Isfahan Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Isfahan's (Es·fa·han (ĕs'fə-hän') or Is·fa·han (ĭs'-)(Persian: اصفهان) is a city of central Iran south of Tehran. An ancient town and capital of Persia from 1598 to 1722, it was long noted for its fine carpets and silver filigree. Today it has textile and steel mills. Its stunning architecture, tree-lined boulevards and relaxed pace make it the undisputed highlight of Iran's cities. The capital of Isfahan Province, and once the country's capital, the Persians call it "Nesf-e-Jahan", meaning "Half The World". (Population in 2000: 2,040,000.)
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Understand
The city is geographically located at 32°38′N 51°29′E, 340 km south of Tehran in the lush Zayandeh-Rud plain, at the foothills of the Zagros mountain range. The city enjoys a temperate climate and regular seasons. No obstacle exists as far as 90 km north of Isfahan and cool northern winds blow from this direction. Isfahan is located on the main north-south and east-west routes crossing Iran. It is situated at 1590 meters above sea level. It receives an average of 355 mm of rain per year, making it similar to Denver, Colorado in terms of altitude and precipitation. The temperature ranges between 2 and 28 degrees Celsius. The record high temperature was 42 degrees Celsius and the record low was −19 degrees Celsius.
The southern and western approaches of Isfahan are mountainous and it is bordered northward and eastward by fertile plains. Thus, Isfahan's climate is varied and occasionally rainy, with a precipitation average varying between 100 and 150 mm.
Isfahan 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 was the capital of Persia. 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 proverb Esfahān nesf-e jahān ast: "Esfahan is half of the world".
Isfahan has been designated by UNESCO as a world heritage city. It contains a wide variety of Islamic architectural sites ranging from the 11th century to the 19th.
The merchants of Isfahan were important backers of the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran.
The Jolfa area, South of the river and West of city center, has been an Armenian quarter for several hundred years, ever since one of Iran's Shahs moved many Armenians from a border area into his capital.
Get in
By plane
Isfaahan has an airport. Before the revolution, it was a major military air base.
Now there is Internatinal airport in Esfahan
By train
By car
By bus
There are regular busses to Tehran and Shiraz.
Get around
See
Squares and Streets
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square also known as shah square or imam square-1602.
- Meydan Kohne (Kohne Square)
- Shahshahan square
- Chaharbagh Boulevard - 1596.
- Chaharbagh-e-khajou Boulevard
Mosques
- Shah Mosque (it is called Imam mosque after Iran's Revolution)
- Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque
- Jame Mosque
Palaces
- Ali Qapu (The Royal Palace) - Early 17th Century
- Talar Ashraf (The Palace of Ashraf) - 1650.
- Hasht Behesht (The Palace of Eight Paradises) - 1669.
- Chehel Sotoun (The Palace of forty columns) - 1647.
Schools
- Madreseye Sadr
- Madreseye Shah (Imam Jafar Sadegh after revolution)
- Madreseye Khajoo
Caravanserais
- Carvanserai Shah
Bridges
- Pol-e Shahrestan (The Shahrestan Bridge) - 11th Century.
- Pol-e Khaju (Khaju Bridge) - 1650.
- Si-o-Seh Pol (The Bridge of 33 Arches) - 1602.
- Pol-e-Joui or choobi(Joui bridge)
- Pol-e-Shahrestan (Shahrestan bridge)
Churches and Cathedrals
- Vank Cathedral - 17th century.
- Kelisaye maryam (maryam church)
others include :
- Atashgah - a Zoroastrian fire temple.
- Buqe'h-ye Ibn-Sina (Avicenna's Dome) - 12th Century.
- The Tombs of Nizam al-Mulk & Malek Shah - 12th & 18th Century.
- Jolfa (The Armenian Quarter).
- The Bathhouse of Sheikh Bahai.
- Pigeon Towers - 17th Century.
You could spend a happy week exploring the bazaar, the entrance is on Naghsh e jahan.
Do
Learn
Work
There is a technology university known as IUT and there are a lot of technology towns like Sheikh bahaee, Jay, Shahpoor jadid and many others which all are active in industry. Qualified people would like work in these towns or Foolad mobarakeh or Melt Iron comanies, both active in steel industry. However, there are a lot of unemployed educated people while they are qualified for these jobs.
Buy
Isfahan carpets are world-famous, among the vey finest Persian carpets. They are also often extremely expensive. Carpets from the nearby town of Nain are similar in style, also well-known, and also expensive. For those who are interested, it is possible to buy the highly decorative and brightly coloured traditional dress of Isfahan, but such clothing can be expensive, haggle for a reasonable price. For a real treasure trove, shop in the famous bazaar.
Eat
As with most of Iran, the standard national dish of Chelo kebab is a must. Try regional variations of this dish in the numerous restaurants in Isfahan. Food is usually of high standard. In some parks in Isfahan, you can simply obtain a carpet and tea from the park warden, and have a picnic on the grass. You may find that famalies will gather in these parks, and bring barbecues and cook freshly made kebabs, which smell delicious.
Another favorite meal is Beryani which you can eat for lunch. It has made by Sheep meat and lung, Although Iranian love this meal, It is so fat. Therfor some west countries' people may dislike Beryani.
Budget
For visitors in Iran, the exchange rate usually makes for a well budgeted experience in Iran. Your main expense in Isfahan will probably be accomodation. Be aware that some tourist attractions will have double pricing standards - one for national citizens and another for tourists. You cannot haggle this price, which is slightly more expensive than the citizen rate. For real bargains shop in the bazaars. Food is of a reasonble price and is usually of very good, fresh quality.
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
Alcohol is illegal in Iran. It is advised by international health agencies that visitors to Iran drink bottled water. Pay a visit to tea houses, for a great variety of teas, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Sleep
Budget
- The Amir Kabir Hotel is a favorite among backpackers.
Mid-range
Splurge
- Abbasi Hotel was built at the time of king Sultan Hossein of Safavids about 300 years ago. King Soltan Hossein attributed this magnificent complex of building to his mother. That is why; it is called "the school and caravansaray of Madar-shah" (which means king's mother).[1]
- Kowsar International Hotel over looking Zayandeh Rood river.[2]
- Hotel Ali Ghapou is one of the best 4 stars Hotels in Isfahan.
Contact
Stay safe
Cope
Get out
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