Isfahan

Isfahan Province

Isfahan (or Esfahan) province is located in the central part of Iran, and covers an area of 105,263 Kilometers (66,600 sq. miles) consisting of plain as well as mountainous areas. The province enjoys three different of climates: dry, semi-dry and semi-humid. But the larger part of province enjoys a temperate climate.

There are several high mountains and rivers such as Zayandeh Rud that dominate its landscape.

Due to enough water, agriculture and animal husbandry are of importance in this province. Being one of the most significant industrial centers in Iran, this province contains many large and small industries, including the heavy industries of ironworks. It is rich in natural resources, among which there are mines of coal, iron, zinc and lead.

Isfahan (Half of the world) is a museum where people live in.

Isfahan is turquoise glitter inmost a green fertile oasis near the vastness of the central Iranian desert, a proud statement of human art and devoutness to God, a busy vivid city on the banks of Zayandah Rud ( the life giving river ) and one of the largest and most progressive towns in Iran, once called nesf-e-jahan ( half of the world ) by its inhabitants and now a museum where people live in.

There are many historical monuments and places to be visited by every body. These include:

Imam Square: Before Isfahan was selected as capital by the Safavid dynasty, the square called Naghsh-e-Jahan (image of the world) existed in the vicinity of Imam square. During the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, this square was enlarged to almost its present dimensions and famous historic buildings such as the Imam mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah mosque, Aali qapu building and Ghasir gateway were constructed around this square. This square is 80,000 sq meters and twice as large as Moscow's Red square.

Aali Qapu (Aali Ghapu) a magnificent palace built in the reign of Shah Abbas, when the great period of Safavid architecture opened, to be used as a reception center for guests, foreign envoys and courtiers. The palace which is six floors tall, the tallest in the time, in addition to having a tiled staircase and a remarkable plaster-work, much of its interior is covered with frescos and miniature paintings.

Hash Behesht : The palace of Hasht Behesht was completed in 1669. It has fine murals and spectacular roofs while retained a domestic simplicity. Its name and style of construction probably derive from a much older palace built in Tabriz by Uzun Hassan. It consists of an almost octagonal base on which four Eivan are raised and four smaller sets of chambers, while the center is surmounted by a spectacular ceiling. The exterior tile-work is notable for its naturalistic style, depicting peacocks and angels alongside trees in a less stylized way than previous buildings, while inside there are charming murals on the walls and a further variety of spectacular ceiling.

Talar-e-Ashraf: This palace which dates from the time of Shah Abbas II is situated just to the west of the main palace of Aali Qapu and east of another palace, known as Hash Behesht. It is currently used as an officer's club by army and is therefore closed to visitors. It derives its name from the period when Isfahan was ruled by Afghanis whose leader, Ashraf, made this building his headquarters.

Jame (Friday) mosque: This is one of the oldest mosques still standing in Iran, and is built in the " four ivan " architectural style, placing four gates face to face. It was built in the 8^th century but soon after, it burnt down. It was rebuilt again in 11^th century and it went through remodeling many times. As a result it has rooms built in different architectural styles, so now the mosque represents a condensed history of Iranian architecture.

It is worth trying.

The fact that sound is equally carried to all chambers and cloisters on each side as well as the courtyard and the lateral porches, indicate that four centuries ago, Iranian architects were able to construct buildings provided with acoustics not inferior to those of any modern building.

Sheikh lutfullah mosque: Situated on the square, this mosque is another masterpiece of tile work, a beautiful religious building wherein the elaborate design serves to heighten the visitor's spiritually rather than distract him from it. This mosque has acquired its name from its prayer leader during the Shah Abbas Lebanese Lutfollah, who led the prayers in the mosque.

Imam Mosque: previously called Masjid-e-Shah, this mosque of 16^th century from viewpoint of architecture, tile work, stone carving and hugeness of its dome and minarets, is a representation of culmination of a mosque building and among the greatest buildings of the world. Of the four ivans, the west ivan has wide porch surmounted by a minaret. The south ivan opens to reveal a great prayer hall surmounted by a double cupola 38 meters high on the inside and 52 meters on the inside leaving a 12 meter empty space which serves as extraordinary " echo chamber". Consequently the speaker in the mehrab (alter) can be distinctly heard in all other parts of mosque. In the center of the great prayer hall there are a few black paving stones underneath the dome, which stamped upon create seven clear echoes.

Chehel Sutun Palace: The name Chehel Suton means forty pillars, whereas actually this building has only 18 pillars. A reflecting pool is provided to the other 18 pillars. A more common explanation is the forty was one used synonymously with many in Persian and still is in some quarters. Each column is made out of a single tall plane trunk covered with a thin layer of painted wood, adorned with a glass and painting. This palace, located inside a garden with an area of 67,000 square meters, was built as an official court and a reception hall by Shah Abbas II.

