Isfahan
—  city  —
Ancient names: Spadana, Spahan, Sepahan, Espahan
Montage of Isfahan
Nickname(s): Nesfe Jahan (Half of the world)
Isfahan
Isfahan Isfahan in Iran
Coordinates: 32°38′N 51°39′E / 32.633°N 51.65°E / 32.633; 51.65Coordinates: 32°38′N 51°39′E / 32.633°N 51.65°E / 32.633; 51.65
Country	Iran
Province	Isfahan
County	Isfahan
District	Central
Government
• Mayor	Morteza Saqaeian Nejad
Area
• Total	106,179 km2 (40,996 sq mi)
Elevation	1,590 m (5,217 ft)
Population (2006)
• Total	1,583,609
• Population Rank in Iran	3rd
	Population Data from 2006 Census[1]
Time zone	IRST (UTC+3:30)
• Summer (DST)	March 21 – September 20 (?) (UTC+4:30)
Website	www.Isfahan.ir

Isfahan (Persian: اصفهان‎ Esfahān), historically also rendered in English as Ispahan, Sepahan or Hispahan, is the capital of Isfahan Province in Iran, located about 340 km south of Tehran. It has a population of 1,583,609 and is Iran's third largest city after Tehran and Mashhad. The Isfahan metropolitan area had a population of 3,430,353 in the 2006 Census, the second most populous metropolitan area in Iran after Tehran.^[2]

The cities of Zarrinshahr, Fooladshahr and Najafabad, Se-deh , Shahin-shahr, Mobarakeh, Falavarjan and chiarmahin all constitute the metropolitan city of Isfahan.

Isfahan 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 "'Esfahān nesf-e jahān ast" (Isfahan is half of the world).^[3]

The Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is one of the largest 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.

History[link]

Chehel Sotoon is a famous tourist attraction.

Prehistory[link]

The history of Esfahan can be traced back to the Palaeolithic period. In recent discoveries, archaeologists have found artifacts dating back to the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages.

Elamite Empire[link]

Isfahan, capital of the Kingdom of Persia '

Ancient Esfahan was part of the Elamite Empire under the name of Aspandana also spelt Ispadana. It later became one of the principal towns of the Median dynasty. Subsequently the province became part of the Achaemenid Empire. 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.

Si-o-se Pol

Detail of Khaju Bridge.

Persia's Capital[link]

In 1598 Shah Abbas the Great moved his capital from Qazvin to the more central and Persian Isfahan. This ushered in a golden age for the city which lasted until it was sacked by Afghan invaders in 1722. The capital subsequently moved several times until settling in Tehran in 1795.

Modern age[link]

Naghsh-i Jahan Square, Isfahan, Iran

a handicraft shop.

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.

The cities of Khomeini-shahr, Shahin-shahr, Zarrinshahr, Mobarakeh, Qomshe, Kashan, Fouladshahr and Falavarjan 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.^[4]

Esfahan hosted the International Physics Olympiad in 2007.

Geography and climate[link]

The city is located in the lush plain of the Zayandeh River, at the foothills of the Zagros mountain range. No geological obstacles exist within 90 km north of Isfahan, allowing cool northern winds to blow from this direction. Situated at 1,590 metres (5,217 ft) above sea level on the eastern side of the Zagros Mountains, Isfahan has an arid climate (Köppen BWk). Despite its altitude, Isfahan remains very hot during the summer with maxima typically around 36 °C (97 °F). 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 has occurred at least once every winter except 1986/1987 and 1989/1990.^[5] However, on the whole Isfahan’s climate is extremely cold in winter.

Main sights[link]

View of Ali Qapu Palace.

A carpet shop in Grand Bazaar, Isfahan.

Khaju Bridge.

33 Pol Bridge.

Armenian Vank Cathedral.

