|
::
Palaces and Edifices.
|
|
Ali Qapoo Edifice,Esfahan |
 |
This
palace was also called 'Daulat
Khaneh-e-Mobarakeh Nagsh-e-Jahan'
and the 'Daulat Khaneh Palace'. Its
unique archaic architecture is
related to the Safavid era. This
edifice was constructed under the
orders of Shah Abbas I. The monarch
would receive special envoys in this
palace and hold his audience here.
Valuable miniature paintings, the
works of the reputed artist of the
times Reza Abbassi, and other
traditional works of art can be
noted here. |
|
Plasterwork of the 'sound room' was
modeled such that the acoustic
affect produced natural and pleasant
sounds. The sovereign and his guests
would be spectators to polo,
illuminations, fire-works and the
dramatics that took place in the
Nagsh-e-Jahan Square from the halls
of this elegant palace.
Back to top
|
|
Ashraf Pavillion, Esfahan
|
![]()
Back to top
|
This
structure is within the palace and
was erected during the reign of Shah
Abbas II with the aid of scaffolds.
The roof of which is flat and
supported by thick, tall columns
covered with gold. The said
structure was put under repair about
fifty years ago, in order to prevent
it from being destroyed. |
|
Chehel Sotune Palace, Esfahan
|
|
The
Chehel Sotune Palace and its garden
cover an area of approximately
67,000 sq. m. This palace was
constructed during the reign of Shah
Abbas I. Shah Abbas II was also
responsible for additions to this
palace, such as the hall of mirrors,
the hall of 18 pillars and two large
chambers facing the north and south.
The spectacular hall of mirrors with
its decorative mirror work, tile
work and paintings, along with its
majestic porches and pool which
faces this hall, |
|
all
add to its splendor. Interesting
aspects of the Chehel Sotune Palace
are: The stone lions at the four
corners of the central pool, the
hall and marble and vaulted cornices
around it. The gilded adornments,
paintings and the portrait of the
sovereign in the royal hall. Along
with that of the chambers
surrounding the hall of mirrors. The
portrait of Shah Abbas I with the
special crown and the miniatures of
the treasury room. Several facades
such as the 'Qotbiyeh Mosque', 'Zaviyeh
in Kushk', and the imprints of the
'Dar-e-Joubareh' and 'Aqasi Mosque'
are affixed in the western and
southern walls of the garden. The
hall and porches of this palace were
constructed during the fifth year of
the reign of Shah Abbas II. The
reflection of the twenty pillars of
the hall in the pool opposite the
palace brings about a conception of
forty pillars. Hence the name Chehel
Sotune.
Back to top
|
|
Fin Historical Edifice and Garden,
Kashan |
![]() |
This
garden is located to the south of
the city of
Kashan and near the
village of Fin. The same was
constructed on the former structures
of the Al-e-Booyeh era. Its general
layout and aqua system has been
rendered special attention. This
vicinity gained fame due to the
murder of Amir Kabir, the reputed
nationalist and Prime Minister
(Grand Chancellor) of Nasereddin
Shah Qajar. Amir Kabir was
assassinated in a small bath here in
the year 1268 A.H. by the order of
the |
|
Shah.This garden is a relic from the
Safavid period, and has remained
such for centuries due to the
capacity of water it gains from the
Soleimaniyeh spring. ToDay, this
water flows into the 'Lasegah' pool
after meandering through this
beautiful garden, and providing
water for the surrounding areas. |
![]() |
The
structures of this garden are the
entrance and its facade, tower and
ramparts, the Safavid and Fathali
Shah sections, chambers for the
elite, the museum on the western
side of the premises, the large and
small bath and the library in the
eastern sector of this garden.The
covered construction housing the
Shah Abbasi section is in two
floors, this being in the center of
the garden and opposite the grand
facade. The construction of the same
was completed in the year 1226 A.H.
Here, |
|
there
are beautiful paintings and an
inscription worked with plaster in
the 'nastaliq' script. In the
vicinity of this garden, several
monarchs such as Shah Safi, Shah
Soleiman, Shah Tahmasb, Shah Abbas,
Karim Khan Zand and Fath Ali Shah
have all contributed in the repair
or making addition to the structures
on the premises. However, these
structures witnessed plunder in the
early period of the constitutional
revolution.
