Isfahan is recognized as Esfahan, Espahan, Isfahan, or Isphahan, and is one of the thirty-one counties in Iran. It is an ancient historical city that is situated in the center of Iran and about 340 km south of Tehran.
From 1592 to 1722, Isfahan Iran was the Capital of Persia and Persians called it “Nesf-e-Jahan”, which connotes “Half World” at that time.
Many people in Iran believe that Isfahan is the unknown treasure of the Middle East and the most beautiful city in the world. Tourists who plan to travel to Iran should go to see Isfahan as it would invoke noteworthy memories that will remain with them for a long time.
Isfahan Weather
Isfahan in Iran is 1,590 meters above the sea level and has an arid climate. Even at this high altitude, visitors should recognize that Isfahan weather is hot during the summer with temperatures normally reaching 35 °C. However, low humidity and moderate temperatures at nigh make the climate in the city of Isfahan very pleasant once the sunsets. During the winter, days are mild though nights can be very cold.
Isfahan in Iran Points of Interest
The city of Isfahan enjoys unequalled beauty and splendor.Naghsh-e-Jahan is the second largest square in the world that reminds every tourist on luxurious the other historic sites like Istanbul and the Taj Mahal.
When in the city, look for a nice Isfahan lodging that is near to the most interesting historical places that you wish to go to see.
A trip to Isfahan in Iran won’t be perfect without going to see its plentiful gardens and fountains, lavish series of palaces, mosques, and Islamic architecture.
Isfahan has active bazaars that will tempt you to spend an afternoon shopping for handmade Persian rugs, ornaments, china, and glassware.
Sightseeing in Isfahan
It is true that Isfahan can be easily qualified as one of the most beautiful city in the world. Going around the city of Isfahan indulges you to an extraordinary adventure that is fulfilled with the most beautiful places to go to see that are made more astonishing with the beautifully hand-painted tiling that covers the city. Below you will find some of the must-sightseeing places in the city of Isfahan.
Looking like something right out of a fairy tale book, the bridges that cross Esfahan's Zayandehrood River are a view to observe. Many of these constructions date back to the golden era of the 1600s, plus the 33-arched Si-o-Sehpol Bridge, and the Khaju Bridge, which is divided in two levels. Fans of history and architecture will love to go to see these glorious accomplishments of engineering.
This palace was constructed at the very end of the 16th century as a house for the Shah Abbas I. This six-storey palace also served as a monumental entry to the royal palaces in the parklands beyond (Ali Qapu connotes the ‘Gate of Ali’). Named for the Shah Abbas’ hero, the Imam Ali (P.B.U.H), it was erected to make an effect with six storeys and 38m tall, it surely does. The best part of the palace is its outstanding terrace, which highlights 18 slender historical places. The terrace displays a magnificent sight of the square, and one of the best vistas of the Masjid e Jame. Many of the valuable paintings and mosaics that once ornamented the 52 small rooms, corridors and stairways were wretchedly damaged during the Qajar Dynasty and after the 1979 revolution. Ensure to visit the music room on the upper floor. The stucco ceiling is pierced with the shapes of vases and other household utensils cut to improve the acoustics. This distinguishing craftsmanship is respected by some professionals to be one of the supreme instances of earthly Persian art, extends to the walls.
The attractive and elusive architecture highlighted in Mosques often fascinates flocks of tourists and sightseers. The Nasir al- Mulk Mosque stands out even among all the other attractive instances in the Muslim world. This Mosque is also recognized as the Pink Mosque because of its floral decorations and a very colorful interior. Mathematics and geometry are starred heavily into Islamic architecture in Iran, and the ceiling of the Pink Mosque is a particularly outstanding model. Go to see it to see why its magnificence is very popular.
This is the only persisting palace on the royal zone that stretched between Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square and Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street. This Safavid - era Complex was constructed as a pleasure pavilion and a welcome hall by employing the Achaemenid-inspired talar (columnar porch) style. The construction as you see today was reconstructed after a fire in 1706. You can enter via the graceful talar terrace, a characteristic that generates a gorgeous alteration between the attractive gardens so fancied by the Persians, and interior magnificence you may presume. There are 20 slender, ribbed wooden poles, which arise to the wooden ceiling with cross beams and attractive inlay work. Chehel Sotoun connotes “40 poles” – the number mirrored in the long pool in front of the palace. The Great Hall comprises a rich collection of frescoes, miniatures and ceramics. The upper walls feature historical frescoes on a grand scale. Some depict the court life and the great battles of the Safavid era. The palace’s garden, Bagh-e Chehel Sotoun, is an admirable sample of a classic Persian Garden and was recently boosted to UNESCO's World Heritage list.
