A travel guide for a different trip to Isfahan

Isfahan, known as half of the world, is a familiar name to many. Its Jame mosque has recently been enlisted as the world heritage site. Also other two heritage sites are Imam square and Chehel Sotun palace . Here is a different trip to the place.
With its old historical background and numerous ancient sites, it is one of the most famous cities across the world. According to Andre Malraux, it’s comparable with Beijing and Florence.
It features the best examples of relics in different architecture styles . Its historical sites boast beautiful domes, tiling , plaster molding, Mogharnas (a form of architectural ornamented vaulting, the "geometric subdivision of a squinch, or cupola, or corbel, into a large number of miniature squinches, producing a sort of cellular structure", sometimes also called "honeycomb" vaults from their resemblance to these.), woodcarving and calligraphy.
The main part of the precious sites with mosques, caravansaries, squares, bridges, and streets dates from the post –Islamic era , especially in the Seljuk and Safavid eras.
About its name, lots of researchers believe that since it used to be a place for the troops to gather in the pre-Islamic era especially in the Sassanid era, it was called Espahban( or the army ‘s place) which later on changed into the Arabic term of Isfahan.
Isfahan is a step sister of 10 cities of Freiburg in Germany, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Yerevan in Armenia, Florence, Italy, Xi'an in China, St. Petersburg in Russia, Havana, Cuba, Yash in Romania, Kuwait City and Barcelona in Spain.
Travelling through history , Toghrol Beik , the founder of the Saljuk , liked Isfahan although its people hated him. He put it the capital. He developed and restored the city in the time of Alb Arsalan with the help of Khaje Nezamolomolk. In the reign of Malek Shah , a green open space named Naghsh-e Jahan was developed in the center of the city.
In late Safavid era, Isfahan underwent a terrible experience after the attack of Mahmud Afghan. Once the tensions were over, peace was established. Sometime later Nader Shah founded Afshar’s government and called Mashhad as his capital. In the reign of Zand dynasty, the capital was transferred to Shiraz and after that other kings considered Tehran as the capital and as a result , Isfahan lost its remarkable importance. The conditions grew the worst in the time of Zilossoltan, the spoiled son of Naser al-Din Shah.
Once the reign of the Saljuk came to its end, Isfahan waned in importance in the Kharazmshahi and Mongol period. It went on until the Safavid dynasty came to power. About 100 years later the capital was moved from Ghazvin to Isfahan and the golden era was started. The eager Shah Abbas visited abroad and it was a reason for attracting European tourists.
He was determined to build a magnificent capital which would compete with the legendry cities and with the help of his grand advisor , Sheikh Bahai, managed to do so. Following the construction and cultural actions , the city developed into a great capital for the Shiite empire and with the migration of people from around the world, it grew in terms of population. Among those who migrated to the city were skilled artists and manufacturers.
In Pahlavi period, actions were taken to restore and preserve the historic landmarks. In the second Pahlavi era, the city turned into a tourist destination and industrial and economic center. Its refinery began its work in its first distillation unit in 1358 ( solar calendar) and played a vital role in supplying oil during the 8 -year-old imposed war .
Places to visit in Isfahan
Naghsh-e Jahan square
The first highlight of the city attracts many tourists. It’s remarkable in terms of its size and the buildings. Four basic structures including Ali Qapu or ruling center, Caesarea market, or economic center, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque or religious place, and Abbasi Mosque as the social arena for people’s power were all put together in one place, on four directions of the square.
According to historical resources, it was a venue to hold ceremonies and rituals like military parade, playing polo, Gopogh Andazi( shooting the aim which was a bowl or a chalice of gold or silver), Shater Davani ( a job of fast running people who were trained to run before an official group to make ways through the crowds. ), national and religious festivals and holidays as well as punishing government convicts.
It’s so remarkable that it has joined the list of world heritage along with ziggurat of Susa and Persepolis in Fars. It features an exceptional achievement in human artistic genius which displays Persian’s culture and its traditions and customs.
Chehel Sotun palace
Chehel Sotoun (literally: “Forty Columns”) was a brand child of Shah Abbas from the Safavid and was built based on the design of Sheikh Bahaie. The mansion is housed inside a garden and across from it there is a large pool. It used to be a place for receiving foreign guests and official figures. The beautifully decorated monument , built in the Safavid ear, has undergone some damage.
Featuring the Persian gardens structures , it joined the 9 gardens on UNESCO’s world heritage list in 1390.
Jame mosque
No doubt one of the most interesting parts of Iran’s architecture history relates to the Islamic mosques and Jame is one of them. It contains a museum showcasing the evolution of Iran’s architecture over the last 14 centuries after Islam.
Thanks to its unique features it was listed as the 15th site of Iran in the UNESCO world heritage in Tir( the first month of summer), after undergoing restoration and paperwork.
Hasht Behesht palace
In the reign of Shah Soleiman from the Safavid ,it was built in a garden named nightingale’s garden. One of the beautiful buildings of the era, it boasts marble walls , curved ceilings of the halls decorated with Mogharnas and gilding work, and paintings on walls.
It’s among the most precious monuments in its time which has been praised by European world explorers.
Mosques
Maghsud Beik mosque near the northeast side of the Naghsh-e Jahan square is a remarkable site. Ali mosque boasts a great minaret. Aghanur mosque , built in the Safavid era, enjoys a Shabestan which is among the most beautiful ones (Shabestan is an underground space that can be usually found in traditional architecture of mosques, houses, and schools in ancient Persia (Iran).
Sarotaghi mosque is famous for its unique dome.
Ilchi , Sayyed, and Rokn Al Malek mosques are among other highlights. Of note are schools of seminary students. Chahar Bagh , is one of them built in the Safavid era.
And also it is interesting to know that the art bazaar and Abbasi caravansary , which have now converted into Abbasi hotel , were built to make money for building schools.
Bridges
Zayande Rud river is not as abundant as it used to be , and sometimes it’s almost dry, but it lies in a place home to many unique sites. The historic bridges symbolizing the historic city are among them.
Siosepol (or 33 bridges) , Khaju , Shahrestan, Marnan and wooden bridges, as well as Arthur Pope's tomb, the world-known orientalist are also noteworthy.
Vank church
The main church of the Armenian in Julfa ( a neighborhood for Amanian residents ) in Isfahan is famous for its unique architecture , decorations and paintings on walls. On the historic inscription on the entrance door the names of Shah Abbas II from the Safavid and Armenians ruler as well as the date when it was finished have been inscribed. In addition to it, there are also other churches such as Virgin Mary, Bethlehem and the Holy Georg.
How to go there?
The ways to reach it are plenty as it lies in a place with a lot of transit. In its airport you can take flights to Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Kish and Ahvaz.
Another option is the railway station. There are railways to Tehran, Mashhad, and Bandar Abbas .
Taking tours
Tours in Isfahan are divided into two land and air groups. They include different grades based on the accommodation they provide. For example , there is a land tour to the city and you can stay in a 3 star hotel . You’ll get to wander around sites like Naghsh-e Jahan square, one or two historic bridges, and Vank church. There are also 5 star hotels.
Air tours provide an opportunity to stay in 3 ,4 or 5 star hotels. You can also try the traditional hotel of Abbasi for a fair amount. The tours are held for 2nights and 3 days with a half a day roam throughout the city.