Back to top
|
|
Hasht Behesht Palace, Esfahan |
![]()
Back to top
|
This
historical edifice was constructed
during the reign of Shah Soleiman
Safavid. ToDay, only a minor portion
of the grounds remains. However,
tile work with interesting designs,
which are the remnants of this
palace can be noted. |
::
Castles. |
|
Narenj (Narin) Castle, Naein |
|
This
ancient castle is located near the
Alavian Mosque in the Babol Masjed
locality. The architectural affects
of this castle reveal that it was a
fire temple in the pre-Islamic
period. The same has been
constructed of baked bricks, and
dates back to the Parthian and
Sassanid eras. The height of this
castle from streets and alleys is 5
m. whereas, from the depth of the
moat it is 40 m.
Back to top
|
|
Other Castles, Esfahan |
|
Other
castles in this province include the
Rostam Bafaran, Neyestanak Castles
in
Naein, the Farfan Castle in
Esfahan, Torshak Castle in the
Marq Village of Esfahan, Deeyu and
Jalali Castles in
Kashan, Sangi Castle in the
township of
Semirom, and the Bozi Castle in
Lanjan.
Back to top
|
::
Historical Bridges and Caravansaries
. |
|
Khajoo (Shahi) Bridge, Esfahan |
![]() |
The
above mentioned took its foundation
in the late Teimooride period, and
was constructed according to what it
is currently in 1060 AH, under the
orders of Shah Abbas II. Its
cubicles, adornments and tile work
areinteresting aspects of this
construction. There is a structure
in the center of the bridge, known
as the Beglarbegi construction. The
same was used as a temporary
residence for the royal family. The
name of this bridge is a distorted
version of the word 'Khajeh'which
was a |
title for great personalities in the
Safavid era. It was constructed on
the Zayandeh Rood River.
Back to top
|
|
Marnan (Marbin) Bridge, Esfahan |
|
This
bridge connects the northern and
southern banks of the
Zayandeh Rood River. It is a
remnant of the Safavid era, and
toDay has undergone repairs
repeatedly.
Back to top
<a class="Staticlink" href="#Rivers">
Zayandeh Rood River</a>
<a class="Staticlink" href="#Esfahan">
Esfahan</a>
<a class="Staticlink" href="#Rivers">Rivers</a> |
|
Sa'adat Abad (Pol-e-Jooye) Bridge,
Esfahan |
|
The
said bridge is narrow in width and
147 m. in length. It was constructed
on the
Zayandeh Rood River, between the
two bridges of Allah Verdy Khan and
Khajoo. The same is a remnant of
Shah Abbas II. This bridge connects
the royal gardens on the northern
and southern banks of the Zayandeh
Rood river, with that of the gardens
of Sa'adat Abad and other reputed
constructions. Besides being a
promenade for the royalty,
commanders, the elite and special
envoys.
Back to top
|
|
Shahrestan Bridge, Esfahan |
|
This
bridge is located in the east of
Esfahan and is an interesting
piece of architecture. The same is a
relic of the Sassanid period.
Back to top
|
|
Sio Seh Pol (Allah Verdy Khan)
Bridge, Esfahan |
![]()
Back to top
|
This
bridge is approximately 300 m. in
length and 14 m. in width, and is
one of the masterpieces in bridge
construction in Iran and the world.
The same was constructed in 1005
A.H. under the supervision and
expense of Allah Verdy Khan, one of
the famous commanders of Shah Abbas
Safavid I. The Armenians used to
hold special festivities near this
bridge in the Safavid period. It was
constructed on the
Zayandeh Rood River. |
|
Mahyar Carvansery, Esfahan |
|
This
caravansary with its four porches is
to the dimensions of 82 x 89 sq. m.
and with a rectangular courtyard
covering an area of 48.30 x 38.70
sq. m. is located in the south of
Esfahan in the village of
Mahyar. The chambers of this
caravansary are 4 x 5 sq. m.
Structures such as the mill, bakery,
traditional teahouse and bazaar of
this caravansary bear historical
value.
Back to top
|
|
Sansan Carvansery, Esfahan |
|
The
same lies in the Sansan Village, at
a distance of 40 km. on the Qom -
Kashan road. This is a square
structure with four porches and
constructed of brick, sun baked
bricks and clay. Adornments of brick
can be observed here. The facade
displays 14 arched roofs, and the
entrance hall has three arched
ceilings and springs. Each of the
four sections of this caravansary
has 16 rooms.
Back to top
|
|
Other Caravansaries, Esfahan |
![]() |
These
are named as, Sheikh Ali Khan,
Jarchi Bashi, Teemcheh-e-Jahangir,
Saray-e-Sefid, Mirza Kuchak, Mir
Ismail and Khansariha in the bazaar
of
Esfahan. Maranjab,
Amin-ud-Douleh, Gomrok, Mooteh and
Gabr Abad in
Kashan. Bazaar-e-Zavareh in
Zavareh, Behjat Abad on the Esfahan
-
Natanz Road, Chahar Borj on the
Esfahan - Kashan Road, the Gez
caravansary north of Esfahan, Bahram
on the Esfahan - Tehran Road,
Madar-e-Shah in the north of
Esfahan, Taqi |
|
Abad,
Golgoon Abad, Yagmeesh and Khargoosh
on the Esfahan Road, and Dambi
caravansary amongst others in
Esfahan Province.
