|
|
|
|
Isfahan (city)
|
| |
|
| |
Esfahan or Isfahan (historically also rendered as Ispahan or Hispahan, Old Persian: Aspadana, Middle Persian: Spahan, Esfahan), 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.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Isfahan (city)' Start a new discussion about 'Isfahan (city)' Answer questions from other users |
Encyclopedia
Esfahan or Isfahan (historically also rendered as Ispahan or Hispahan, Old Persian: Aspadana, Middle Persian: Spahan, Esfahan), 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".
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 dynasty, 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.
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 IR.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
Old schools (Madresse)
- Madreseye Sadr.
- Madreseye Shah (Chahar Bagh School).
- Madreseye Khajoo.
Mosques
Caravanserais
Bazaars
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.
- Marnan bridge
- Pol-e Khaju(Khaju Bridge) - 1650.
- Si-o-Seh Pol (The Bridge of 33 Arches) - 1602.
- Pol-e-Joui or Choobi (Joui bridge).
Churches and Cathedrals
Baths (Hammam)
- Khosro Agha
- Ali Gholi Agha
- Khajouha
- Shahzadeha
- Bigdeli
- Sheikh Bahaei
Houses
Other sites
- 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.
- 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.
Food
- Fesenjan - a casserole type dish with a sweet and tart sauce containing the two base ingredients, pomegranate molasses and ground walnut cooked with chicken, duck, lamb or beef and served with rice.
- 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 Esfahan. It is mixed with various ingredients including rose water, pistachio and almond kernels and saffron.
- "Khoresht-e mast"(yoghurt stew) is a traditional dish in Esfahan. 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 hull of fruits. This dish often accompanies celebrations and weddings.
- Esfahan is famous for its Beryooni. This dish is made of baked mutton that is minced and then cooked in a special small pan over open fire. Beryooni is generally eaten with a certain type of bread, "nan-e taftton".
See also Biryani.
Famous people
Artists
- Jalal al din Taj Esfahani,1903-, one of the best vocalist of classical music of Iran
- Hasan Kasaie,1928-,greatest ney player of Iran (ney is a musical instrument in Iran's classical music)
- Jalil Shahnaz, 1921-,greatest Tar player of iran
- 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
- Hassan Shamaie zade,Music Composer
Actors & Movie Directors
- Reza Arhamsadr-, 1923-2008, a famous & Father of Persian Comedian Cinema and Theater,popular actor
- Nosratolah Vahdat,1925, a famous & Popular Actor
- Mohamad Ali Keshvarz-, 1930-, a famous & popular actor
- Hassan Aklili, 1953-, Famous actor of theater and popular director
- Kiumars Poorahmad, 1949-, a famous & popular director
Painters
- Sumbat Der Kiureghian, 1912-, ????? ????? ???????, the best Esfahanian Armenian Painter
- Yervand Nahapetian, 1917-, ?????? ????????, Esfahanian Armenian Painter
- Ostad Javad Rostamshirazi, 1919-, Esfahanian Painter
- Mahmuod 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
- Hossein kharazi, chief of army in iran & Iraq war
- Abdollah Noori, ?-, reformist politician and cleric
- Mohsen Nourbakhsh, 1948-2003, economist, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran
- Hossein Fatemi, 1919-1954, PhD, politician
Religious figures
- Salman Farsi(Rouzbe Piranestani)
- 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
Writers and poets
- mohamad ali jamalzadeh,1891-1977,father of story writing of Iran
- Mokrame Esfahani, anti superstition Poet
- Hatef Esfahani,1198(died) moral Poet
- 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
Education
Aside from the seminaries and religious schools, the major universities of the Esfahan metropolitan area are:
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:
Sister cities
Gallery
See also
External links
Governmental websites
Other websites
-
-
- (Quicktime required)
- (a video documentary)
-
- Shapour Bahrami, Esfahan, Iran, Photo Set,
- HORIZON, Isfahan, Photo Set,
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: . - 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). -
- Hamid-Reza Hosseini, Persian Bath (Hammam-e Irani), in Persian, Jadid Online, December 19, 2008, .
A slide show of the Ali-Qoli Aqa bath in Esfahan: (5 min 57 sec).
|
| |
|
|
.gif)
.jpg)