Isfahān is the capital of Isfahān Province in Iran, located about 340 km (211 miles) south of Tehrān. It flourished from 1050 to 1722, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries in the Safavid era, when it became the capital of Persia for the second time in palaces, mosques, and minarets. This led to the Persian proverb “Esfahān nesf-e jahān” (Isfahān the half of the world). Even today, the city retains much of its past glory. It is famous for its Persian– Islamic architecture, with many beautiful boulevards and bridges.
The Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahān is one of the largest city squares in the world. It has been registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city also has a wide variety of historic monuments and is known for the paintings, history and architecture. Isfahān city center is also the 5th largest shopping mall in the world and combines traditional Isfahāni and modern architecture.
Main Cities
Top Attractions
About Isfahan Province

Prehistory
The history of Isfahān can be traced back to the Paleolithic period. In recent discoveries, archaeologists have found artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages.
Islamic era
When the Arabs captured Isfahān in 642, they made it the capital of al-Jibal (the Mountains) province, an area that covered much of ancient Media region (northwestern Iran). Isfahān grew prosperous under the Persian Buyid (Buwayhid) dynasty, which rose to power and ruled much of Iran when the temporal authority of the Abbasid caliphs waned in the 10th century. The Turkish conqueror and founder of the Seljuq dynasty, Toghroul Beg, made Isfahān the capital of his domains in the mid- 11th century; but it was under his grandson MalikShah I (r. 1073–92) that the city grew in size and splendor.
Modern Age
Today Isfahān, the third largest city in Iran, produces fine carpets, textiles, steel, handicrafts, specific sweet and traditional delicious foods. Isfahān also has
nuclear experimental reactors as well as facilities for producing nuclear fuel (UCF). Isfahān has one of the largest steel-producing facilities in the entire region, as well as facilities for producing special alloys.

The Zayandeh-Roud River flows though the city; Isfahan is located at the foothills of Zagros mountain range. The nearest mountain is Mount Soffeh (Kouh-e Soffeh) which is situated just south of Isfahān. Due to lack of geological obstacles before 90 km (56 miles), northern cool wind blows the city. Situated at 1,590 meters above sea level on the eastern side of the Zagros Mountains, Isfahān has an arid climate. Despite its altitude, Isfahān remains hot during the summer and the temperature does not exceed 35 °C. However, with low humidity and moderate temperatures at night, the climate can be very pleasant. During the winter, days are mild, while nights can be very cold.

Isfahān province encompasses various sects today. The majority of the people in the province are Persian speakers, but Bakhtiari Lurs, Georgians, Armenians, Qashqais and Persian Jews also reside in the province. The official language of the province is Persian, though different ethnic groups and tribes abide by their own language such as Judeo-Persian, Armenian, Georgian, Qashqai Turkic or Bakhtiari Lurish. Isfahān province is noted for its reputed personalities such as writers, poets and other eminent figures who have been born and brought up or have lived in this territory

