Isfahan

Isfahan (Persian: اصفهان) is a city in the Central District of Isfahan County, Isfahan Province, Iran. It is the capital of the province, the county, and the district. It is 440 kilometres (270 miles) south of Tehran. The city has about 2,238,000 people, making it the third-biggest city in Iran, after Tehran and Mashhad.

Isfahan is where two big routes cross Iran, one going north to south and the other east to west. The city grew and thrived between the 9th and 18th centuries. Under the Safavid Empire, Isfahan became the capital of Iran for the second time, under Abbas the Great. It is famous for its beautiful Persian–Muslim architecture. The city has wide boulevards, covered bridges, palaces, tiled mosques, and tall minarets.

The city has many historical buildings, monuments, paintings, and artifacts. Because of its rich history and beauty, Isfahan is known by the Persian saying Esfahān nesf-e-jahān ast meaning "Isfahan is half the world." Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is one of the largest city squares in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Etymology

The name Isfahan comes from an old word Spahān, meaning "place of gathering for the army". This name is found in old writings and coins. Other old names for the area are Gey, Jey, Park, and Judea.

History

See also: Timeline of Isfahan

People have lived in the Isfahan region since very old times. Scientists have found old things from many different time periods, like the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron ages. During the Median rule, Isfahan grew because of the Zayandehrud River. It was a city where different kinds of people lived together during the time of Cyrus the Great, and everyone was treated kindly no matter what their beliefs were.

The Muslim Arabs took over Isfahan in 642 CE and made it the capital of a big area called al-Jibal. The city grew more under the Buyid and Seljuk leaders. After the Seljuks fell in 1200 CE, Isfahan became less important for a while. But it became very important again during the Safavid time (1501–1736), especially when Abbas the Great made it the capital in 1598. He brought many skilled workers from Turkey, Armenia, and Persia to help the city grow. Later, people from places like Georgia, Circassia, and Daghestan also settled there.

In the 20th century, many people from southern Iran moved to Isfahan, especially in the early 1900s and again after the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s.

Median and Achaemenid era

Under Median rule, Isfahan started to grow into a bigger town, helped by the rich land along the Zayandehrud River, in a place called Aspandana or Ispandana.

When Cyrus the Great brought together Persian and Median lands into the Achaemenid Empire, Isfahan stayed a city where many different people and beliefs were welcome. After Cyrus took Babylon, he let Jews there go back to Jerusalem. Some of them chose to stay in Isfahan instead, and they built a place called Yahudia there.

Parthian era

The Parthians kept the tradition of being open to everyone after the Achaemenids fell. They added Greek ideas to Iranian culture and made Isfahan grow to serve as a capital city.

Sassanid era

The Sassanid Empire (224–651 CE) made big changes, bringing back Iranian culture and the Zoroastrian religion. The city and area were called Aspahan or Spahan then. Leaders called the Espoohrans, from seven noble families, ruled the city. Old bridges from this time show how the kings liked to build big projects.

Even though Isfahan was not as important politically then, many princes learned how to govern in the city, and it became a strong military place because of its location near old roads to Susa and Persepolis. The names Aspahan and Spahan come from an old language meaning "the place of the army".

There were also Jewish people living in a place called Yahudiyyeh, about 3 kilometres northwest of the main city. This settlement began during the late 4th and early 5th centuries.

Muslim conquest

For broader coverage of this topic, see Muslim conquest of Persia and History of Iran § Early Islamic period.

When the Arabs took Isfahan in 642 CE, they made it the capital of al-Jabal province. The city grew rich under the Buyid leaders. Walls around the city were likely built in the tenth century. Toghril Beg, the first Seljuq leader, made Isfahan the capital of his lands in the mid-11th century, and it became more beautiful and bigger under his grandson Malik-Shah I (ruled 1073–92).

After the Seljuks fell around 1200 CE, Isfahan became less important and was overshadowed by cities like Tabriz and Qazvin.

Khwarazmian and Mongol era

Timurid era

When Ibn Battuta visited in 1327, he said Isfahan was one of the biggest and most beautiful cities, but much of it was in ruins.

Safavid era

Isfahan became important again during the Safavid era (1501–1736). Its golden age began in 1598 when Abbas the Great made it the capital and rebuilt it. He moved the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan and made policies to help trade along the Silk Road. He brought many Turkish, Armenian, and Persian craftsmen to the city to help it grow.