Back to top
|
::
Ancient Cities and Archaeological
Hills. |
|
Arisman Ancient City, Natanz |
![]() |
This
historical site of 'Arisman' with
6000 years of antiquity is located
in the Arisman Village in the
township of
Natanz. The same comprises of
three archeological vicinities and
lie in the skirts of the
Karkas Mountains and to the
north of it. This area resembles a
workshop or foundry with colossal
furnaces for the smelting of metals
and the making of moulds.
Earthenware evidences reveal that
these are relics of the 4th and 1st
millennium B.C. Other remnants are a
brick construction |
|
which
was most probably a foundry, and a
cemetery where an urn has been
discovered.
Back to top
|
|
Sialk
Hills, Kashan |
 |
Approximately 4,500 years B.C., a
community with an interesting
civilization was settled in this
area and their tools were of stone
and bone. There is a possibility
that the former residents of this
region had succumbed to their
successors. Here, Elamite slabs of
clay have been found, and due to the
links of this community with that of
the civilization of Shoosh (Susa),
about 5,500 years ago, they learned
to write. Thereby, several clay
slabs with the most ancient Elamite
script are |
|
vestiges of this area. Evidences
found in the cemetery between the
two hillocks are related to the
fresh immigrants to the Sialk Hill,
which bears a strong resemblance to
the discoveries in the Giyan Hillock
of Nahavand and Khordin of Savoj
Bollaq.
Back to top
|
::
Fire Temples. |
|
Kooh Sangy Fire Temple, Esfahan |
|
The
said fire-temple can be considered
as one of the most ancient
historical heritages of
Esfahan. It is located at a
short distance from the
Zayandeh Rood, and distinctly
draws ones attention in being
outstanding in the western plains of
Esfahan. Above the Kooh Sangy is a
round and large clay brazier with a
number of crevices. From where the
fire was lighted even at the highest
point of this vicinity and was
capable of being seen even at a
great distance. The walls of the
fire-temple is a kind of platform,
gradually beginning at the base and
regaining a vast area in the upper
portion, thus providing space for
various rituals.
Back to top
|
|
Sangy (Stony) Fire Case, Semirom |
|
The
said brazier is related to the
Achaemenian and Sassanid periods,
but its pillars are from the
Sassanid era. These are engraved
with portraits of Khosrow Parviz on
the upper part of the columns. One
of the two of these pillars has been
damaged.
Back to top
|
|
Sassanid Fire Temple, Natanz |
|
This
fire-temple is located near the
Natanz mosque and is amidst a
platform which is at an elevation of
2 m. from ground level. Only two of
its four ceilings that connected the
structure to the dome made of stone
remain. The main structure was
constructed of stone slabs coated
with gypsum.
Back to top
|
:: Tombs. |
|
Baba Roknedin Tomb, Esfahan |
|
This
tomb is located in the cemetry of
Takht-e-Poullad, to the south of the
Zayandeh Rood. This structure is
in shape of a pyramid with twelve
panels. The current structure is of
the Shah Abbas period. The exterior
and facade is worked in tiles. The
base of the dome is five-sided with
five porches surrounding the
structure below. The tomb is located
in one of these porches and has a
marble tombstone of over 2 m. in
length and 1.16 m. in width and
marble slabs with the dimensions of
163 x 89 cm. are affixed vertically
around. This tomb is a relic of the
Safavid era and was repaired in the
year 1200 A.H.
Back to top
|
|
Feyz-e-Kashany Tomb, Kashan |
|
This
tomb lies to the west of the city of
Kashan and near the large
cemetery of the city. This tomb
retained its simplicity according to
the wish of the deceased, till
recent years when certain
renovations were performed.
Back to top
|
|
Majlesi Tomb, Esfahan
|
|
The
said tomb is located to the north
west of the Jame' mosque of
Esfahan. Besides this tomb,
there are other graves belonging to
other personalities of the clergy
are in this vicinity. The mausoleum
is decorated with tiles, paintings
and mirror work. The ancient facade
has vaulted plaster, near which
inscriptions dated 1093 A.H. can be
noted.
