Isfahan (Sepahan), the capital of Isfahan province, with the area of 250 square kilometers is situated in the heart of a plateau in Iran. Isfahan’s climate is semi-arid and mild and the average temperature in this city is about 16C and the average annual rainfall is about 13 ml. Generally Isfahan is low in water but its agriculture has improved due to the existence of Zayanderud River. Geographically Isfahan is in the center of Iran and with its mild climate and fertile soil and enough water from Zayanderud River, it has always been a very good place to be living in.
Isfahan was first called Ispahan because during the Sasanian Era a nation called Sepahian lived in the fertile plains near a city and then they formed a city and named the city after their nation. In 19 AH Isfahan was conquered by the Islamic Army without a war or any shedding of blood but by contracting a peaceful settlement this land was added to the many lands that were conquered by the Islamic army. In a three hundred era, this city was governed by different governors and in the 4th century AD, during the Ziyarid Dynasty and Buyid Dynasty it was chosen as the capital of their land. In the 5th century, during the Seljuq Dynasty, the capital of this empire became wider and started from Seyhoun River up to Eastern shores of the Mediterranean. In 789 AD Isfahan was the victim of a brutally looting and massacre by the Timurid Army. During the Safavid Era, in the 10th century, Isfahan became the center of commerce, culture and industry. In the beginning of the 11th century, 1006 AH, the capital of Shah Abbas’s empire moved from Qazvin to Isfahan and this city was the capital of the Safavid dynasty for about a century and a half. That is the reason for Isfahan’s fame.Isfahan has had many names throughout the centuries. The names were as follows: Apadana, Asef Han, Esbahan, Espatna, Espahan, Aspedan, Espinerm Esfahan, Espadaneh, Enzan, Besfahan, Partak, Parti, Partikan, Jee, Dar-al Yahoudi, Resgverji, Sepaneh, Shahrestan, Gaba, Gabian, Nesf-e Jahan (Half the World), Yahoudieh. Also, this city was named Sepahan in Shahnameh poetry book, written by one of the famous Persian poets named Ferdowsi.
Isfahan was chosen as the first cultural capital of Islamic countries in 2005. This city has welcomed many tourists from the Islamic countries and many other visitors from different parts of the world. Isfahan is famous for its handicrafts such as etch, inlay and cashmere. If you are looking for souvenirs from Isfahan, you can buy them around Naqsh-e Jahan Square or at the old Isfahan bazaar.
Isfahan is known as the cultural capital of Muslim world, haft of the world and the thurquoise gem of the world. Isfahan is an ancient city in the center of Iran. It is the third overpopulated city of this country. After Mashhad, Isfahan is the second touristic city, and after Tehran, it is the second industrial city of Iran. Geographically, from the west the city leads to Khomeyni city and Najafabad, from the south it is limited by mount Soffeh and Sepahan city, from the north it leads to Shahinshahr and from the east it leads to Sagzi. Isfahan is a four-season city; it has mild cool Spring and Autumn, hot Summer and cold Winter. From 1050 until 1722 B.C. especially in the sixteenth century when Isfahan was the capital of Iran for the second time, the city became affluent. Isfahan is still a glorious city. In Iranian culture, the city is known as the half of the world because of its beautiful Islamic architecture, great boulevards, roofed bridges, palaces, mosques and unique minarets.
Where to stay in Isfahan?
As it was mentioned earlier, Isfahan is a touristic city and it has a lot of both modern and traditional hotels with high quality and reasonable price. Abbasi, Kowsar, Piroozy and Aseman are the best high-priced hotels in Isfahan that offering the best facilities. Zohreh,Part,Setareh and Mahan are three-star hotels in Isfahan that offering good facilities with lower price. The best suitable hotel in terms of price is Azadi hotel that can be a good choice for those who prefer a low cost travel. Atigh, Isfahan and Toloo Khorshid are the best traditional hotels of the city. Isfahan has many other hotels such as: Espadana, Evin, Madarshah, Caravanserai, Parsiansuit,Chehel Panjareh, Partikan, Ibne Sina, Jaam Firouzeh, Negin jey, Kaveh, Yaqoot, Darvish, Hooman, Safir, Khatoon, Hasht Behesht,Sepahan, Zendehrood,Ali-Qapu, Melal and Jamshid.
What to eat? Where to eat?
Isfahan like other cities of Iran has its own local foods such as Kabab, Biryani, and Khoresh-e Mast that you should try them. Ash-e Somaq,Kaleh-josh, Kaleh-gonjeshki, Baqali Zorat, Koko qandi, Gheymeh rize, Ash-e Mash and Ghomri, Yakhneh torsh, Mungbeen and Zardak, Vinegar and beetroot Omaj are other local foods of Isfahan that you can eat them in Khan Gostar restaurant in city center and Jolfa, Shahrzad and Biryani Azam restaurants. Jam Neshin, Shab Neshin,and Zagros are other nice restaurants in Isfahan that have been always welcomed by foreign tourists. If you want to experience a peaceful traditional place, we recommend you to go Khansalar and Ashti traditional restaurants of the city. Hermes and Faramarz restaurants can be good choices for those who interested in fast food. Isfahan has many other good restaurants such as: Zhik, Tarazjoje, Arakhan, Partak, Zayandehrood, Silverspoon, Veniz, Bros, Aseman, Domino, Newsha, Bastani, Patineh, Atawich, Nan Doost, Shad Beryani, Hakim, Shandiz,Zava, Dizibar, Sib and Chancho.
Beverages ( Soft Drinks )
One of the most popular local food of Isfahan is Gosh-e Fil which is eaten with local Doogh. You can try it in one of the oldest cafes of Isfahan that is called “ Chahe Haj Mirza” and related to Safavid era. Don’t forget to try Rahnan ice cream that won the first place in ice cream festival of Switzerland. The main Rahnan ice cream shop is located in Shahed square of Isfahan. The ice cream is famous all over the world because of the fresh milk that is used to make it. Isfahan also has many good cafes like: Fun Glas, Roozegar juice bar, Firouz Sharbat house, Radio, Time, Ahang, Toranj, Kama, Royal, Neghab, Limo, Daal, Dou, Gilas, Spadana, Kazheh, Zhino, Simon, Mozhan, Q, Jazzveh, Banu, Amordad, Moon and Blanche cafes.
What do we buy from Isfahan?
Buying souvenir from Isfahan is very desirable. Gaz is one of the traditional pastry of Isfahan that you can buy the best kind of it from Kermani Gaz shop in Abdolrazagh street. Poolaki and Rock candy are other famous pastries of Isfahan. Different kinds of calico tablecloths and dishes, curved wood and Khatam dishes are famous souvenirs of Isfahan that you can buy all kinds of them from handicraft’s Bazaars in Isfahan like Qeysarie Bazaar, Grand Bazaar of Isfahan and Naqsh-e Jahan Bazaar. If you like to go modern shopping centers, Kowsar trade center, Park mall and city center of Isfahan are good choices.
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