Si-o-se-pol: Situated on the bank of Zayendeh-Rud river. The city of Isfahan has some unique and beautiful bridges connecting both the banks. The bridge is used by the Char Bagh (four gardens) highway connecting the Char Bagh with the Armenian settlement of new Julfa. An extra ordinary structure - 300 meters in length and 14 meters wide, serves both as a bridge as well as dam.

Khaju Bridge: This bridge located about 1.5 Kilometers downstream to the east of Sio-seh-Pol, the Khaju Bridge is slightly smaller than Sio-seh-Pol. It has two levels of terraces overlooking the river. Built on the foundation of an earlier structure, this bridge too, has been constructed for two purposes - a roadway and a dam.

New Julfa : Situated on the southern bank of Zayandeh Rud river, New Julfa was founded by Shah Abbas for the relocation of Armenians who were forced to flee their home in Old Julfa in Armenia because of Turkish attacks. The Armenian immigrants were given special privileges and formal guarantees concerning their religious freedom.

Vank Cathedral: The construction of this church commenced in 1606 at the time of arrival of Armenians immigrants to Isfahan and was completed between 1655 and 1664 under the supervision of Archbishop David. Though the exterior of the church is unexciting, the interior is richly decorated with oil paintings of Jesus Christ and people sacred to the Armenians. Oil paintings and gilded carving, in the representation of God's revelation throughout the Old and New Testaments, cover the walls from the tiled lower portions of the ceiling.

Bazaar and Qaisarieh protal: Isfahan bazaar is a real labyrinth of domed streets into the old town. The entrance to the bazaar is through a majestic gateway in keeping with the dimensions of the square called Qaisarieh. The gateway is decorated with mosaic tile work, its main motif representing Sagittarius, Isfahan's astrological sign, shown here as a chimera. This Bazaar is one of the biggest and most lively bazaars of the Middle East. Wandering through some 5 km of paths, one can find shops hat sell almost every imaginable item. Small openings in vaulted roof let in sufficient light and yet keep out the intense heat of summer and retain warmth in winter.

Kashan

Kashan has been overshadowed by Isfahan; however it is worthwhile to visit Kashan on the way to Isfahan or v.v.

The town of Kashan is located about 250 km ( 150 miles ) south of Tehtan and 210 KM (125miles) north of Isfahan.

Kashan is one of the oldest, most attractive and prosperous towns in Iran with a rich history. Kashan was demolished during the Arab invasion with exception of a few ancient buildings remaining.

Kashan was Shah Abbas I's favorite town, so that he even requested to be buried there. Some rulers preferred to live in Kashan , rather than capital, Isfahan.

Site and historical points to be visited include:

Bagh-e-Fin (Fin Garden) which is a highlight of Kashan, is located a few kilometers south-west of Kashan, in the small village of Fin. This is the most famous garden in Iran. This beautiful garden with its pool and orchards was designed by Shah Abbas I, as a classical Persian vision of paradise.

This gorgeous garden with remains of its two story palace is a pleasant spot to relax in the shade after a long day trip.

This palace is also notorious as the sight of the murder of Mirza Taghi Khan known as Amir Kabir, during Qajar period in 1853.

There is a museum displaying archaeological items plus a teahouse at the back of the gardens.

Agha Bozorg Mosque : his Mosque and theological school ( Madresseh Agha Bozorg ( is located in the center of Kashan. The mosque consists of two ivans, one in front of Mehrab and the other by the entrance.

The ivan in front of mehrab has two minarets with a brick dome .

The colors of arcades and ivan are restricted to blue, red, yellow against a brick ground.

Friday Mosques (Masjid James): with its 11^th century mehran was built during Seljuq period and has been restored several times since then.

It has a minaret with some ancient inscriptions. Also the bazaar with the domed roofs and painted walls, is interesting for the architecture of its old caravansaries.

Imam Zadeh Abu lolo: On road from Kashan to Fin, you can stop for this site.

This site probably built during Safavid Dynasty and has been renovated since then.

Its painted roof which is decorated with very fine turquoise and yellow tiles is noticeable.

Broujerdi House: This is used to be a private home, but now is open to public as a museum. This house was built in the early 19^th century. This museum consists of a beautiful courtyard and delightful wall paintings. The museum or house is popular for its unusual wind towers which help cool the house.

Tappeh-ye-Sialak: The richest archaeological site in central Iran. Sialak was occupied from the fourth millennium BC until the 8^th century BC. The artifacts uncovered reside in the Louvre Museum in Paris and the archaeological museum in Tehran.