Mosques[link]

• Hakim Mosque
• Jameh Mosque^[6]
• Menar Jonban (Shaking Minarets)
• Shah Mosque
• Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque

Palaces and caravanserais[link]

• Ali Qapu (The Royal Palace) – early 17th century
• Talar Ashraf (The Palace of Ashraf) – 1650
• Hasht-Behesht (The Palace of Eight Paradises) – 1669
• Chehel Sotoun (The Palace of Forty Columns) – 1647
• Shah Caravanserai
• Najvan Forest Park

Old schools (madresse)[link]

• Madreseye Sadr.
• Madreseye Shah (Chahar Bagh School).
• Madreseye Khajoo.
• Harati

Churches and cathedrals[link]

• Vank Cathedral – 17th century
• Kelisaye Maryam (Maryam Church)

Squares and streets[link]

• Naqsh-e Jahan Square also known as "Shah Square" or "Imam Square" – 1602.
• Meydan Kohne (Old Square)
• Chaharbagh Boulevard – 1596.
• Chaharbagh-e-khajou Boulevard

Bazaars[link]

• Shahi Bazaar

Bridges[link]

The Zayande 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.^{[citation needed]} 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. Built 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 295 m (967.85 ft).

Other bridges include:

• 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).

Bathhouses[link]

• Khosro Agha
• Ali Gholi Agha
• Khajouha
• Shahzadeha
• Bigdeli
• Sheikh Bahaei

Tourist Attractions[link]

old building of Isfahan municipality

Isfahan is a unique city. It is an important historical center for main different group of tourists in the domestic and international in the world. The central historical region and the area called Seeosepol (the name of a famous bridge)^[7]

• Naghsheh jahan square – Sheykh Lotfolah Mosque – Imam Mosque – Ali Qapou palace – See-o-se pol bridge – Ghaisarieh bazaar – Ghaisarieh bazaar entrance – Chehel setoon building – Chahar Bagh complex – Jameh Mosque – Hasht Behesht Building – Charhar Bagh school – Ashraf saloon – Khajoo bridge – Flower Garden – Bird park – Waterfall Park – Bozorg bazaar (grand bazaar) – Zargarha bazaar – Honar bazaar – Honar Museum – Rangrazha bazaar – Ferdosi Bridge – Darol shafa bazaar – Shishehgarha bazaar – Mokhels saray – Golshan saray – Haj Karim saray – Kodak Boston – Tofang and shamshir bazaar – Najvan park – Shahrestan Bridge – Safeh park – Folad Takht – Leleh park – Baba Roknoldin cemetery – Shahsheham Boghah – Ghasr Darb – Baghoshkaneh park – Isargarn park – Zalyandeh rood Bostan – Melat Bostan – Aeneh Khaneh Bostan – Abozar bridge – Sadi Booston – Osan commercial complex – Carpet shopping center – Vanak church – Maryam church – Chehel Dokhtaran Monareh – Dardasht Monareh – Sareban Monareh – Shaigh Bahaee public bath – Ghazvineha house – Bait-oll-ham church – Darolziafeh Monareh – Petros house – Darid house – Jewish synagogue – Mesri Mosque – Koshk Darb – Malek Gorestan – Ghazviniha Museum – Lebanon Mosque – Khat Museum – Shohada Museum – Halal Ahmar Museum – Shaikholeslam house – Safa Mosque – Ali Agha public bath/hamam – Jolfa church – Bazi shahr – Atashgah – Monar Jonban – Ghadir cultural complex – Japanese garden – Daeme exhibition – Ibrahim Emam zadeh – Khan Mosque – Ghodsi house – Laleh park – Haghighi house – Baba Ghasam cemetery – Massod Boghaeh – Haronieh Imam Zadeh – Ismeel Imam zadeh – Ahmad Imam Zadeh – Ali Mosque – Malek shahr complex – Hassan Abad bazaar – Jacob church – Marta house – Narsis church – Bidabad bazaar – Soltani complex – Shahzadeghan Bogheh – Mirza Kochek khan park – Ghadir recreational cultural complex

Other sites[link]

• 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 Bahāʾ al-dīn al-ʿĀmilī.
• Pigeon Towers^[8] – 17th century.
• Manar Jonban, a famous minaret

Transportation[link]

Airport[link]

Isfahan is served by the Isfahan International Airport which handles domestic flights to Iranian cities and international flights, mostly to regional destinations across Middle East and central Asia including Dubai and Damascus.