Abbas created a new area for Armenians who had been moved from a place called Jugha, naming it New Julfa. Today, it is one of the largest areas for Armenians in the world.

Abbas also changed how the city looked. He made a big open space called Shah Square and a long road called Chahar Bagh Boulevard. Between them was a garden, now called Hasht Behesht. These new designs stood out from the older, winding streets and attracted visitors and rich people to the Chahar Bagh.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, many people from the Caucasus settled in Isfahan after an agreement between Abbas the Great and a Georgian leader named Teimuraz I.

The city now had communities of people from Georgia, Circassia, and Daghestan.

During Abbas’s time, Isfahan became well-known in Europe, and European visitors wrote about their trips to the city. The city was damaged by invaders from Central Asia in 1722, which started a time when Safavid power weakened. After that, Isfahan’s importance went down. The capital was moved to Mashhad during the Afsharid time, then to Shiraz during the Zand time, and finally to Tehran in 1775 by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, the first leader of the Qajar dynasty.

In the early 1800s, work began to protect some of Isfahan’s important old buildings.

Modern age

In the 20th century, Isfahan was resettled by many people from southern Iran. Many came during the migrations at the start of the century, and in the 1980s following the Iran–Iraq War.

The city has factories that make carpets, textiles, steel, handicrafts, and sweets, including Isfahan rugs. There are also places for making nuclear fuel, a big oil refinery, and an air force base nearby. Isfahan also attracts visitors from other countries.

In 2023, the government put up loudspeakers to make calls for prayers. The city also made a tourism app called Isfahanema. Public housing projects were being built.

In 2018, farmers in Isfahan spoke out about not getting enough water, saying the government was not managing things well.

Geography

Main articles: Ecology in Isfahan and Regions of Iran

The city is in Iran, near the Zayandeh River and close to the Zagros Mountains. The closest mountain is Mount Soffeh, just to the south.

Isfahan has canals that bring water from the Zayandeh River to farms, factories, and homes. These canals were built long ago.

The area around Isfahan has had some water and air quality problems. Some nearby towns have become empty because there isn’t enough water. The city sometimes has very bad air.

Isfahan is known for a special rose called the Damask rose. The city has animals like wagtails in parks and farms. Sheep are important symbols there.

The city has a cold desert climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Cool winds often blow from the north. Snow falls a few days each winter. The Zayande River flows through the city and ends in a wetland. Even in hot summers, olive trees can grow there because they need less water. In 2024, Isfahan had a very hot period with record-high temperatures.

Energy

Main article: Nuclear facilities in Iran

Isfahan has important centers for nuclear technology, like the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center and the Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility. In July 2022, Iran announced plans to build a new nuclear research reactor there.

There have been concerns that Isfahan might be important for Iran's nuclear activities. In 2008, experts said they could not fully check some areas in Isfahan. In June 2022, a large amount of highly enriched uranium was moved to facilities in Isfahan. In June 2025, the United States Air Force struck sites thought to be linked to these activities.

Military facilities

Main article: List of Iranian Air Force bases

Isfahan has important military locations. Some factories in the city may help make powerful weapons. The city has airbases used by Iran's military, including one that houses special fighter jets. There is also a university in Isfahan that studies military science and technology.

Transportation

Roads and freeways

Between 2002 and 2013, Isfahan improved its roads. Today, highways connect the city to other big cities in Iran, such as Tehran, which is 400 kilometres north, and Shiraz, 200 kilometres south. Smaller cities around Isfahan also have highways.

The Isfahan Eastern Bypass Freeway is still being built.

In 2021, the city started using a new AVL system to help with traffic.

Bridges

The oldest bridge over the Zayanderud river is the Shahrestan Bridge. Its foundations were laid long ago during the Sasanian Empire. Another famous bridge is the Khaju Bridge, built in 1650. It is 123 metres long and has 24 arches. There is also the Choobi (Joui) Bridge.

Further up the river is the Allahverdi Khan Bridge, also called Si-o-se-pol. It links Isfahan to the Armenian neighborhood of New Julfa and is the longest bridge in the city. The Marnan Bridge is another well-known bridge.

Ride sharing

Two popular ride-sharing apps in Isfahan are Snapp! and Tapsi (ridehailing). The city has bike-sharing stations and bike paths.

Mass transit

The Isfahan and Suburbs Bus Company runs buses for people to travel around the city. The East–West BRT Bus Rapid Transit Line carries many passengers each day.

Plans are in place to build a tram network, and the Isfahan Metro opened in 2015. It has one line that runs north to south, with more lines being built.

