Esfahan

Found in: Iranian provincial capitals

Esfahan or Isfahan , located about 340 km south of Tehran at , is the capital of Esfahan Province and Iran's third largest city (after Tehran and Mashhad). Esfahan City had a population of 1,583,609 and the Esfahan metropolitan area had a population of 3,430,353 in the 2006 Census, the second most populous metropolitan area in Iran after Tehran.

The cities of Najafabad, Khaneh Esfahan, Khomeini-shahr, Shahin-shahr, Zarrinshahr, Mobarakeh, Falavarjan and Fouladshahr all constitute the metropolitan city of Esfahan.

Esfahan 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: "Esfahan is half of the world". "Isfahan Is Half The World" - Saudi Aramco World, Volume 13, Nr. 1, January 1962

The Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan is one of the biggest 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 ranging from the Sassanid to the Safavid dynasties. Remaining Islamic architectural sites were built from 11th to the 19th century while older pre-Islamic monuments date back to 1000 B.C.

History

Prehistory

The history of Esfahan can be traced back to the Palaeolithic period. In recent discoveries, archeologists have found artifacts dating back to the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages.

Elamite Empire

Ancient Esfahan was part of the Elamite empire. Under the name of Aspandana it became one of the principal towns of the Median dynasty, when Iranian Medes settled there. Subsequently the province became part of the Achaemenid Empire and after the liberation of Iran from Macedonian occupation by the Arsacids, it became part of Parthian Empire. Esfahan was the centre and capital city of a large province, which was administered by Arsacid governors. In the Sassanid era, Esfahan 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. Moreover, in this period Esfahan was a military centre with strong fortifications. There were large populations of Jews and Christians concentrated around Esfahan at this time. The city was occupied by Arabs after the final defeat of Iranians.

Islamic Era

Esfahan fell, temporarily, under the rule of Arabs until the Abbasid era, only being attended to by Al-Mansur. In the 10th century, under the Buwayhid Dynasty, Esfahan regained its importance. In the reign of Malik Shah I of the Seljuk dyansty, Esfahan was again selected as capital and commenced another golden age. In this period, Esfahan was one of the most thriving and important cities of the world. The famous Persian philosopher Avicenna lived and taught there in the 11th century.

The city was raided and most of its inhabitants were massacred by the Mongols in the 13th century, the raid followed by that of Timur in 1387. However, as the result of its suitable geographic situation, Esfahan flourished again especially during the Safavid dynasty, which developed considerably.

The Golden Age of Esfahan arrived in the 16th century under Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629), who conquered it and made it the new capital of the Safavid dynasty. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, who unified Persia, Esfahan reached its pinnacle. Esfahan had parks, libraries and mosques that amazed Europeans, who had not seen anything like this at home. The Persians called it Nesf-e-Jahan, half the world; meaning that to see it was to see half the world, and also referring to it as a point where many cultures and nationalities meet and mingled. In its heyday it was also one of the largest with a population of over half a million; 163 mosques, 48 religious schools, 1801 shops and 263 public baths.

In 1722, it was raided by the Afghans after a long siege, which left much of the city in ruins. Although the Afghans were a primary cause of Esfahan's decline, this can also be attributed to the development of maritime commerce by European merchants from such countries such as the Netherlands. Esfahan's wealth originated in its role as a chief waystation along the trans-Asia trade route (such as the Silk Road), but land trade dwindled as the cheaper sea routes increased in popularity for transporting commodities between Asia and Europe.

Modern age

Today Esfahan, the third largest city in Iran, produces fine carpets, textiles, steel, and handicrafts. Esfahan also has nuclear experimental reactors as well as facilities for producing nuclear fuel (UCF). Esfahan has one of the largest steel producing facilities in the entire region, as well as facilities for producing special alloys.

At Esfahan uranium is converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF₆), which in its gaseous form is spun at high speed in the centrifuges to extract the fissile isotope. Esfahan is Iran's only domestic source of UF₆. According to IAEA Iran is building hardened bunkers under Esfahan to protect UF₆ production. Iran - is military action feasible? - The Daily Telegraph, Wednesday 25 January 2006

The cities of Najafabad, Khaneh Esfahan, Khomeini-shahr, Shahin-shahr, Zarrinshahr, Mobarakeh, Fouladshahr and Falavarjan all constitute the metropolitan city of Esfahan. 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 Esfahan's economic, cultural, and social potentials. Esfahan contains a major oil refinery and a large airforce base. HESA, Iran's most advanced aircraft manufacturing plant (where the AN-140 aircraft is made), is located nearby.