Metro and Inter City Public Transportation[link]

Esfahan Metro is under construction and will include 2 lines with 43 km length. The first line of that is planned to be finished by end of 2010 with 21 km length and 20 stations. Until the metro is completed an expanded bus system accompanied by taxis will handle Isfahan intra-urban public transportation.

Rail[link]

Isfahan is connected to three major rail lines: Isfahan-Tehran, Isfahan-Shiraz (Recently opened), Isfahan-Yazd and via this recent one to Bandar Abbas and Zahedan.

Road transport[link]

Isfahan's internal highway network is currently under heavy expansion which began during the last decade. Its lengthy construction is due to concerns of possible destruction of valuable historical buildings. Outside the city, Isfahan is connected by modern highways to Tehran which spans a distance of nearly 400 km (248.55 mi) to North and to Shiraz at about 200 km (124.27 mi) to the south. The highways also service satellite cities surrounding the metropolitan area.

Culture[link]

An old master of hand-printed carpets in Isfahan bazaar.

Rug manufacture[link]

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[link]

• Esfahan is famous for its Beryooni. This dish is made of baked mutton & lungs that are minced and then cooked in a special small pan over open fire with a pinch of cinnamon. Beryooni is generally eaten with a certain type of bread, "nan-e taftton." Although it can also be served with other breads.
  See also Biryani.
• Fesenjan – a casserole type dish with a sweet and tart sauce containing the two base ingredients, pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts 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 fruit rinds. This dish often accompanies celebrations and weddings.
• Poolaki – the name given to a type of Isfahani candy which is formed to thin circles like coins and served with tea or other warm drinks.

Famous people[link]

Artists

• Jalal al din Taj Esfahani,1903–, famous vocalist of classical music of Iran
• Hasan Kasaie,1928, distinguished ney player (ney is a musical instrument used in Iran's classical music)
• Jalil Shahnaz, 1921, notable Tar player of Iran
• Freydoon Rassouli, famous artist and Founder of Fusionart movement
• Master Ahmad Archang famous artist and designer of Isfahan rug patterns
• Alireza Eftekhari, 1956–, is a famous singer in Iran
• Mohammad Esfahani, popular music
• Moein, 1951, popular and classical music
• Hoshmand Aghili, 1945–, popular and classical music
• Hassan Shamaizadeh, music composer and Singer

Actors and movie directors

• Reza Arhamsadr, 1923–2008, a famous father of Persian comic cinema and theater, popular actor
• Nosratolah Vahdat,1925, a famous & popular actor
• Mohamad Ali Keshvarz, محمدعلی کشاورز 1930,-, a famous & popular actor
• Jahangir Forouhar, 1916–1997, جهانگیر فروهر, a famous & popular actor and Father of Leila Forouhar (the Iranian woman singer)
• Kiumars Poorahmad, 1949–, a famous & popular director
• Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, 1956–2001, former princess of Iran also an actress
• Homayoun Ershadi, 1947–, a Hollywood actor and an architect

Painters

• Bogdan Saltanov, 1630s – 1703, Russian icon painter of Isfahanian Armenian origin
• Sumbat Der Kiureghian, 1913–1999, سمبات دِر كيوُرغيان, the best Isfahanian Armenian painter
• Hossein Mosaverolmolki,1889–1969, حسين مصورالملكي, notable painter and miniaturist
• Yervand Nahapetian, 1917–, يرواند نهاپطيان, Isfahanian Armenian painter
• Freydoon Rassouli, An American painter born and raised in Isfahan
• Ostad Javad Rostamshirazi, 1919–, Isfahanian painter
• Mahmoud Farshchian, 1930–, distinguished miniaturist

Political figures

• Mohammad-Ali Foroughi, a politician and Prime Minister of Iran in World war II era
• Shapour Bakhtiar, Ex Prime Minister of Iran
• Hossein Fatemi, 1919–1954, PhD, politician (Foreign Minister of Dr M.Mosadegh Cabinet)
• Ahmad Amir-Ahmadi, 1906–1965, military leader and cabinet minister of Iran
• Hossein Kharrazi, chief of army in the Iran & Iraq war
• Mohsen Nourbakhsh, 1948–2003, economist, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran
• Nusrat Bhutto, Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party from 1979–1983, wife of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and mother of Benazir Bhutto.

