; its diverse cuisine is also one of its attractions for tourists.

Beryani

One of the most famous dishes prepared and served in Isfahan Province is Beryani. Among tourists, this dish is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Beryani or Beryooni, whereas Beryooni actually refers to the establishment where Beryani is sold. This traditional and delicious dish is widely known and popular not only in Isfahan but throughout Iran. Domestic and international tourists visiting this beautiful and welcoming city invariably make a point of trying it.

In Isfahan Province, Beryani is prepared with shoulder and flank cuts of meat, onion, dried mint, oil, salt, pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, ground saffron and kashk. It is traditionally served with cooked and minced lung, the broth made from the Beryani, kashk, Sangak bread, basil and a jug of chilled doogh.

Yakhmeh Torsh

Yakhmeh Torsh is one of the traditional dishes of Isfahan Province. Unfortunately, it is now prepared and served by the people of the province on a much smaller scale. Because it contains abundant fruit, including dried apricots, quince and plums, this local dish is considered highly nutritious and beneficial. The dish is prepared by combining lamb, quince, plums, dried apricots, rice, salt, sugar and turmeric. In Isfahan Province, Yakhmeh Torsh is traditionally eaten with bread.

Kaleh Jush

Kaleh Jush is a delicious dish rich in calcium and protein and is recognized as one of the traditional and local dishes of Isfahan Province. This nutritious dish is also prepared as a main course in other provinces, including Hamedan and Sistan and Baluchestan. The main ingredient of Kaleh Jush is kashk, which gives this local dish its distinctive flavour.

In Isfahan Province, Kaleh Jush is prepared with minced meat, walnuts, kashk, flour, onion, dried mint, salt, pepper, turmeric and water. Adding meat is optional and depends on the preferences of the family members. Some families also add a small amount of garlic. This nutritious and delicious dish is traditionally eaten with bread.

Halim Bademjan

Halim Bademjan is a highly nutritious and popular dish that is widely enjoyed by the people of Isfahan Province. There are several methods of preparing this delicious dish, each producing its own distinctive flavor and aroma.

In Isfahan Province, this traditional local dish is prepared with shoulder or neck meat, kashk, fried onions, grated garlic, fried aubergines, fried mint, saffron, salt, pepper and various spices according to taste. Some families in the province also add lentils or white beans. During the colder months, this delicious dish is particularly enjoyable when served with bread.

Qeymeh Rizeh

Another traditional and popular dish of Isfahan Province is Qeymeh Rizeh. It is usually prepared and served for lunch. Fresh herbs, together with a small bowl of yoghurt or pickles, make a delicious accompaniment to this dish.

Qeymeh Rizeh is prepared with lean minced lamb, grated onion, chickpea flour, fried onion, tomatoes, dried mint, oil, salt, pepper and various spices according to taste. Tomato paste may be used instead of fresh tomatoes. The dish is usually served with fresh herbs and yoghurt.

Kuku Ghandi

Kuku Ghandi is another traditional dish of Isfahan Province that is now less commonly prepared by cooks. It is more often made by grandmothers and older generations of homemakers, renowned for their excellent and distinctive cooking. As its name suggests, this traditional dish has a sweet and pleasant flavour.

Cooks in Isfahan Province prepare Kuku Ghandi using potatoes, eggs, saffron, sugar, rosewater and citric acid. Visitors who have the opportunity to be guests of the warm and hospitable people of Isfahan are encouraged to ask about the traditional method of preparing this dish.

Ash-e Somagh

Ash-e Somagh, a sour dish infused with the warmth and affection of a mother’s cooking, is another distinctive and delicious traditional food of Isfahan Province. It is particularly popular during the cold season, when families across the province prepare and enjoy it in considerable quantities.

Ash-e Somagh is prepared with rice flour or broken rice, dried sumac, minced meat, herbs, onion, oil, salt and pepper. Its aroma and flavour are particularly pleasant, and it is a dish worth trying when visiting the beautiful and remarkable province of Isfahan.