Esfahan hosted the International Physics Olympiad in 2007.

Geography and climate

The city is located in the lush plain of the Zayandeh River, at the foothills of the Zagros mountain range. The city enjoys a temperate climate and regular seasons. No geological obstacles exist within 90 km north of Esfahan, allowing cool northern winds to blow from this direction. Situated at 1590 meters above sea level, Esfahan is still very hot during the summer with maxima typically around . 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 is not unknown. However, on the whole Esfahan's climate is extremely dry. Its annual precipitation of is only about half that of Tehran or Mashhad and only a quarter that of more exposed Kermanshah.

Culture

Architecture and landmarks

The architecture of Esfahan is made up of eight traditional forms which taken together form the foundation in the same way that music was once based on a finite number of notes. These are modulated by the use of colors and textures to leaven the surfaces and are held together in an overall construction akin to that of a sonata in which connection leads to culmination through a transition space. To appreciate the skill of the architects and designers fully, it is necessary to have an appreciation of these fundamental concepts i.e. garden, platform, porch, gateway, dome, arched chamber, and minaret, although in the geometry and architecture of the buildings they are woven together to present a seamless whole.

A full discussion of the underlying principles can be found in the paper entitled "The Alchemy of the Mosque", given to a joint meeting of the School of Architecture and the Islamic Society of the University of Manchester in 1997.

Historical sites

Squares and Streets

Naqsh-e Jahan Square also known as "Shah Square" or "Imam Square" - 1602.

Meydan Kohne (Old Square)

Shahshahan Square

Chaharbagh Boulevard - 1596.

Chaharbagh-e-khajou Boulevard

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.

Old schools (Madresse)

Madreseye Sadr.

Madreseye Shah (Chahar Bagh School).

Madreseye Khajoo.

Mosques

Shah Mosque

Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque

Esfahan Jame (Congregative) mosque [*]

Caravanserais

Shah Carvanserai

Bazaars

Grand Bazaar, Esfahan

Shahi Bazaar

Bridges

The Bridges of Isfahan

The Zayandeh Rud (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. 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. Build 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 295m.

Pol-e Shahrestan (The Shahrestan Bridge) - 11th Century. sharestan bridge

Shahrestan bridge

Marnan bridge

Pol-e Khaju(Khaju Bridge) - 1650. khajoo bridge

Si-o-Seh Pol (The Bridge of 33 Arches) - 1602.

Pol-e-Joui or Choobi (Joui bridge).

;Churches and Cathedrals

Vank Cathedral - 17th century. Vank Cathedral

Kelisaye Maryam (Maryam Church).

Baths (Hammam)

Khosro Agha

Ali Gholi Agha

Khajouha

Shahzadeha

Bigdeli

Sheikh Bahaei

Houses

;Other sites

Atashgah 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.

New Julfa (The Armenian Quarter).

The Bathhouse of Sheikh Bahai.

Pigeon Towers - 17th Century. Pigeon_house

Manar Jonban, a famous minaret

Art

;Mina ;Ghalam Zani

;Rug manufacture

Esfahan has long been one of the centers for production of the famous Persian Rug. Weaving in Esfahan flourished in the Safavid era. But when the Afghans invaded Iran, ending the Safavid dynasty, the craft also became stagnant.

Not until 1920s, between two world wars, was weaving again taken seriously by the people of Esfahan. They started to weave Safavid designs and once again became one of the most important nexus of the Iranian rug weaving industry. Esfahani carpets today are among the most wanted in world markets, having many customers in western countries.

Esfahani rugs and carpets usually have ivory backgrounds with blue, rose, and indigo motifs. Rugs and carpets often have very symmetrical and balanced designs. They usually have a single medallion that is surrounded with vines and palmettos and are of excellent quality.

