Isfahan

Isfahan, also spelled Esfahan, is a major city in central Iran and the capital of Isfahan Province. It lies on the Zayandeh River and serves as a cultural and economic center for the region.

During the Safavid era, Isfahan became the capital (1598–1729) and a focal point of Persian architecture. The centerpiece is Naqsh-e Jahan Square, now Imam Square, built between 1598 and 1619, surrounded by the Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace, with the historic bazaar at its edge. The city also features the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan and a network of bridges over the Zayandeh River, including Si-o-se-pol and Khaju.

In 1979, the historic center of Isfahan, including the square and its monuments, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Isfahan is renowned for crafts such as tilework, inlay (khatam kari), metalwork, and carpet weaving. The city hosts many mosques, palaces, and madrasas that illustrate Persian architectural traditions; it remains a center for arts, literature, and education.

The city is an administrative and economic hub with manufacturing, trade, and services; tourism is a major sector due to its historic landmarks. Isfahan International Airport serves domestic and international flights; the city is connected by rail and highways to Tehran and other major cities, with urban transit projects under development.