Religious figures

• Salman the Persian
• Allamah al-Majlisi, 1616–1698, Safavid cleric, Sheikh ul-Islam in Isfahan
• Ayatollah Rahim Arbab chiarmahini, 1847–?, cleric, Ayatollah-al-ozma rank
• Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, 1928–1981, cleric, Chairman of the Council of Revolution of Iran

Sportspeople

• Mahmoud Yavari, محمود یاوری, Born in 1939, Former Player of Shahine Esfahan and Iran National Team from 1958 until 1970, The Former Coach of Iran National Team and is known as an oldest and the most Active Coach in 2010 Persian Gulf League and Football Federation, He was also retired of Iran Police Department as a Colonel degree, amir ghalenouie calls him as Father of Football of Iran
• Abdolali Changiz, football star and Famous Player of Perspolis Fc in 1970s
• Mansour Ebrahimzadeh, Former Player of Sepahan in 1970s and 1980s, He have been Coach of Zobahan FC since 2007
• Rasoul Korbekandi, Famous Goalkeeper in Iran National Team, current coach of Rah Ahan FC
• Moharram Navidkia, Captain of the Sepahan Football Club
• Ehsan Hajsafi, youth phenomenon of the Sepahan Football Club

Writers and poets

• Mohammad-Ali Jamālzādeh Esfahani,1892–1997, author
• Mohammad ALi Mokrame Esfahani, 1886–1966, Liberalist and anti-religion's Superstitions Poet and journalist in Sedaye Esfahan Newspaper
• Khakshir Esfahani, 1883–1956, Poet of Joke and satire
• Houshang Golshiri, 1938–2000, writer and editor
• Mirza Abbas Khan Sheida, 1880–1949, poet and publisher
• Hamid Mosadegh, 1939–1998, poet and lawyer
• Hatef Esfehani, 1198(died), Persian Moral poet in Afsharye Era
• Saib Tabrizi

Others

• Nasser David Khalili, 1945–, property developer, art collector, and philanthropist
• Arthur Pope, 1881–1969, American archaeologist, buried near Khaju Bridge

Education[link]

Aside from the seminaries and religious schools, the major universities of the Isfahan metropolitan area are:

• Universities
  • Isfahan University of Art
  • Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
  • Isfahan University of Technology
  • Islamic Azad university of Khorasgan^[9]
  • Sheikh Bahaei University
  • University of Isfahan

• High schools
  • Adab High School
  • Harati High School
  • Iyliya education institue Eng.Saghaei
  • Imam Mohammad Bagher Education Complex
  • Mahboobeh Danesh(Navaie)
  • Shahid Ejei High School

There are also more than 50 Technical and Vocational Training Centers under the administration of Isfahan TVTO which provide non-formal training programs freely throughout the province.^[10]

Sports[link]

Isfahan is the host of many national and international sport events therefore enjoying good sport facilities such as Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium with 50,000 capacity which second phase is under development to increase capacity to 75,000 spectators. Isfahan has an important derby called as Naqsh e jahan derby. This competition is one of the most popular annual football events in Iran between Sepahan F.C. and Zob Ahan.

Isfahan has two association football clubs that have been title contenders in Iran's Premier Football League. These are:

• Sepahan Isfahan.^[11] Honours:
  • Attend in FIFA Club World Cup, 2007
  • Vice-Champion of AFC Champions League 2007
  • Attend in AFC Champions League, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
  • Champion of Iran's Premier Football League, 2003, 2010 and 2011
  • Vice-Champion of Iran's Premier Football League 2008
  • Champion of Hazfi Cup, 2004, 2006, 2007

• Sepahan Novin.^[11] Honour(s):
  • Iran's Premier Football League Runners Up 2008

• Zob Ahan Isfahan.^[12] Honours:
  • Vice-Champion of Iran's Premier Football League 2005, 2009, 2010
  • Champion of Hazfi Cup, 2003, 2009
  • Attend in AFC Champions League, 2004, 2010 and 2011

• Foolad Mahan Honours:
  • Champion of AFC Futsal Club Championship, 2010
  • Champion of Iranian Futsal Super League, 2008–09, 2009–10

International relations[link]

Twin towns – Sister cities[link]

Esfahan street in Kuala Lumpur, and Kovalalampor avenue in Isfahan.

