Isfahan Province استان اصفهان
—  Province  —
Location of Isfahan within Iran
Coordinates: 32°39′28″N 51°40′09″E / 32.6577°N 51.6692°E / 32.6577; 51.6692Coordinates: 32°39′28″N 51°40′09″E / 32.6577°N 51.6692°E / 32.6577; 51.6692
Country	Iran
Capital	Isfahan
Counties	22
Area
• Total	107,029 km2 (41,324 sq mi)
Population (2006)[1]
• Total	4,559,256
• Density	43/km2 (110/sq mi)
Time zone	IRST (UTC+03:30)
• Summer (DST)	IRST (UTC+04:30)
Main language(s)	Predominantly Persian. Minority: Bakhtiari Luri, Qashqai, Georgian, Armenian languages in some regions of the province
Website	[2]

Isfahan Province (Persian: استان اصفهان‎ Ostān-e Esfahān‎), also transliterated as Esfahan, Espahan, Sepahan or Isphahan, is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It is located in the center of the country. Its capital is the city of Isfahan.

Geography[link]

The province of Esfahan covers an area of approximately 107,027 square km and is situated in the center of Iran. To its north, stand the Markazi (Central) Province and the provinces of Qom and Semnan. To its south, it is bordered by the provinces of Fars, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. Aminabad is the most southern city of Esfahan province just 2 km north of the border. To the east, it is bordered by the province of Yazd. To the west, it is bordered by the province of Lurestan and to the southwest by the province of Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiyari.

The city of Esfahan is the provincial capital; and the counties of this province are as follows: Aran va Bidgol, Ardestan, Esfahan, Lanjan , Shahinshahr and Meymeh, Khomeini Shahr, Khansar, (The Upper) Semirom, Fereydan, Fereydunshahr, Falavarjan, Kashan, Golpayegan, Khomeini-shahr, Mobarakeh, Nain, Najaf Abad, Lower Semirom (Dehaghan), Shahreza, Anarak and Natanz; 18 townships, 38 counties, 67 cities, and 2470 villages in all. According to the census in the year 2006, the population of the province was 4,559,256 of which approximately 83.3 percent were urban residents and 16.7 percent resided in the rural areas. The literacy rate was 88.65 percent.

The province experiences a moderate and dry climate on the whole, ranging between 40.6 °C and 10.6 °C on a cold day in the winter season. The average annual temperature has been recorded as 16.7 °C and the annual rainfall on an average has been reported as 116.9 mm. The city of Esfahān however experiences an excellent climate, with four distinct seasons.

History and culture[link]

Kashan is another cultural jewel of the province. Seen here is the Agha Bozorg Mosque.

Historians have recorded initially as a defense and military base. The security and protection of the gradually increasing castles and fortifications, thereby, would provide the protection of residents nearby, therefore leading to the growth of large settlements nearby. These historical castles were Atashgah, Sarooyieh, Tabarok, Kohan Dej, and Gard Dej to name a few. The oldest of these is Ghal'eh Sefeed and the grounds at Tamijan from prehistoric times. The historic village of Abyaneh, a nationwide attraction, also has Sassanid ruins and fire temples among other historical relics.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Esfahan province enjoyed high standards of prosperity as it became the capital of Safavid Persia. While the city of Esfahan was their seat of monarchy, Kashan was their place of vacation and leisure.

Esfahan province encompasses various sects today. The majority of the people in the province are Persian^[2] speakers, but Bakhtiari Lurs, Georgians, Armenians^[2], Azeris^[2], 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^[2], Azerbaijani^[2], Georgian, Qashqai Turkic or Bakhtiari Lurish. Esfahan province is noted for its reputed personalities such as writers, poets and other imminent figures who have been born and brought up or have lived in this territory.

Tourist Attractions[link]

Isfahan is 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) - Naghsheh Gahan square - Shaigh Lotofolah Masque - Imam Masque - Ali Ghapoo palace - Seeosepol bridge - Ghaisarieh bazaar - Ghaisarieh bazaar entrance - Chehel setoon building - Chahar Bagh complex - Jameh Mosque - Hasht Behesht Building - Charhar Bagh school - Recreation center - Ashraf saloon - Khajoo bridge - Flower Gorden - Birds Garden - Water Fulls Park - Bozorg 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 - Baitollham church - Darolziafeh Monareh - Petros house - Darid house - Jewish church - Mesri Mosque - Koshk Darb - Malek Gorestan - Ghazviniha Museum - Lebnon Mosque - Khat Museum - Shohada Museum - Halal Ahmar Museum - Shaikholeslam house - Safa Mosque - Ali Agha public bath - Jolfa chuch - 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 - Yakob church - Marta house - Narsis church - Bidabad bazaar - Soltani complex - Shahzadeghan Bogheh - Mirza Kochek khan park - Ghadir recreational cultural complex (^[3])

Islamic Azad University[link]

1. Islamic Azad University of Khorasgan
2. Islamic Azad University of Majlesi
3. Islamic Azad University of Khomeini Shahr
4. Islamic Azad University of Naeen
5. Islamic Azad University of Najaf Abad
6. Golpayegan
7. Kashan University

See also[link]

• History of Iran
• Georgians in Iran

Further readings on the Georgians of Isfahan Province[link]

• Muliani, S. (2001) The Georgians’ position in the Iranian history and civilization (Jaygah-e Gorjiha dar Tarikh va Farhang va Tammadon-e Iran) , Esfahan: Yekta
• Rahimi, M.M. (2001) The Georgians of Iran; Fereydunshahr (Gorjiha-ye Iran; Fereydunshahr), Esfahan: Yekta
• Sepiani, M. (1979) Georgian Iranians (Iranian-e Gorji), Esfahan: Arash
• Isfahan's tourist exhibition mentions the Georgians from Fereydunshahr and Fereydan. The report of this exhibition is available in the web site of the Iranian Cultural Heritage News agency. [3]
• Saakashvili visited Fereydunshahr and put flowers on the graves of the Iranian Georgian martyrs' graves, showing respect towards this community [4]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Isfahan Province

• Province of Esfahan on Iran Chamber Society
• Official website
• Esfahan Travel Attractions
• Isfahan Cultural Heritage Organization
• Isfahan Province Department of Education
• Isfahan information and pictures
• IsfahanEast.com
• Naein News

	Markazi Province	Qom Province	Semnan Province
	Lorestan Province		Yazd Province
		Isfahan Province    East
	Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari Province	Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province	Fars Province

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 Provinces of Iran Alborz Ardabil Bushehr Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari East Azerbaijan Isfahan Fars Gilan Golestan Hamadan Hormozgan Ilam Kerman Kermanshah Khuzestan Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Kurdistan Lorestan Markazi Mazandaran North Khorasan Qazvin Qom Razavi Khorasan Semnan Sistan and Baluchestan South Khorasan Tehran West Azerbaijan Yazd Zanjan

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)

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