Gaz

Isfahan is renowned for its famous confectionery, Gaz. According to some sources, this popular sweet dates back to the Safavid period in Isfahan Province and gradually developed from a confection known as Halva-ye Chubeh. However, historians differ over the accuracy of this claim. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Gaz is one of the traditional and indigenous confections of the province.

The name Gaz is associated with an extract known as Angabin. Today, Gaz is made using glucose, rosewater, egg whites, sugar, pistachios, slivered almonds, hazelnuts and bidmeshk (pussy willow) extract. In Isfahan Province, a small amount of Angabin extract is also added to produce Gaz-e Angabin. However, because Angabin is expensive, this variety is produced only in limited quantities.

Poolaki

Poolaki is undoubtedly one of the most delicious traditional confections of Isfahan Province and is produced and enjoyed in a variety of forms. This tasty sweet is relatively simple to prepare, and the people of Isfahan traditionally make it using sugar, sesame seeds and cardamom.

Isfahan’s historic monuments constitute a valuable collection of outstanding examples of Iranian architecture spanning more than a thousand years of the country’s history. In terms of the number and significance of these monuments, Isfahan can be regarded as one of the most important repositories of Iranian art and architecture after the advent of Islam; a city that is home to many masterpieces of Iranian architecture.

The historic buildings of Isfahan showcase exceptional examples of architectural and decorative arts, including dome construction, tilework, stucco work, muqarnas, woodcarving and calligraphy. These monuments reflect the remarkable talent, artistic sensibility and religious beliefs of the artists who created them. Among the various historical periods of Isfahan, the magnificent Seljuk and Safavid periods hold a particularly prominent place. Each of these periods, with its distinctive architectural characteristics and artistic traditions, made a significant contribution to shaping the city’s historical and cultural identity. Three historic sites in Isfahan are also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the Grand Mosque of Isfahan and the Chehel Sotoun Palace and Garden, which is inscribed as part of the “Persian Garden” serial property.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

One of the most beautiful and popular attractions of Isfahan is Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also known as Imam Square, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Naqsh-e Jahan is the central square of Isfahan and forms part of a valuable historic complex. One of the distinctive features of the square is its rectangular shape, which differs from the circular or oval forms of many conventional squares. The rectangular square measures 560 metres in length and 160 metres in width. Naqsh-e Jahan Square encompasses such valuable historic monuments as Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Qeysarieh Portal, Isfahan Qeysarieh Bazaar and the polo gates.

Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu Palace is one of the most striking buildings in Naqsh-e Jahan Square and, during the Safavid period, was regarded as one of the most prominent palaces in the world. The building possessed all the features and facilities befitting a royal palace. It stands 48 metres high and has six storeys, connected by spiral staircases.

This historic building, which stands on the western side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square opposite Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, is internationally renowned as one of the masterpieces of early eleventh-century AH architecture. The construction of Ali Qapu dates back to 1054 AH, and it was commissioned by Shah Abbas I. Following the transfer of the Safavid capital from Qazvin to Isfahan, Ali Qapu was constructed to serve as the seat of government and official residence of the Safavid rulers. Its construction and development took place in five architectural stages and continued under the successors of Shah Abbas I, particularly Shah Abbas II and Shah Suleiman, becoming increasingly elaborate over time.

The most spectacular part of the palace is the stucco work on its uppermost floor, known as the Music Room or Sound Room, where representations of various musical instruments can be seen. The miniatures by the renowned Safavid-era artist Reza Abbasi add a distinctive beauty to the building.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of Iran’s distinctive mosques. Built during the Safavid period, it is today regarded as one of the principal attractions of Isfahan’s historic complex.

The mosque is a masterpiece of eleventh-century AH architecture and tilework. It was commissioned by Shah Abbas I in honour of Sheikh Lotfollah Maysi. Construction was carried out by the renowned architect of the period, Master Mohammad-Reza Isfahani, over a period of approximately 18 years. Even after centuries, the mosque remains a remarkable masterpiece in its use of colour and light in architecture and attracts large numbers of visitors each year.