The most popular food of Isfahan is Biryani. The other popular food is Eshkeneh, Keledoş, Amaj, Kuymak, meat and bean, meat and lentil, Qeimeh Rizeh, Polo Mash, Mashazardak, Tas Kebab, Yakhmeh Lubia, Kufteh Baqali, Mashti Kebab, Masha Qomri, Halim Bademjan, Khoresh Mast, Alucheh Ash, Shole Beryan Zireh and etc.
Isfahan is one of the major counties in Iran. It has the most well known tourist attractions in Iran. Many international tourists select Iran for their voyage to enjoy these eye-catching attractions, and if you ask any international tourist, they will declare that Isfahan is their favored city. Buying souvenirs is one of the most appealing portions of any trips. By purchasing souvenirs, we share our sweet memories with our friends and loved ones. In Isfahan, you have many varieties for purchasing souvenirs. You can obtain the best sweets, appealing desserts and cookies, and the best handicrafts that are so irreplaceable that you cannot buy similar to them anywhere.
Isfahan Gaz has a long history for several hundred years. Centuries ago, Iranian kings offered Gaz to other kings of the world. In fact, it dates back to the reign of the Safavid, and is one of the most important Isfahan souvenirs and handicrafts.
After Gaz, one of the most famous sweets and souvenirs in Isfahan is Poolaki. This product is very popular not only among tourists, but also among the Iranian people. It is one of the candy family.
Perhaps you never heard that Fereydoun Shahr honey in Isfahan is one of the best honey in the country. It is because of the variety of herbs in the city that make it a high quality honey and it has many healing properties.
This local delicacy is one of the most expensive Isfahan souvenirs and handicrafts. In some of our country's cities, this traditional sweet is prepared. For making Joz-e Qandi, they use a local fruit called the Alag, which is actually a type of peach.
Honey, butter, sugar, almonds and pistachios, water, rose water and saffron are the ingredients to prepare a delicious and different sweet that you can buy it in Esfahan. This sweet is available in various forms on the markets.
The cradle of Iranian Handicrafts in Iran is Isfahan. The handicrafts of Isfahan have a long history and they are not only famous in Iran but also throughout the world. The best artwork of Iranian artists can be purchased in the Naqsh-e Jahan square and the old market in Isfahan.
Some of them that you can purchase as superior souvenirs there as follows:
Isfahan is the origin of vitreous enamels that is the art of decorating customarily metal materials with color. This art has developed as one of the most vital handicrafts of Isfahan today and is an element of Iranian Culture.
All tourists fancy this gorgeous art and purchase it as gifts and souvenirs.
This art is utilized to decorate a variety of pottery, besides a variety of metal containers of gold, silver, brass, copper and bronze.
Khatam Kari is another handicraft in Isfahan. Skilled artists use wood to make beautiful khatams. Khatam Kari is to assemble small pieces and triangles of wooden shapes to create beautiful geometric shapes. They also use materials like camel or horse bones, gold, silver, aluminum and brass, and ebony wood, jujube, orange and betel. It is widespread in Shiraz too, and it goes backs to the Safavid Dynasty.
Qalam Kari is the art of printing on fabric, which is framed by wooden molds on different fabrics like linen, in numerous colors to produce magnificent, stunning, yet simple, fabrics. It can be considered as a good Isfahan souvenirs and handicrafts.
Cyan tiles are the oldest tiles in Isfahan and were utilized to decorate historic inscriptions of Seljuk period minarets with them. In addition to simple building tiles in Isfahan, Ensign Tiles are utilized for the exterior of buildings and mosques. They are also manufactured and utilized in seven colors and mosaics. Moreover, tiled dishes, pots and different other issues are prepared with diverse enterprises, which are usually export-oriented.
Isfahani women perform embroidery, crochet, and other kinds of this art very beautifully. The raw materials for the creation of these beautiful artworks is handmade textiles in various colors with silk threads. Some of them just accomplish simple embroidery and some make them with more complicated designs that increase the price of the final product
Malileh Sazi is so rejoiced in Isfahan that the silver makers of Isfahan manufacture sets of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pins with using this art and sell it.
Qalam zani is one of Isfahan's most well known handicrafts. This art is one of the famous industries in Isfahan and is performed on items, for instance trays, pots, dishes, plates, photo frames etc. Isfahan artists make engraving, grating, branding on a variety of objects plus pots, trays, decorative items, samovars, plates, boxes, etc. They produce attractive designs and create precious works that fascinates every visitor to purchase at least one as Isfahan souvenirs and handicrafts. You can buy them in shops of