You can catch a train at the city's railway station, operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways. Trains go to places like Bandarabbas and Mashhad. Work is happening to build a fast train line connecting Isfahan to Tehran and Qom.

Airports

The city has Isfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport, which was Iran's 7th busiest airport in 2019. It is close to a military air base.

Economy

Main article: Economy in Isfahan

In 2014, jobs in factories, mining, and trade in Isfahan helped make a lot of money for Iran. By 2019, leaders wanted to focus more on tourism.

The city has many workers, and more people joined the workforce from 1990 to 2020. But in 2018, some people who wanted jobs could not find any.

A company that gives electricity to the city started in 1992. In 2020, local crafts added money to the economy each year. A big place for shows and events called Isfahan Fair opened in November 2020 to bring more visitors.

Aquaculture and agriculture

See also: List of canals in Isfahan

Isfahan city makes tons of salmon each year. Many decorative fish come from farms in Isfahan province. These farms had many fish in 2017.

Farmers in Isfahan grow crops and use canals to bring water to their fields. One big canal is called Niasarm.

Textiles

The city grew during a time called the Pahlavi period, and many textile factories opened. This gave Isfahan a special name. By the mid-1960s, big factories employed many people, and the city made a lot of clothes in Iran. Later, a company made special fabric used all over the country.

High tech and heavy industries

In 2001, a place for science and research was created to help schools, the government, and businesses. Isfahan makes a lot of medicine and is a big place for making medicine in Iran.

Big companies that talk on the phone and use the internet work in the city. Isfahan also has factories that make steel and special kinds of metal. One steel company is very big, and another was the first to make building steel in Iran.

Recreation and tourism

Many visitors from other countries came to the city. Money was spent to help grow tourism.

Nazhvan Park has a zoo with tanks showing reptiles. There are also two fun water parks, called the Saadi water park and the Nazhvan water park. The park has beautiful gardens and places to hold parties and weddings.

Medical tourism

The Isfahan Healthcare city is a big building made to help people from other places come for medical care.

Shopping

The city has many shops and places to buy things, like Refah Chain Stores Co., Iran Hyper Star, Isfahan City Center, Shahrvand Chain Stores Inc., and Kowsar Market.

Cinemas

There are nine movie theaters in the city. In the past, movies were a popular place for people to go. During a big change in 1979, many movie theaters were damaged. Famous filmmakers from other countries once filmed scenes in Isfahan.

Sports

Isfahan has three soccer teams: Sepahan S.C., Zob Ahan Isfahan F.C., and Sanaye Giti Pasand F.C. Sepahan has won many titles. There are also teams for other sports like handball, futsal, volleyball, and basketball. The city even has special exercise places called Pahlevani zoorkhanehs.

Demographics

In 2019, people usually got married when girls were about 25 years old and boys were about 30 years old.

The city of Isfahan has many people living in simpler areas, especially in the northern and eastern parts. The local way of speaking is called Esfahani, which is a main type of Western Persian. Some Jewish neighborhoods have their own special way of speaking. Long ago, during the Pahlavi time, a big group from the Kurdish Gulbaghi tribe moved from the north of Kurdistan province to Isfahan and nearby cities. Today, they are mostly part of the city's population.

Religion

Isfahan has many important buildings for different religions. There are old mosques, such as Agha Nour mosque from the 16th century and Jarchi mosque from 1610. You can also find places called Imamzadehs, which are tombs.

There are churches too, mostly in the New Julfa area. The oldest church is St. Jakob Church, built in 1607. Other important churches include St. Georg Church from the 17th century and Vank Cathedral from 1664.

Isfahan also has old places of worship for Jewish communities.

Civic administration

See also: Isfahan (electoral district), Greater Isfahan Region, and Districts of Isfahan

Isfahan has a smart city program to help manage people and transport. It also has waste management.

In 2015, an online statistical database was created in Farsi to help with city planning.

In 2020, the city employed 6,250 people directly, with another 3,000 working in 16 subsidiary organizations.

There have been four development programs since 1967. In 2020, the city made a plan for future programs.

The city’s color theme has been turquoise for some time.

Municipal government

The mayor is Ghodratollah Noroozi. The chairman of the city council is Alireza Nasrisfahani. There is also a leadership council within the city council. The representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran, as well as the representative from Isfahan in the Assembly of Experts, is Yousef Tabatabai Nejad.

The city is divided into 15 municipal districts.