One of the most remarkable features of the building is the peacock design at the centre of the interior of the dome. Its feathers are completed by the light entering through the arch above the mosque’s entrance.

Imam Mosque of Isfahan

The Imam Mosque of Isfahan, also known as the Shah Mosque, Soltani Mosque and Jameh Mosque, is the most important historic mosque in Isfahan and one of the outstanding monuments of Islamic architecture in Iran.

Located on the southern side of Imam Khomeini Square (Naqsh-e Jahan Square), the mosque is an unparalleled masterpiece of architecture, tilework and woodwork dating from the eleventh century AH. Its construction began in 1020 AH, on the orders of Shah Abbas the Great, in the twenty-fourth year of his reign, while its decoration and additions continued under his successors.

The mosque is of exceptional architectural and decorative significance and attracts numerous visitors who come to admire its grandeur. The splendour of its colours and the imposing entrance portal and dome create a breathtaking sight. The repetition of architectural elements, symmetrical arches, large ablution pool and exquisite tilework give the building a particularly impressive appearance.

The architect responsible for the building was Master Ali-Akbar Isfahani, while Mohabb-Ali Begollah supervised its construction. The inscriptions adorning the building are the work of distinguished calligraphers, including Alireza Abbasi, Abdolbaqi Tabrizi, Mohammad-Reza Emami and Mohammad-Saleh Emami.

Grand Mosque of Isfahan

The Grand Mosque of Isfahan, also known as the Jameh Atiq Mosque and the Friday Mosque of Isfahan, is one of the city’s oldest historic monuments and can itself be regarded as a museum of Iranian architectural styles and decorative arts after the advent of Islam. During each historical period—from the Buyids and Seljuks to the Ilkhanids and Safavids—new structures were added and efforts were made to enhance and complete the mosque. As a result, this masterpiece, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, provides an exceptional illustration of the artistic developments of the Islamic periods of Iranian history over the past thousand years.

The historic monument is located between two of Isfahan’s old neighbourhoods, Joubareh and Dardasht. Although every part of the mosque possesses considerable historical and artistic value, some of its best-known features include the Nizam al-Mulk Dome, attributed to Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk Tusi, the renowned vizier of Sultan Malik-Shah Seljuk; the Taj al-Mulk Dome, attributed to Abu’l-Ghana’im Taj al-Mulk, another vizier of Malik-Shah, which is also known as the Khaki Dome because of its colour; and the Oljeitu Mihrab, attributed to Oljeitu, the Mongol Ilkhan, which is considered an unparalleled example of Iranian stucco work.

Qeysarieh Portal

The Qeysarieh Portal is a Safavid-era structure located at one corner of Naqsh-e Jahan Square and marking the main entrance to Isfahan Bazaar. Having withstood the passage of time, it continues to stand firmly in its historic location.

The building originally had three storeys, but following the destruction of one of them, only two storeys remain today. The demolished upper storey housed a naqqareh-khaneh, where music was played to announce the time of day to the people. The second storey was used for administrative and commercial affairs, while shops occupied the lowest storey.

The Qeysarieh Portal comprises four subsidiary entrances, a main gateway and a pool. Paintings by Reza Abbasi, the bell of the Hormuz Portuguese Convent, and the clock of the Portuguese Castle can be seen above the portal. The gateway leads visitors into the bustling passages of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, the beating heart of the economic life of “Half the World”.

Isfahan Bazaar

Isfahan Bazaar is one of the largest and most beautiful bazaars in Iran and, owing to its location within Naqsh-e Jahan Square, is considered one of the country’s most prominent bazaars in terms of its tourism appeal.

Part of the bazaar is known as Qeysarieh Bazaar, whose entrance from Naqsh-e Jahan Square is marked by a magnificent portal. Qeysarieh Bazaar is located within the historic fabric of Isfahan and is primarily associated with carpet merchants. Also known as Soltani Bazaar, it was one of the largest and most magnificent centres of trade during the Safavid period. It was established in 1029 AH, during the Safavid period, to the north of the historic Naqsh-e Jahan Square, connecting the square with Atiq (Old) Square and the Isfahan of the Seljuk period.