Isfahan is twinned with:

• Baalbek, Lebanon^[13]
• Barcelona, Spain^[14]
• Kathmandu, Nepal
• Cairo, Egypt
• Florence, Italy
• Freiburg, Germany
• Havana, Cuba
• Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
• Iaşi, Romania
• Istanbul, Turkey^[15][16]
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia^[17]
• Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Lahore, Pakistan
• Saint Petersburg, Russia^[18]
• Venice, Italy
• Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
• Yerevan, Armenia^[19]

Gallery[link]

See also[link]

Iran portal

• Isfahan travel guide from Wikitravel

References[link]

This article uses bare URLs for citations. Please consider adding full citations so that the article remains verifiable. Several templates and the Reflinks tool are available to assist in formatting. (Reflinks documentation) (April 2012)

• Urban Planning of Isfahan in the Seventeenth Century – Abouei, Reza, University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, 2005

Notes

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Isfahan

• Municipality of Isfahan
• Isfahan official website
• Isfahan Metro
• Isfahan Geometry on a Human Scale A Documentary film directed by Manouchehr Tayyab (30 min)

v t e Isfahan Province Capital Isfahan Counties (A-L) and Cities Aran va Bidgol County Aran va Bidgol Abuzeydabad Nushabad Sefidshahr Ardestan County Ardestan Mahabad Zavareh Borkhar County Dowlatabad Dastgerd Habibabad Khvorzuq Komeshcheh Shahpurabad Chadegan County Chadegan Rozveh Dehaqan County Dehaqan Falavarjan County Falavarjan Abrisham Baharan Shahr Imanshahr Kelishad va Sudarjan Pir Bakran Qahderijan Zazeran Faridan County Daran Afus Buin va Miandasht Damaneh Fereydunshahr County Fereydunshahr Barf Anbar Golpayegan County Golpayegan Golshahr Guged Isfahan County Isfahan Baharestan Ezhiyeh Harand Hasanabad Khvorasgan Kuhpayeh Mohammadabad Nasrabad Nikabad Sejzi Tudeshg Varzaneh Kashan County Kashan Barzok Jowsheqan va Kamu Meshkat Neyasar Qamsar Khomeyni Shahr County Khomeyni Shahr Dorcheh Piaz Kushk Khur and Biabanak County Khur Jandaq Farkhi Khvansar County Khvansar Lenjan County Zarrin Shahr Bagh-e Bahadoran Chamgardan Charmahin Fuladshahr Sedeh Lenjan Varnamkhast Zayandeh Rud Counties (M-Z) and Cities Mobarakeh County Mobarakeh Dizicheh Karkevand Talkhvoncheh Zibashahr Nain County Nain Anarak Bafran Najafabad County Najafabad Alavicheh Dehaq Goldasht Jowzdan Kahriz Sang Natanz County Natanz Badrud Khaledabad Semirom County Semirom Hana Komeh Noqol Vanak Shahreza County Shahreza Manzariyeh Shahin Shahr and Meymeh County Shahin Shahr Gaz Meymeh Vazvan Tiran and Karun County Tiran Asgaran Rezvanshahr Landmarks and Sights Semirom waterfall Abyaneh Niasar fire temple Atashgah Babapir Gogad citadel Yazdgerd's palace Grand Bazaar, Esfahan Kashan Bazaar Fin Garden Khaju Bridge Tappeh Sialk Si-o-se Pol Ali Qapu Shahghandab cave Mashhad_Ardehal ceremony Maranjab caravansary Hasht Behesht Vank Cathedral Chahar Bagh School Qamsar rose water ceremony Jameh Mosque of Ashtarjan Jameh Mosque of Isfahan Shah Mosque Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque Manar Jonban Naqsh-e Jahan Square Narin ghaleh Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse Agha Bozorg Mosque Boroujerdi ha Residence Tabatabaie Residence House of the Āmeri family Abbasian House Chahar Bagh New Julfa