Public works

The city processes and recycles waste at the Isfahan Waste Complex.

The Isfahan Water and Sewage Company provides and fixes water, maintains sewage systems, and treats waste in the city.

Twenty-five fire departments provide service. Twenty private security companies provided armed services as of 2012.

Human resources and public health

As of June 2020, 65% of the people in Isfahan province had social security insurance.

Isfahan is known as the multiple sclerosis capital of the world, because of some industries in the area.

In 2015, almost 15% of the people felt sad because of severe drought that affected the Zayandeh River. A center to support people opened in 2023, followed by another center for women later.

Mass surveillance

In 2024–25, the government in Iran used Isfahan to test rules about clothing. They put up cameras and had people check that everyone followed the rules.

Education and science

Main article: Education Department of Isfahan

Further information: List of universities in Isfahan Province, List of schools in Iran § Isfahan, List of Isfahan schools, and List of universities in Iran § Isfahan

Isfahan has a long history of learning. The first elementary schools were called maktabkhanehs.

Today, Isfahan has many schools and universities. Some old schools include Chahar Bagh School and Sadr Madrasa. There are also modern universities such as Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan University of Technology, and Isfahan University of Art. Many students study science, engineering, and art in these schools.

See also: School of Isfahan

Culture

Main article: Culture in Isfahan

Isfahan has many old traditions, like the festivals of Tirgan and Sepandārmazgān.

The city is known for its art. Every year, Isfahan has a theatre festival, and there are nine theatres today. The city celebrates its National Day on November 22 with many events.

Local foods in Isfahan include snacks like Gosh-e fil and Doogh, and dishes such as Khoresht mast, beryani, and meat with beans. Sweet treats like gaz and poolaki come from Isfahan.

The music of Isfahan has a special style called Bayat-e Esfahan, which is part of Iranian traditional music.

The first newspaper in the city, Farhang, was published a long time ago. Today, Isfahan has a news agency and a TV and radio station.

Cultural sites

See also: Isfahani style; Tourism in Iran; List of historical structures in Isfahan Province; and Hall of Art, Isfahan

The city center of Isfahan has an older part around the Jameh Mosque and a beautiful area from old times around Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Near here, you can find old palaces, markets, and places for worship. This part is called Seeosepol, named after a famous bridge.

Important squares and streets in Isfahan include Chaharbagh Boulevard, Chaharbagh-e-khajou Boulevard, Meydan Kohne, Naqsh-e Jahan Square (also called Shah Square or Imam Square), Amadegah, and Taleghani Street (also known as Shah Street).

Other interesting places in Isfahan are the Atashgah of Isfahan, a special Zoroastrian fire temple; the Isfahan Observatory; and Asarkhane Shahi. There are also old pigeon towers scattered around the city, with 22 in Gavart alone.

International relations

Since 1994, Isfahan has been part of the League of Historical Cities and works with cities around the world.

Plans are in place to build a special area next to the Imam Khamenei International Convention Center where countries can set up offices. China has said it will be the first to open one there.

The city has many friends around the world. It is connected with cities like Xi'an in China, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Florence in Italy, and many more. These friendships help the cities learn from each other.

Isfahan works together with:

• Barcelona, Spain (2000)

The special area in Isfahan also has friendly ties with:

• Issy-les-Moulineaux, France (2018)

Notable people

Main page: Category:People from Isfahan

Isfahan has been home to many talented people in different areas.

In music, the city produced singers like Alireza Eftekhari and Leila Forouhar, as well as musicians such as Hassan Kassai and the Saeidi brothers.

The film industry also has strong ties to Isfahan, with directors like Rasul Sadr Ameli and actors such as Sara Bahrami and Homayoun Ershadi.

In sports, Isfahan has Olympic champions like Sohrab Moradi in weightlifting and taekwondo stars such as Milad Beigi. The city has also produced notable football figures, including Mansour Ebrahimzadeh and Mahmoud Yavari.

Literature and poetry flourished in Isfahan, with renowned writers and poets such as Mohammad-Ali Jamālzādeh Esfahani, Hatef Esfehani, and Saib Tabrizi.

Other notable individuals from Isfahan include leaders, religious figures, and activists who have made their mark in society.

2025 ammunition factory explosion

On 29 April 2025, a big blast happened at a warehouse in Isfahan. The warehouse belonged to a company that makes gunpowder. Sadly, two people died, and two others were hurt. We still do not know why the explosion happened. This event happened just three days after another explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port.