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Atashgah
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Sassanid
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Isfahan (Persian: ?????? Esfahan  pronunciation (help·info)), historically also rendered in English as Ispahan, Sepahan or Hispahan, is the capital of Isfahan Province in Iran, located about 340 km south of Tehran. It has a population of 1,583,609 and is Iran's third largest city after Tehran and Mashhad. The Isfahan metropolitan area had a population of 3,430,353 in the 2006 Census, the second most populous metropolitan area in Iran after Tehran.[2]
The cities of Zarrinshahr, Fooladshahr and Najafabad, Se-deh, Shahin-shahr, Mobarakeh, Falavarjan and chiarmahin all constitute the metropolitan city of Isfahan.
Isfahan is located on the main north-south and east-west routes crossing Iran, and was once one of the largest cities in the world. It flourished from 1050 to 1722, particularly in the 16th century under the Safavid dynasty, when it became the capital of Persia for the second time in its history. Even today, the city retains much of its past glory. It is famous for its Islamic architecture, with many beautiful boulevards, covered bridges, palaces, mosques, and minarets. This led to the Persian proverb "Esfahan nesf-e jahan ast" (Isfahan is half of the world).[3]
The Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is one of the largest city squares in the world and an outstanding example of Iranian and Islamic architecture. It has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city also has a wide variety of historic monuments and is known for the paintings and history.
History[edit]
Prehistory[edit]
The history of Isfahan can be traced back to the Palaeolithic period. In recent discoveries, archaeologists have found artifacts dating back to the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages.
Pre-Islamic Era[edit]
Isfahan, capital of the Kingdom of Persia '
The city emerged gradually over the course of the Elamite civilization (2700 - 1600 BCE) under the name of Aspandana also spelt Ispandana. During the Median dynasty, this commercial entrepôt began to show signs of a more sedentary urbanism, steadily growing into a noteworthy regional center that benefited from the exceptionally fertile soil on the banks of the Zayendehrud River. Once Cyrus the Great (reg. 559 - 529 BCE) unified Persian and Median lands into the Achaemenid Empire (648 - 330 BCE), the religiously and ethnically diverse city of Isfahan became an early example of the king's fabled religious tolerance. The Parthians(250 BCE - 226 CE) continued this tradition after the fall of the Achaemenids, fostering the Hellenistic dimension within Iranian culture and political organization introduced by Alexander's invading armies. Under the Parthians, Arsacid governors administered a large province from Isfahan, and the city's urban development accelerated to accommodate the needs of a capital city. The next empire to rule Persia, the Sassanids (226 - 652 CE), presided over massive changes in their realm, instituting sweeping agricultural reform and reviving Iranian culture and the Zoroastrian religion. The city was then called by the name Spahan in Middle Persian. The city was governed by "Espoohrans" or the members of seven noble Iranian families who had important royal positions, and served as the residence of these noble families as well. Extant foundations of some Sassanid-era bridges in Isfahan suggest that the kings were also fond of ambitious urban planning projects. While Isfahan's political importance declined during the period, many Sassanian princes would study statecraft in the city, and its military role developed rapidly. Its strategic location at the intersection of the ancient roads to Susa and Persepolis made it an ideal candidate to house a standing army, ready to march against Constantinople at any moment. One etymological theory argues that the name 'Aspahan' derives from the Pahlavi for 'place of the army.'[4]
Persia's Capital[edit]
In 1598 Shah Abbas the Great moved his capital from Qazvin to the more central and Persian Isfahan, called Ispahan in early New Persian. This new importance ushered in a golden age for the city which lasted until it was sacked by Afghan invaders in 1722. The capital subsequently moved several times until settling in Tehran in 1795.[citation needed]
Modern age[edit]
A handicraft from Isfahan
Today Isfahan, the third largest city in Iran, produces fine carpets, textiles, steel, and handicrafts. Isfahan also has nuclear experimental reactors as well as facilities for producing nuclear fuel (UCF). Isfahan has one of the largest steel-producing facilities in the entire region, as well as facilities for producing special alloys.[citation needed]
The city has an international airport and is in the final stages of constructing its first Metro line.
