HISTORY

Isfahan (ancient Aspadana), a city in central Iran, capital of Isfahan Province, on the northern bank of the Zayandeh Rud river. Isfahan was renowned in former times for its architectural grandeur and the beauty of its public gardens. Isfahan, the chosen and designed capital under Shah Abbas I (1598 AD), was reconstituted with so many new mosques, fine palaces, and bridges (masterpieces of world architecture), avenues, restaurants, traditional houses and parks that even European travelers wrote rapturously of its beauties. In addition to being one of the finest art cities of the world and rich in history, Isfahan is also one of Iran’s largest industrial, agricultural, and handicrafts production centers. It has long been known for its fine carpets, hand textile mills, oil refineries, and power plants. In addition, Isfahan covers an area of approximately 105,937 Square km and includes counties like: Khomeini-shahr, Najafabad, Naein, Ardestan, Natanz and Kashan. It is situated in a massive range of central Zagros mountains with a moderate climate.
The province is considered as one of the largest centers in producing various types of handicrafts and has long been the cradle of final arts.
Since this province is highly favored by tourists, it is an obvious fact that handicrafts and Souvenirs play a vital part in this area. The most important of these are the following: Carpet weaving, brocade weaving, kilim (or a coarse carpet), enamel work, khatam (inlaid work), engraving on metal, silver work, jewelry making, ceramic and tiles and types of sweetmeats, such as 'gaz' and 'souhan'.
The most important places you should not miss: Naqshe-e-Jahan square, Vank cathedral, Menar Jonban, chehel sotoun , Imam mosque and some unique Beiges such as Khajoo and Si o sehPol