Metals (Steel), Handicrafts, Carpet, textile, Polymers, Plastics, Chemicals, Rubber, Machineries, tools making, Foods, Cement, Mining, Gold & Jewelry, Stone & tile
Handicrafts
Vitreous Enameling (Mina Kari)
Handicrafts
The art of Mina-Kari or Enameling is called miniature of fire as well as the decoration of metal and tile with mina glaze. Mina-Kari is the art of painting, coloring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing over it brilliant colors that are decorated in an intricate design. Mina is the feminine form of Minoo in Persian, meaning heaven. Mina refers to the azure color of heaven. The Iranian craftsmen of Sassanid era invented this art and Mongols spread it to India and other countries.
Miniature
Handicrafts
A Persian miniature is a richly detailed miniature painting which depicts religious or mythological themes from Iran. These delicate, lush paintings are typically visually stunning, with a level of detail which can only be achieved with a very fine hand and an extremely small brush.
Inlaid Work (Khatam-Kari)
Handicrafts
Delicate and meticulous marquetry has been produced since the Safavid period. In fact, khatam was so popular in the court that princes learned this technique alongside music and painting. Khatam means incrustation and Khatam-Kari refers to incrustation work
Art of Metalwork
Handicrafts
In Iran, the art of metal work goes back to the pre-historic era. The people who were living on Iran’s plateau first proceeded to metal work because of necessity. But little by little this industry was combined with artistic creativity. They also invented the first kind of copper forge in order to form metal.
Glass Working
Handicrafts
The people in the Iranian plateau had always shown their skill in cutting and engraving glass. Glassblowing is a glass-forming technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble (or parison), with the aid of a blowpipe (or blow tube).
Engraving (Qalam-Zani)
Handicrafts
Engraving is done on different metals such as copper, brass, silver, gold and also some alloys. To engrave, first the back side of the work is covered by tar so as to prevent the work from causing a lot of noise, as well as getting punctured as a result of the hammering.
Isfahan Calligraphy
Handicrafts
Calligraphy is the highest art form of the Islamic civilization, and like all forms of art that came into contact with Iran, it was enhanced and developed by the Persians
Tile Work
Handicrafts
Tilework is a unique feature of the blue mosques of Isfahan. Since centuries, Iranian art has developed particular patterns to decorate Iranian crafts. These motifs can be Inspired by ancestral nomad tribes.
Termeh
Handicrafts
Is a handwoven cloth of Iran, produces in Isfahan province. Weaving Termeh requires a good wool with tall fibers. Termeh is woven by an expert. Weaving Termeh is a sensitive, careful, and time-consuming process.
Isfahan Carpet
Handicrafts
Carpets are one of the first artistic handicrafts which have been woven since ancient times in Persia. Iranian Carpets have always been famous all over the world.
Food & Drink
Due to its variety of ethnic groups and the neighboring cultures impact, the cuisine of Iran is diverse. vegetables are frequently used, along with fruits such as plums, pomegranate, quince, prunes, apricots, and raisins. To achieve a balanced taste, characteristic flavorings such as saffron, dried lime, cinnamon, and parsley are mixed delicately and used in some special dishes. Onion and garlic are commonly used in the preparation of the accompanying course, but are also served separately during meals, either in raw or pickled form. Iranian best foods include:
Persian Kebabs
Persian Food
Kebab is one of the popular and special foods of Iran, usually made from pieces of meat or grinded meat with spices. Iranian use a unique method to prepare Kebab. Iranian kebab has different varieties such as Barg Kebab, Koobideh Kebab, chicken Kebab (Joojeh Kebab), Shishlik Kebab, Bonab Kebab, Chenjeh Kebab and Soltani Kebab. The most popular one is Koobideh Kebab (grinded meat with spices).
Qeymeh
Persian Food
Qeymeh consists split pea, meat and dried lime, and is served with rice. It is usually prepared as votive dish (Nazri) at many religious occasions.
Dizi
Persian Food
Abgoosht or Dizi is one of the traditional Iranian dishes consists of lamb meat, tomatoes and peas. When it is cooked in stoneware crocks (Dizi), it is called Dizi Sangi. Abgoosht is in varieties such as Bozbash Abgoosht, Whey Abgoosht, Wheat Abgoosht and Bulgur Abgoosht, etc. It is usually eaten with Sangak bread, vegetables, dough and onion.
Qormeh Sabzi
Persian Food
This original Iranian stew is one of the most delicious cuisines in Iran. Qormeh Sabzi has a unique flavor and consists of red beans, sour vegetables, meat and dried lime, and is served with Iranian rice
Persian Rice
Persian Food
Pulau or cooked rice is the most important Iranian food at ceremonies, occasions and parties, served as Kateh or steamed rice. This food can be served with a variety of stews and cooked with meat, vegetable or various kinds of beans as well. Saffron and barberry are also used to decorate the rice. Various types of Persian pulau include: Zereshk Polo (barberry and rice), Baghali Polo (broad bean and rice), Loobia Polo (beans and rice), Sabzi Polo (vegetable and rice), Albaloo Polo (sour cherry and rice), Shirin Polo (sweet rice), Adas Polo (lentils and rice), Reshteh Polo (noodles and rice) and Kalam Polo Shirazi (shredded cabbage and rice).
Aash-e Reshteh
Persian Food
Various pottages (Ash) are cooked in each region of Iran using its own dish. In the meantime, Ash-e Reshteh is the most well-known, which is prepared by various beans, especial vegetables, noodle (Reshteh) and whey.
Khoresht-e fesenjan
Persian Food
This iconic stew, an essential part of every Persian wedding menu. Khoresht-e fesenjan traditionally made with duck, this dish also works well with chicken or lamb. In the north of Iran it is sometimes made with fish. It is a relatively easy khoresht to make, but it must be cooked slowly to allow the flavours to develop in the sauce. The consistency should be thick and creamy and the colour almost black. The distinctive flavour combines the nutty taste of ground walnuts with the sweet and sour flavour of pomegranate syrup.
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi
Persian Food
What is it: An herbed rice pilaf complimented with white fishes (either Caspian kutum or halibut). Sabzi means vegetables, polo means steamed rice and mahi denotes fish. Iranian people serve this dish on their new year’s day, Nowruz.
What does it taste like: The delicious green rice will leave you spellbound with a rich taste of herbs. This dish offers a complete package of tastes to make you drool over it.
Kookoo or Kuku
Persian Food
What is it: An herb-based frittata. This cake like preparation is cut and served into pieces. Based on its ingredients there are two different types of kuku namely, kuku sib zamini and kuku sabzi.
What does it taste like: A beautiful amalgamation of spinach, coriander, scallions, and herbs along with eggs makes this preparation a delicious one.
Tahchin
Persian Food
What is it: Chicken, yogurt, and egg based rice cake.
What does it taste like: This authentic Iranian dish has a strong flavor of saffron. The topping known as tahdig is opulent with chicken, but sometimes fish and other vegetables are used. The lower or base part is purely made of white rice.
Beriani
Local Food
(Not to be confused with the Indian Biryani)- Cooked mutton or lamb grilled in special shallow pans in an oven or over a fire served with powdered cinnamon in local bread.
Khoresht Mast
Local Food
Is a popular dessert dish, only made in Isfahān. It is a sweet yellow pudding, which literally means “Yogurt Stew”. Saffron, meat, and yogurt are among the main ingredients
Gaz
Local Food
Gaz or Pistachio Nougat is a sweet and popular candy in Iran. Gaz is originated and well known in Isfahān and demonstrate the Isfahān style famous Gaz or Pistachio Nougat recipe.