Back to top
|
|
Mir Emad Tomb, Esfahan
|
|
The
tomb of one of the famed
calligraphers of the 'nastaliq'
script, known as Emad-ol-Molk and
reputedly called Mir, is located in
the small courtyard of the Maqsud
Bek mosque. In this tomb there is a
slab of marble (70 x 35 cm.) affixed
to the eastern wall, the same being
engraved with verses.
Back to top
|
|
Mohtasham Kashany Tomb, Kashan
|
|
This
famous personality, a poet of the
Safavid era has been laid to rest in
Kashan. The small dome of the
mausoleum is decorated in tiles, and
the ceiling of the mausoleum is
adorned with beautiful paintings. On
the walls, verses from his poems
have been inscribed in white on a
navy blue back ground, in the
'nastaliq' script.
Back to top
|
|
Peer-e-Bakran Tomb, Esfahan |
|
This
tomb is situated in the village of
Peer-e-Bakran in
Esfahan, and comprises of three
sections, such as the porch,
courtyard and high ceiling. The
ceiling of the porch is adorned with
the 'kufi' script, plaster work and
floral design. The tomb is to the
northern side of the mausoleum and
near the chamber where this
personality used to preach and
utilize for worship. The mausoleum
is adorned with tile and plasterwork
and the walls between the tomb and
courtyard are latticed. Here there
are epigraphs in the 'kufi' script
displaying religious verses. This
structure was constructed in the
year 703 A.H.
Back to top
|
|
Saeb-e-Tabrizy Tomb, Esfahan |
|
This
reputed poet was laid to rest in a
vicinity known as Baq-e-Takiyeh.
This site has taken inspiration from
the architecture of the Safavid
period. The same resembles a porch
with a length of 14.20 m. its width
and height being 6 and 8 m.
respectively, and is at an elevation
of about 2 m. from ground level,
with ten steps surrounding it. The
ceiling is designed with mirror
work, and there are two entrances to
the eastern and western sides of the
porch, besides pillars and arches.
The tombstone is in one piece of
marble, and the old tomb stone is
placed in the center of the grave.
One of the poetical verses of this
great poet has been inscribed on his
tomb. Opposite this porch is a pool
similar to that of the Chehel Sotune
edifice.
Back to top
|
|
Shah Abbas Aval (1st)
Tomb, Kashan |
|
The
tomb of Shah Abbas I is beneath a
cubical slab of black and
beautifully sculptured stone.
Beneath which is a vault with three
graves, one of these is that of the
Safavid monarch. Nearby is the
mausoleum of Habib-Ebne-Moosa
(P.B.U.H.).
Back to top
|
|
Sohrab Sepehry Tomb, Mashhad
Ardehal, Kashan |
|
The
tomb of Sohrab Sepehry, the
contemporary mystic and naturalist
poet is located in the village of
Mashhad Ardehal village near
Kashan. A romantic texture is
reflected in the works of this poet.
Back to top
|
|
Other Tombs, Esfahan
|
 |
These
are named as, the Mir Fendereski,
Shahzadehgan, Mirza Rafia, Valleh,
Homami Shirazi, Mir Majdeddin
Esmaeil Babol Dashti, Seyed
Hojjat-ol- Islam Shafti, Baba Qasem,
Al Raashed Balleh, Nezam-ol-Molk,
Shahshehan, Khatoon Abadi, Haj
Mohammad Jaffar Abadehi, Aqa Hossain
Khansari, Khajeh Sa'ad, Sheikh Abol
Qasem Nasr Abadi and Soltan Bakht
Aqa Tombs in
Esfahan. The Baba
Afzal-e-Kashany and the Molla
Fathollah tombs in
Kashan. |
|
The
Seyed Vaqef tomb in the Afooshteh
Village of Natanz . The Abdol Samad
Natanzi (Samadiyeh) and the Mir
Ahmad Nakhai (Chehel Dokhtaran)
tombs in the township of Natanz.
Back to top
|
:: Minarets. |
|
Ali Mosque Minaret, Esfahan |

Back to top
|
This
minaret is located in the ancient
square of
Esfahan near the Ali Mosque, and
is a construction of the 6th century
A.H. The same displays fine
brickwork and inscriptions in the 'kufi'
script. |
|
Baq-e-Qooshkhaneh Minaret, Esfahan |
|
This
minaret is situated in the Joobareh
vicinity and is a vestige of the 8th
century A.H., and is beautifully
worked with tiles. Its name relates
to the fact that this structure was
near one of the royal gardens, where
the falcons of the monarch, Shah
Abbas I were housed.