Over 2000 companies are working in the area using Isfahan's economic, cultural, and social potentials. Isfahan contains a major oil refinery and a large airforce base. HESA, Iran's most advanced aircraft manufacturing plant (where the IR.AN-140 aircraft is made), is located nearby.[5]
Isfahan hosted the International Physics Olympiad in 2007.
Geography and climate[edit]
The city is located in the lush plain of the Zayandeh River, at the foothills of the Zagros mountain range. No geological obstacles exist within 90 km north of Isfahan, allowing cool northern winds to blow from this direction. Situated at 1,590 metres (5,217 ft) above sea level on the eastern side of the Zagros Mountains, Isfahan has an arid climate (Köppen BWk). Despite its altitude, Isfahan remains very hot during the summer with maxima typically around 36 °C (97 °F). However, with low humidity and moderate temperatures at night, the climate can be very pleasant. During the winter, days are mild but nights can be very cold and snow has occurred at least once every winter except 1986/1987 and 1989/1990.[6][7]
|
Climate data for Isfahan |
|
Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Year |
|
Record high °C (°F) |
20
(68) |
23
(73) |
27
(81) |
32
(90) |
33.6
(92.5) |
35.2
(95.4) |
37.7
(99.9) |
37.0
(98.6) |
35
(95) |
33.2
(91.8) |
25.5
(77.9) |
21.2
(70.2) |
37.7
(99.9) |
|
Average high °C (°F) |
9.2
(48.6) |
12.5
(54.5) |
17.0
(62.6) |
22.7
(72.9) |
28.2
(82.8) |
32.3
(90.1) |
34.7
(94.5) |
33.6
(92.5) |
30.8
(87.4) |
25
(77) |
17
(63) |
11
(52) |
23.42
(74.16) |
|
Average low °C (°F) |
−2.5
(27.5) |
−0.4
(31.3) |
4.1
(39.4) |
9.3
(48.7) |
13.7
(56.7) |
18.5
(65.3) |
21.0
(69.8) |
19.1
(66.4) |
14.7
(58.5) |
8.9
(48) |
3.2
(37.8) |
−1
(30) |
9.05
(48.29) |
|
Record low °C (°F) |
−19.4
(−2.9) |
−12.2
(10) |
−6.2
(20.8) |
−4
(25) |
4.5
(40.1) |
10
(50) |
13
(55) |
11
(52) |
5
(41) |
0
(32) |
−8
(18) |
−13
(9) |
−19.4
(−2.9) |
|
Precipitation mm (inches) |
29.9
(1.177) |
40.0
(1.575) |
31.7
(1.248) |
28.9
(1.138) |
18.7
(0.736) |
11.2
(0.441) |
6.7
(0.264) |
2.3
(0.091) |
2.1
(0.083) |
13.9
(0.547) |
22.5
(0.886) |
29.7
(1.169) |
237.6
(9.355) |
|
Avg. precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) |
4.1 |
6.0 |
4.1 |
3.4 |
2.5 |
1.7 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
1.7 |
3.3 |
3.9 |
33.3 |
|
% humidity |
60 |
65 |
53 |
60 |
44 |
35 |
25 |
26 |
28 |
38 |
50 |
70 |
46.2 |
|
Mean monthly sunshine hours |
203.6 |
216.8 |
243.7 |
250.0 |
308.7 |
348.3 |
349.4 |
339.7 |
311.3 |
281.5 |
224.2 |
197.0 |
3,274.2 |
|
Source: Synoptic Stations Statistics |
Main sights[edit]
Naghsh-i Jahan Square, Isfahan, Iran
Mosques[edit]
Palaces and caravanserais[edit]
Old schools (madresse)[edit]
Churches and cathedrals[edit]
Squares and streets[edit]
Bazaars[edit]
Bridges[edit]
The Zayande River starts in the Zagros Mountains, flows from west to east through the heart of Isfahan, and dries up in the Kavir desert.
The bridges over the river include some of the nicest architecture in Isfahan. The oldest bridge is the "Pol-e Shahrestan," which was probably built in the 12th century during the Seljuk period.[citation needed] Further upstream is the "Pol-e Khaju," which was built by Shah Abbas II in 1650. It is 123 metres long with 24 arches, and it also serves as a sluice gate.
