| Esfahan (Isfahan) | ||
| Iran's major cities: Tehran Shiraz Isfahan Mashhad Tabriz |
Isfahan (also Esfahan) is the third-largest
city of Iran and the capital of Isfahan province. The city is located at an
altitude of 1,590 m (5,216 ft) on the north bank of the Zayandeh River about 320 km (200
mi) south of Tehran. The population is 1,127,050 (1991). Isfahan is a transportation center, for Iran's main north-south and east-west roads intersect there. The city has long been famous for its traditional handicrafts; filigree and metalwork, carpets, and handprinted textiles are produced. The old art of tile making has been revived for use in restoring Isfahan's many historical monuments. A modern industrial complex manufactures steel and textiles. The University of Isfahan (1966) is located there. First known as a city during the Sassanian period, Isfahan was conquered in 642 by the Arabs, who made it a provincial capital. During the mid-11th century the Seljuks captured Isfahan and made it the capital of their vast empire in 1051. In 1387, Timur conquered the city and killed many of the inhabitants. Isfahan reached its zenith after 1598, when Shah Abbas I chose the city as the capital of the Safavid dynasty. Abbas built many of the monuments that remain today. Isfahan fell into a long decline beginning in 1722 when it was captured by Afghans. In the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi (1925-41) it was revived as an industrial center. Among Isfahan's many outstanding examples of medieval Islamic architecture are the Masjid-i-Imam (Imam Mosque) and Sheykh Lutfulla mosque. The city is also noted for its gardens and squares and its ancient palaces and stone bridges. |