Khaju Bridge

Khaju Bridge is one of the masterpieces of the architectural period of Shah Abbas II, constructed across the Zayandeh Rud River. Also known as Baba Rokn al-Din Bridge, it served not only as a means of communication but also as a dam and a structure for regulating the flow of water.

Owing to its distinctive appearance, Khaju Bridge is regarded as the most beautiful bridge in Isfahan. Located to the east of Si-o-se-pol, it features striking architecture and beautiful paintings, while its central section shines like a jewel.

Allahverdi Khan Bridge or Si-o-se-pol

Allahverdi Khan Bridge, commonly known as Si-o-se-pol, is a beautiful and unique bridge with 33 arches. It is a masterpiece of Safavid architecture and one of Iran’s most famous bridges, located at the southern end of Chaharbagh Street, also known as Enghelab Street, in Isfahan.

Si-o-se-pol was constructed across the Zayandeh Rud under the supervision and at the expense of Allahverdi Khan, the renowned Safavid military commander. The bridge was a venue for the Abpashan, or Water-Splashing, festival. Held annually on 13 Tir, the festival involved people sprinkling water and rosewater on one another.

The bridge was also the venue for the Khaj-Shuyan ceremony, a traditional ceremony associated with the Armenians of Isfahan during the Safavid period, as well as a gathering place for poets, dignitaries, officials and the wider public.

The bridge has long been admired by prominent international commentators. Sir Percy Sykes regarded Si-o-se-pol as one of the world’s notable bridges, while Jean Chardin described it as a masterpiece of architecture.

Chehel Sotoun Palace

Another of Isfahan’s historic monuments is Chehel Sotoun Palace, which covers an area of approximately 67,000 square metres. Construction of the palace began during the reign of Shah Abbas I and was completed during the reign of Shah Abbas II.

Chehel Sotoun Palace, whose commemorative inscription describes it as “the most blessed building in the world”, is located east of Chaharbagh-e Bala Street, south of Sepah Street and west of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The architecture of the palace combines Chinese, Iranian and European artistic traditions, and it has a principal east-facing veranda.

The veranda consists of two sections. One is supported by 18 tall wooden columns, while the four central columns stand on four stone lions. The carving of these lions is designed so that two lions appear to form a single human head.

Menar Jonban

Menar Jonban is one of the remarkable monuments of ancient Iran. This historic structure was built during the Ilkhanid period under the rule of Oljeitu and was inscribed on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1321 (1942).

The Menar Jonban is a simple mud-brick structure that is nevertheless remarkable and mysterious. It consists of an iwan in the Mongol style and two minarets, built over the tomb of a seventh-century AH mystic known as Amoo Abdollah Karladani.

Despite the considerable structural strength of the minarets, they move in place, giving rise to the name Menar Jonban, meaning “Shaking Minarets”. The master tilemakers of the period decorated this remarkable monument with star-shaped, lapis-lazuli-coloured tiles.

Menar Jonban is located approximately 6 kilometres along the Isfahan–Najafabad road and is among the sites included on the list of attractions for visitors to Isfahan.

The feature that has made the monument famous is that when one of the minarets is shaken, the other also begins to move. A spiral staircase provides access to the roof and minarets, and each minaret contains 17 steps leading to its top.

Vank Cathedral

Vank Cathedral is considered one of the most important attractions of Isfahan. Its full name is Vank Cathedral of the Holy Saviour (Surp Amena Perkich), and it was built during the reign of Shah Abbas II.

The cathedral is one of the historic churches of the Armenian community of Isfahan and is located in the New Julfa district. It has two domes constructed in a rounded form, inspired by Iranian architectural traditions. The ceilings and walls of the cathedral’s place of worship are covered with beautiful and striking paintings depicting stories and scenes from the Bible. These include representations of the Birth of Jesus Christ, Heaven and Hell.

The cathedral also houses a valuable museum and library of considerable historical significance.