v t e Architecture of Iran Styles Parsi style · (includes Pre-Parsi style and Achaemenid architecture) Parthian style · (includes Sassanid architecture) Khorasani style · Razi style · Azari style · Isfahani style Elements Bazaars · The Persian Garden (hayāt) · Windcatchers · Shabestan · Kucheh · Talar · Iwan · Howz · Panjdari · Hashti · Andaruni · Biruni · Dalan e Vorudi · Qanat · Kariz · Gonbad · Ab anbar · Yakhchal · Caravanserais · Robats · Burj · Khaneqah · Tekyeh · Sahn · Imamzadeh · Mosques Notable traditional cities Architecture of Tehran · Bam · Bukhara · Ctesiphon · Derbent · Herat · Gur-e Amir  · Isfahan · Amol · Kashan  · Mashhad  · Merv  · Nishapur  · Persepolis  · Qazvin · Qom · Samarkand · Shahrisabz · Shiraz · Susa · Tabriz  · Takht-i-Suleiman  · Yazd Theory and analysis Traditional Persian residential architecture · Traditional water sources of Persian antiquity · Islamic architecture Lists List of ab anbars of Qazvin · List of historical Iranian architects · List of mosques · Args, castles, and ghal'ehs · List of ziyarat-gahs

Duke Ellington
Frankfurt am Main, February 6, 1965
Background information
Birth name	Edward Kennedy Ellington
Born	(1899-04-29)April 29, 1899 Washington D.C., United States
Died	May 24, 1974(1974-05-24) (aged 75) New York City, United States
Genres	Orchestral jazz, swing, big band
Occupations	Bandleader, pianist, composer
Instruments	Piano
Years active	1914–1974
Website	www.dukeellington.com

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974)^[1] was an American composer, pianist, and big-band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions. In the opinion of Bob Blumenthal of The Boston Globe "In the century since his birth, there has been no greater composer, American or otherwise, than Edward Kennedy Ellington."^[2] A major figure in the history of jazz, Ellington's music stretched into various other genres, including blues, gospel, film scores, popular, and classical. His career spanned more than 50 years and included leading his orchestra, composing an inexhaustible songbook, scoring for movies, composing stage musicals, and world tours. Several of his instrumental works were adapted into songs that became standards. Due to his inventive use of the orchestra, or big band, and thanks to his eloquence and extraordinary charisma, he is generally considered to have elevated the perception of jazz to an art form on a par with other traditional genres of music. His reputation increased after his death and the Pulitzer Prize Board bestowed on him a special posthumous honor in 1999.^[3]

Ellington called his music "American Music" rather than jazz, and liked to describe those who impressed him as "beyond category."^[4] These included many of the musicians who were members of his orchestra, some of whom are considered among the best in jazz in their own right, but it was Ellington who melded them into one of the most well-known jazz orchestral units in the history of jazz. He often composed specifically for the style and skills of these individuals, such as "Jeep's Blues" for Johnny Hodges, "Concerto for Cootie" for Cootie Williams, which later became "Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me" with Bob Russell's lyrics, and "The Mooche" for Tricky Sam Nanton and Bubber Miley. He also recorded songs written by his bandsmen, such as Juan Tizol's "Caravan" and "Perdido" which brought the "Spanish Tinge" to big-band jazz. Several members of the orchestra remained there for several decades. After 1941, he frequently collaborated with composer-arranger-pianist Billy Strayhorn, whom he called his "writing and arranging companion."^[5] Ellington recorded for many American record companies, and appeared in several films.

Ellington led his band from 1923 until his death in 1974. His son Mercer Ellington, who had already been handling all administrative aspects of his father's business for several decades, led the band until his own death in 1996. At that point, the original band dissolved. Paul Ellington, Mercer's youngest son and executor of the Duke Ellington estate,^[6] kept the Duke Ellington Orchestra going from Mercer's death onwards.^[7]

Early life[link]

Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Daisy and J.E. were both pianists. Daisy primarily played parlor songs and J.E. prefered operatic airs. They lived with his maternal grandparents at 2129 Ida Place (now Ward Place), NW in the West End neighborhood of Washington, D.C.^[8] His father, James Edward Ellington, was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina on April 15, 1879 and moved to Washington, D.C. in 1886 with his parents.^[9] Daisy Kennedy was born in Washington, D.C. on January 4, 1879, and was the daughter of a former American slave.^[8][10] James Ellington made blueprints for the United States Navy.