Famous people

;Artists

Jalal al din Taj Esfahani,1903-, one of the best vocalist of classical music of Iran

Hasan Kasai,1928-,greatest ney player of Iran (ney is a musical instrument in Iran's classical music)

Master Ahmad Archang Famous artist and designer of Esfahan rug patterns

Alireza Eftekhari, 1956-, vocalist of popular and classical music

Mohammad Esfahani, Popular music

Moein, 1951-, Popular and Classical music

;Actors & Movie Directors

Mohamad Ali Keshvarz, 1930-, a famous & popular actor

Kiumars Poorahmad, 1949-, a famous & popular director

;Painters

Mahmud Farshchian, 1930- ,the best miniaturist of Iran

;Political figures

Shapour Bakhtiar,Ex.Prim. Minister Iran

Ahmad Amir-Ahmadi, 1906-1965, military leader and cabinet minister of Iran

Abdollah Noori, ?-, reformist politician and cleric

Mostafa Moein, 1951- , politician and reformist candidate for 2003 election and leader for Iranian socity for democracy

Mohsen Nourbakhsh, 1948-2003, economist, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran

Hossein Fatemi, 1919-1954, PhD, politician

;Religious figures

Salman Farsi

Allamah al-Majlisi, 1616-1698, Safavid cleric, Sheikh ul-Islam in Esfahan

Ayatollah Yousef Sanei, 1927-, reformist cleric

Ayatollah Rahim Arbab, 1847-?, cleric, Ayatollah-al-ozma rank

Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, 1928-1981, cleric, Chairman of the Council of Revolution of Iran

;Sportspeople

Moharram Navidkia, Captain of Sepahan Football Club

Ehsan Haj Safi, Youth phenomenon of Sepahan Football Club

;Writers and poets

mohamad ali jamalzadeh,1891-1977,father of story writing of Iran

Houshang Golshiri, 1938-2000, writer and editor

Mirza Abbas Khan Sheida, 1880-1949, poet and publisher

Hamid Mosadegh, 1939-1998, poet and lawyer

Hassan Safdari, poet and writer

;Others

Nasser David Khalili, 1945-, property developer, art collector, and philanthropist

Arthur Pope, 1881-1969, American archaeologist, buried near Khaju Bridge

Education

Aside from the seminaries and religious schools, the major universities of the Esfahan metropolitan area are:

Universities

* Islamic Azad University, Majlesi Branch

* Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

* Isfahan University of Technology

* University of Isfahan

* Isfahan University of Art

High schools

* Harati High School

* Adab High School

There are also more than 50 Technical and Vocational Training Centers under administration of Esfahan TVTO which provide non-formal training programs freely over the province.

Sports

Esfahan has two football (soccer) clubs that have been title contenders in Iran's Premier Football League. These are:

Sepahan Isfahan (Official website)

Sepahan-Novin Isfahan (Official website)

Zob Ahan Isfahan (Official website)

Sister cities

Kuwait City, Kuwait

Beirut, Lebanon

Barcelona, Spain

Cairo, Egypt

Florence, Italy

Freiburg, Germany

Havana, Cuba

Yerevan, Armenia

Iai, Romania

Istanbul, Turkey

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lahore, Pakistan

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Xian, People's Republic of China

Gallery

References

Urban Planning of Isfahan in the Seventeenth Century - Abouei, Reza, University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, 2005

External links

;Governmental websites

Municipality of Isfahan

Isfahan Official website

Isfahan Metro

;Other websites

Esfahan on Iran Chamber Society (www.iranchamber.com)

Isfahan Cultural Heritage Organization

Isfahan Architecture (Quicktime required)

Isfahan (a video documentary)

Esfahan, half the world

Shapour Bahrami, Esfahan, Iran, Photo Set, flickr

HORIZON, Isfahan, Photo Set, flickr
Note: This is an outstanding photo set of which almost all photographs have been provided with explanatory captions. The set also contains a brief history of Esfahan and its magnificent architecture. For details, one should view the expanded set: flickr.

Ali Attar, ''Isfahan's Ancient Pigeon Towers, Jadid Online, 2008, [*].
Slide Show'', with a Persian narration and English subtitles, Jadid Online, 2008: [*] (5 min 21 sec).

Isfahan History in carpets and rugs

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article Esfahan