Isfahan, Half of the World
Isfahan, the third largest city of Iran after Tehran and mashhad is the home of 1.6 million people. It is one of the oldest cities of the country. Isfahan was once the capital of Iran and the largest city in the world. Isfahan is located in central part of the country, south of Tehran which has a really dry and hot climate with little rainfall like most parts of the country, the reason why this city stayed alive for thousands of years is Zayande Rud River, the name of the river in Persian language means birth giver which has a relative meaning to the part the river plays in the city, this river is like the blood vessel keeping the body of the city alive during the centuries. The famous bridge of Isfahan, Sio’se Pol (33Pol, means thirty three bridges) built in 1596 is the historical Symbol of the city. It has a great view both in the nights and days over the river.
In Iran the city is known as Isfahan, Nesfe Jahan, it means that Isfahan is the half of the whole world, alone. In the old times when this nickname was given to the city, Isfahan was one of the most amazing and most beautiful cities in the world, people believed that there is a lot to see in Isfahan that one can experience like half of the world just by visiting this city. So many people admired the beauty of this city during centuries.
The city is like a huge museum of Iran’s cultural and architectural traditions, full of remarkable architectures, like enormous buildings, bridges, old Middle Eastern bazaar, houses and artistic Islamic mosques. One of the greatest buildings of the city is Ali Qapu Palace, it was built in 16th century for Shah Abbas of Safavid Dynasty, one of the most powerful kings of Iran. Shah Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque are also examples of the magnificent Iranian architecture painted heavenly blue by blue mosaic tiles. The Naghsh-e Jahan Square certified as World Heritage by UNESCO is one of the largest city squares in the world. Isfahan has also its own Jewish
Isfahan is known for its marvelous handicrafts like Iranian Carpets and silver filigree, engraving, miniature painting, Moarragh, tile art, brocade, calico work and enamelwork. This city is the ultimate expression of Islamic Culture in Iran. One can see the elegance of Iranian architecture in Isfahan by visiting different types of tile works, frescos wall, domes, plaster works, paintings and calligraphies.
Visiting this city might be persuading for you to understand why Iranian call it as half of the world. As you can enjoy the trip by visiting every corner of the city and facing centuries of glory the city has to offer makes you fall in love with it. You must taste the Iranian food of its well-known restaurant and have some of its famous sweets like Gaz and Poolaki and even buy some of this traditional sweets as a souvenir.
Being one of the most beautiful cities on earth, Isfahan is still growing and prosperous. After centuries of up and downs you can see this city is as alive as each of us.
