City Guide: Isfahan

İran’ın üçüncü büyük şehri İsfahan her anlamda kendi kendine yeten dört başı mamur bir metropol. İsfahan kendisi ile aynı adı taşıyan eyaletin de yönetim merkezi. Çelik, petrokimya fabrikaları, petrol rafinerileri ve tekstil üretiminin yüzde 40’a yakını bu coğrafyada bulunuyor.

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• Tourist Attractions

  Visiting this city is like reading an encyclopedia that tells of the art and history of Iran in the most beautiful way. Isfahan was founded on one of the junction points of Iran and because it was the capital during the Safavid era, there is an abundance of historical artifacts in the city. Beautiful boulevards, bridges, palaces, mosques that carry the splendor of Islamic architecture, shrines, synagogues, churches, and Zoroastrian temples surround the city.

  The city located at 1600 meter altitude at the foot of the Zagros Mountains is thus relatively cooler compared to other Iranian cities. The temperature, which falls to -10 degrees Celsius during winter months, can rise up to 40 degrees in the summer.

  Charar Bagh, the main boulevard of the city, starts from the banks of the Zayandeh River in the central region and reaches approximately 10 km north. The historical region of the city is located east of this boulevard. The structure in this region that primarily stands out is Madreseye Shah (Shah Madrasah). You can only see this structure, which is closed to visitors, from the outside. The Palace of Chehel Sotun and the Museum of Natural History can be included in places you can see in the vicinity.

  Naqsh-e Jahan Square, located a bit farther on and considered to be one of the largest public squares in the world, is also called Imam Khomeini Square and should be included among places to see. This area, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, was established in the 17th century. Historical structures such as Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Imam Mosque that are located around the square are worth seeing.

  Like other Iranian cities, the largest mosque in the city is called “Jameh Mosque.” Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, where the largest congregation gathers for Friday prayers, came from the Seljuk era to our day with additions of new buildings throughout eight centuries. It is especially worth seeing with its adornments.
  

• Culture & Entertainment

  Museums, Public Squares, Historical Locations, Monuments
  Isfahan, founded on the plain that is right in the middle of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a place where Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians live together in peace. This can be a good starting point to understand its cultural richness. Also, the most reputable universities of the country are located in this city.

  Imam Mosque, locally called Masjed-e Imam, that is located in Naqsh-e Jahan Square -one of the largest public squares in the world- can be visited. Imam Mosque covers the southern edge of the square, the construction of which was started in 1602 in the time of Shah Abbas. Shah Abbas had this mosque made in the 17th century, with the construction lasting 25 years overall. With its large dome, mesmerizing tiles, outstanding workmanship, and architecture; it paints a very fascinating picture today as well.

  Ali Qapu Palace and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, located in other corners of the square, should be included in places that can be visited. Ali Qapu Palace, which was constructed in the beginning of the 17th century, consists of 6 stories. Located on a spot that looks onto the square, it stands out with its grace. The crown gate with a pointed arch opens to the gardens through a domed passage. There are two hall floors on each side of the entrance; and over them is one 10 meter tall reception and ceremony hall. There is a large balcony by the name of “Tâlâr” on the side of the hall that looks onto the square. 18 tall and elegant pillars carry the flat wooden roof of Tâlâr. Among four buildings that surround Naqsh-e Jahan and are believed to each hold a meaning; Ali Qapu Palace is said to correspond to politics.

  Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, which was completed in 1618 and is the first one of the buildings surrounding the square to be completed, is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Safavid architecture.

  The museums of Isfahan are worth seeing at least as much as the city. The Museum of Natural History, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Armenian Museum in the campus of Vank Church are places that can be visited. Certain valuable works including the Quran and examples of calligraphy are on display in Chehel Sotun Palace.

  ENTERTAINMENT
  Parks, Games, Events, and Natural Areas
  There are many natural areas, gardens, and parks in the city; which is located on the banks of Zayanderud, in other words Zayandeh River. The old bridges over the Zayandeh River, which springs from Zagros Mountains and flows through Isfahan, are worth seeing. Among such bridges, Siosepol (Siose Bridge) holds a distinct and significant place. The width and length of the bridge amount to 14 and 300 meters respectively. The name of Siosepol means Bridge with 33 Arches. This bridge, which was built on the widest point of the river, is flooded with people especially in the evening.

  Green areas adorn almost every place in the city. Sports equipments that have been placed in the parks, are used by people of all ages. Structures that have been placed in the green areas also form a truly pleasant scenery. Hasht-Behesht Palace is one of such structures with its adornments and wall paintings.

  ISFAHAN IN ONE DAY
  It is truly impossible to tour the thousands of years old Isfahan in one day. However, if you have to squeeze it into only one day, what will make your list is more or less evident. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Jameh and Imam Mosques, Ali Qapu Palace and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Hasht-Behesht Palace, Siosepol Bridge with 33 Arches, and the Bazaar of Isfahan should definitely be seen.

  CITY TOURS AND TRANSPORTATION
  You can find many companies that organize city tours. In addition, you can safely tour on your own, using means of inner city transportation. Another important note while touring the city is that Turkish can be conveniently used. Let us remind you that approximately one-third of the Iranian population is made up of Azerbaijani, Turkmen, and Qashqai people. Such that, Turkish is spoken as a second language a lot more than English.

  NEARBY LOCATIONS
  A temple called Atashgah should definitely take first place among places for you to see around Isfahan. This spot, which is a Sassanid-era archaeological area, is located approximately 8 kilometers west of the city. The history of this Zoroastrian temple and the surrounding premises date back to three thousand years ago. The 210 meter tall hill can be climbed in 10 minutes.
  

• Food & Drink

  Among dishes of Isfahan, a type of kebab called “beryan” made of mutton and liver is quite famous. Finely-chopped pieces of meat are cooked on a frying pan and served with bread that is also local.

  A type of casserole dish called “fesenjan” is also among foods that are commonly consumed. Fesenjan is made with chicken, duck, lamb, or veal in a peanut and pomegranate paste sauce; and served with rice pilaf.
  

• Shopping

  The Bazaar of Isfahan begins on the edge of Naqsh-e Jahan Square and expands to the north. The common characteristic of the bazaars is that they are filled with products that are similar to those found in Turkey. Among souvenirs for sale; carpets, rugs, nazars (amulets), copper dishes, and tea cups are commonly found.

  The fruit, vegetable, and bird bazaars of the city are located in close proximity to Jameh Mosque. The gold bazaar next to Madreseye Shah can be visited. This covered bazaar where gold and jewellery is sold in Isfahan, which has made a name for itself for silver craftsmanship, is worth seeing.
  

Ticket Sales Offices: Isfahan

• Isfahan: Airport Map Information

  Isfahan Shahid Beheshti Intl. Airport

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• Isfahan: Airport Map Information