At the age of seven Ellington began taking piano lessons from Marietta Clinkscales. Daisy surrounded her son with dignified women to reinforce his manners and teach him to live elegantly. Ellington’s childhood friends noticed that "his casual, offhand manner, his easy grace, and his dapper dress gave him the bearing of a young nobleman",^[11] and began calling him Duke. Ellington credited his "chum" Edgar McEntree for the nickname. "I think he felt that in order for me to be eligible for his constant companionship, I should have a title. So he called me Duke."^[12]

Though Ellington took piano lessons, he was more interested in baseball. "President Roosevelt (Teddy) would come by on his horse sometimes, and stop and watch us play," he recalled.^[13] Ellington went to Armstrong Technical High School in Washington, D.C. He got his first job selling peanuts at Washington Senators baseball games.

In the summer of 1914, while working as a soda jerk at the Poodle Dog Cafe, he wrote his first composition, "Soda Fountain Rag" (also known as the "Poodle Dog Rag"). Ellington created "Soda Fountain Rag" by ear, because he had not yet learned to read and write music. "I would play the 'Soda Fountain Rag' as a one-step, two-step, waltz, tango, and fox trot," Ellington recalled. "Listeners never knew it was the same piece. I was established as having my own repertoire."^[14] In his autobiography, Music is my Mistress (1973), Ellington said he missed more lessons than he attended, feeling at the time that playing the piano was not his talent. Ellington started sneaking into Frank Holiday's Poolroom at the age of fourteen. Hearing the poolroom pianists play ignited Ellington's love for the instrument and he began to take his piano studies seriously. Among the many piano players he listened to were Doc Perry, Lester Dishman, Louis Brown, Turner Layton, Gertie Wells, Clarence Bowser, Sticky Mack, Blind Johnny, Cliff Jackson, Claude Hopkins, Phil Wurd, Caroline Thornton, Luckey Roberts, Eubie Blake, Joe Rochester, and Harvey Brooks.^[15]

Ellington began listening to, watching, and imitating ragtime pianists, not only in Washington, D.C., but in Philadelphia and Atlantic City, where he vacationed with his mother during the summer months.^[14] Dunbar High School music teacher Henry Lee Grant gave him private lessons in harmony. With the additional guidance of Washington pianist and band leader Oliver "Doc" Perry, Ellington learned to read sheet music, project a professional style, and improve his technique. Ellington was also inspired by his first encounters with stride pianists James P. Johnson and Luckey Roberts. Later in New York he took advice from Will Marion Cook, Fats Waller, and Sidney Bechet. Ellington started to play gigs in cafés and clubs in and around Washington, D.C. and his attachment grew to be so strong that he turned down an art scholarship to the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn in 1916. Three months before graduating he dropped out of Armstrong Manual Training School, where he was studying commercial art.^[16]

From 1917 through 1919, Ellington launched his musical career, painting commercial signs by day and playing piano by night. Through his day job, Duke's entrepreneurial side came out: when a customer would ask him to make a sign for a dance or party, he would ask them if they had musical entertainment; if not, Ellington would ask if he could play for them. He also had a messenger job with the U.S. Navy and State Departments. Ellington moved out of his parents' home and bought his own as he became a successful pianist. At first, he played in other ensembles, and in late 1917 formed his first group, "The Duke’s Serenaders" ("Colored Syncopators", his telephone directory advertising proclaimed).^[16] He was not only a member, but also the booking agent. His first play date was at the True Reformer's Hall, where he took home 75 cents.^[17]

Ellington played throughout the Washington, D.C. area and into Virginia for private society balls and embassy parties. The band included Otto Hardwick, who switched from bass to saxophone; Arthur Whetsol on trumpet; Elmer Snowden on banjo; and Sonny Greer on drums. The band thrived, performing for both African-American and white audiences, a rarity during the racially divided times.^[18]