The next bridge is the "Pol-e Jubi." It was originally built as an aqueduct to supply the palace gardens on the north bank of the river. Further upstream again is the Si-o-Seh Pol or bridge of 33 arches. Built during the rule of Shah Abbas the Great, it linked Isfahan with the Armenian suburb of Jolfa. It is by far the longest bridge in Isfahan at 295 m (967.85 ft).
Other bridges include:
Minarets[edit]
Tourist Attractions[edit]
Old building of Isfahan city hall
Isfahan is an important historical center for different groups of tourists in the domestic and international world. The central historical area in Isfahan is called Seeosepol (the name of a famous bridge)[9][10]
Other sites[edit]
Transportation[edit]
Airport[edit]
Isfahan is served by the Isfahan International Airport which handles domestic flights to Iranian cities and international flights, mostly to regional destinations across Middle East and central Asia including Dubai and Damascus.
Metro and Inter City Public Transportation[edit]
Isfahan Metro is under construction and will include 2 lines with 43 km length. The first line of that is planned to be finished by end of 2010 with 21 km length and 20 stations.[citation needed] Until the metro is completed an expanded bus system accompanied by taxis will handle Isfahan intra-urban public transportation.
Isfahan is connected to three major rail lines: Isfahan-Tehran, Isfahan-Shiraz (recently opened), Isfahan-Yazd and via this recent one to Bandar Abbas and Zahedan.
Road transport[edit]
Isfahan's internal highway network is currently under heavy expansion which began during the last decade. Its lengthy construction is due to concerns of possible destruction of valuable historical buildings. Outside the city, Isfahan is connected by modern highways to Tehran which spans a distance of nearly 400 km (248.55 mi) to North and to Shiraz at about 200 km (124.27 mi) to the south. The highways also service satellite cities surrounding the metropolitan area.[12]
Culture[edit]
An old master of hand-printed carpets in Isfahan bazaar
Rug manufacture[edit]
Main article: Isfahan rug
Isfahan has long been one of the centers for production of the famous Persian Rug. Weaving in Isfahan flourished in the Safavid era. But when the Afghans invaded Iran, ending the Safavid dynasty, the craft also became stagnant.
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Isfahan is famous for its Beryooni. This dish is made of baked mutton & lungs that are minced and then cooked in a special small pan over open fire with a pinch of cinnamon. Beryooni is generally eaten with a certain type of bread, "nan-e taftton." Although it can also be served with other breads.
See also Biryani.
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Fesenjan – a casserole type dish with a sweet and tart sauce containing the two base ingredients, pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts cooked with chicken, duck, lamb or beef and served with rice.
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Gaz – the name given to Persian Nougat using the sap collected from angebin, a plant from the tamarisk family found only on the outskirts of Isfahan. It is mixed with various ingredients including rose water, pistachio and almond kernels and saffron.
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"Khoresht-e mast" (yoghurt stew) is a traditional dish in Isfahan.[citation needed] Unlike other stews despite its name, it is not served as a main dish and with rice; Since it is more of a sweet pudding it is usually served as a side dish or dessert. The dish is made with yogurt, lamb/mutton or chicken, saffron, sugar and orange zest. Iranians either put the orange zest in water for one week or longer or boil them for few minutes so the orange peels become sweet and ready for use. People in Iran make a lot of delicate dishes and jam with fruit rinds. This dish often accompanies celebrations and weddings.[citation needed]
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Poolaki – the name given to a type of Isfahani candy which is formed to thin circles like coins and served with tea or other warm drinks.
Notable people[edit]
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Artists
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Jalal al din Taj Esfahani, 1903–, vocalist of Iranian classical music
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Hasan Kasaie, 1928, ney player (ney is a musical instrument used in Iran's classical music)
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Jalil Shahnaz, 1921, Tar player
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Freydoon Rassouli, artist and founder of Fusionart movement
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Master Ahmad Archang, artist and designer of Isfahan rug patterns
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Alireza Eftekhari, 1956–, singer
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Mohammad Esfahani, popular music
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Nasrollah Moein, 1951–, popular and classical music
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Hoshmand Aghili, 1945–, popular and classical music
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Hassan Shamaizadeh, music composer and Singer
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Leila Forouhar, Iranian pop singer
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Actors and movie directors
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Reza Arhamsadr, 1923–2008, famous father of Persian comic cinema and theater, actor
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Asghar Farhadi, 1972–, Oscar-winning director
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Nosratolah Vahdat, 1925, actor
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Mohamad Ali Keshvarz, 1930, actor
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Jahangir Forouhar, 1916–1997, actor and father of Leila Forouhar (Iranian singer)
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Bahman Farmanara, 1942–, director
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Kiumars Poorahmad, 1949–, director
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Rasul Sadr Ameli, 1953–, director
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Homayoun Asaadian, director
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Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, 1956–2001, former princess of Iran and actress
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Homayoun Ershadi, 1947–, Hollywood actor and architect
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Painters
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Bogdan Saltanov, 1630s–1703, Russian icon painter of Isfahanian Armenian origin
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Sumbat Der Kiureghian, 1913–1999 (????? ??? ?????????), an Isfahanian Armenian painter
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Hossein Mosaverolmolki, 1889–1969, (???? ??????????), painter and miniaturist
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Yervand Nahapetian, 1917–, (?????? ????????), Isfahanian Armenian painter
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Freydoon Rassouli, American painter born and raised in Isfahan
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Ostad Javad Rostamshirazi, 1919–, Isfahanian painter
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Mahmoud Farshchian, 1930–, miniaturist
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Political figures
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Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, 1928–1981, cleric, Chairman of the Council of Revolution of Iran
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Mohammad-Ali Foroughi, a politician and Prime Minister of Iran in World war II era
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Shapour Bakhtiar, ex-Prime Minister of Iran
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Hossein Fatemi, 1919–1954, PhD, politician (foreign minister in Mohamed Mossadegh Cabinet)
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Ahmad Amir-Ahmadi, 1906–1965, military leader and cabinet minister
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Hossein Kharrazi, chief of army in the Iran–Iraq war
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Mohsen Nourbakhsh, 1948–2003, economist, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran
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Nusrat Bhutto, Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party from 1979–1983, wife of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and mother of Benazir Bhutto.
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Dariush Forouhar, (August 1928 - November 1998) was a founder and leader of the Hezb-e Mellat-e Iran (Nation of Iran Party)
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Religious figures
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Salman the Persian
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Allamah al-Majlisi, 1616–1698, Safavid cleric, Sheikh ul-Islam in Isfahan
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Ayatollah Rahim Arbab chiarmahini, 1847–?, cleric, Ayatollah-al-ozma rank
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Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, 1928–1981, cleric, Chairman of the Council of Revolution of Iran
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Ayatollah Ashrafi Esfahani, 1902–1982, cleric, Friday Prayer of Kermanshah
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Sportspeople
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Mahmoud Yavari, ????? ?????,–1939, footballer, former player for Shahine Esfahan and Iranian National Team from 1958 to 1970, former coach of Iranian National Team
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Abdolali Changiz, football star of Esteghlal FC in 1970s
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Mansour Ebrahimzadeh, former player for Sepahan FC in 1970s and 1980s, former head coach of Zobahan
-
Rasoul Korbekandi, goalkeeper of the Iranian National Team
-
Moharram Navidkia, captain of the Sepahan
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Ehsan Hajsafi, player for the Sepahan
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Arsalan Kazemi, forward for the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team and the Iran national basketball team.
-
Mohammad Talaei, world champion wrestler
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Writers and poets
-
Mohammad-Ali Jamalzadeh Esfahani, 1892–1997, author
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Houshang Golshiri, 1938–2000, writer and editor
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Mirza Abbas Khan Sheida, 1880–1949, poet and publisher
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Hamid Mosadegh, 1939–1998, poet and lawyer
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Hatef Esfehani, Persian Moral poet in Afsharye Era
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Saib Tabrizi
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Helen Ouliaei Nia, literary critic
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Others
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