Back to top
|
|
Baz Dome, Natanz |
|
This
dome is in the southwest of the city
of
Natanz, and located in the
heights of the
Karkas Mountains. This dome is
octagon in shape, with an
approximate diameter of 10.5 m, and
to an elevation of 0.8 - 3 m. The
dimension of each side is 3.34 m,
and the diameter of its base or
foundation is 1.80 m. This structure
is constructed of brick and gypsum,
and can be considered as a
masterpiece of Iranian architecture.
Back to top
|
|
Chehel Dokhtar Minaret, Esfahan
|

Back to top
|
Another interesting relic of the
Saljuqi period is the Chehel Dokhtar
Minaret in
Esfahan. The same is adorned
with brick work and 'kufi'
inscriptions. This Minaret was
constructed in the year 501 A.H. by
'Abol Fath Nahuji' during the reign
of Soltan Mohammad Ebne Malek Shah
Saljuqi. |
|
Goldasteh Minaret,Esfahan |
|
This
brick minaret is in the Dardasht
neighborhood of
Esfahan, and is a vestige of the
Saljuqi period. The diameter of the
same is 2.22 m. The girth of its
central column being 54 cm. and its
walls to the thickness of 21cm.
Back to top
|
|
Menar Jonban Minaret, Esfahan |

Back to top
|
This
structure comprises of a mausoleum
and two minarets, constructed on the
tomb of 'Amoo Abdollah' a reputed
personality of the 8th century A.H.
The tombstone reveals the date 716
A.H., coinciding with that of the
reign of 'Oljaito' Ilkhan the
Mongol. It is extremely interesting
to note that on shaking one minaret,
not only does the other move, but
that the structure itself sways. |
|
Qar Minaret, Esfahan
|
|
This
round, cylindrically shaped brick
minaret has been constructed on an
octagonal base and its stone
foundation comprises of sand, grit,
limestone and ash. The foundation is
4.8 m in height, and the girth of
the minaret at its base and top are
5.5 m. and 4.7 m. respectively. The
thickness of its wall is 74 cm. and
the total height of this structure
is 21 m. The same was constructed in
the year 555 A.H.
Back to top
|
|
Sareban Minaret, Esfahan
|
|
The
same is a remnant of the 6th century
A.H., and is situated to the north
of the 'Joobareh' neighbourhood,
which is a part of the Hebrew
locality of
Esfahan. The architecture of
this 54 m tall minaret is of the
Saljuqi era, and the same is adorned
with brick and tile work.
Back to top
|
|
Zayar Minaret, Esfahan
|
|
The
same is located in the Zayar
village, east of the city of
Esfahan. It is beautifully
adorned with brickwork coupled with
turquoise glazed tiles lining the
fringes and the panels of the
minaret. It is a relic of the
Saljuqi era in the 6th century A.H.
There is a strong possibility that
it takes the name of Zayar from the
time of the rule of Mardavij Zayari,
who ruled in the early 4th century
in Esfahan.
Back to top
|
|
Other Minarets, Esfahan
|
|
These
are named as, the Rahrovan Minaret,
Darolziyafeh Minaret, the minaret
and dome of the Sha'ya Mosque, the
minaret and domes of the Shah Mosque
and the Dardasht and Bakht Aqa
Minarets in
Esfahan.
Back to top
|
|
::
Old
and Historical Houses . |
|
Borujerdiha House, Kashan |
|
 |
The
said premise is located in Kashan
and was constructed during the years
1292-1310 A.H. by 'Haj Seyed Jaffar
Natanzi' a merchant who conducted
business in Borujerd and Kashan as
well. He constructed this house in
order to evade religious levies. The
entrance to the premises is from an
octagonal vestibule and an area
utilized by pageboys adorned with a
number of multilateral crescents and
skylights in the ceiling.Then a long
corridor leads to the northern
facade of the |
|
building.Near the entrance is a
five-door chamber with intricate
plasterwork. This opens out on a
large and roof less porch, capturing
the warmth of the sun, and
transferring the same to the small
symmetrical chambers on either side
of this porch. In the northeastern
portion of the structure are the
kitchen quarters, arranged with
shelves, and a special area to
provide space for china and other
utilities. Whereas in the western
and eastern sections are chambers
and covered porches. Opposite which
is a courtyard and a stairway
connecting the main premises to the
basement. The basement covers a vast
area and is tastefully arranged with
wide wall cupboards with carved and
lattice worked wooden doors. On
either side of the building is the
main or entrance staircase leading
to the southern part of the
structure. Here there is a large
porch with a high ceiling giving way
to an entertainment hall. Behind
which, on a lower level is an
octagonal area with a pool or the 'hauz
khaneh'. The same has a domed shaped
roof and beautiful skylights. Here
the ceiling is vaulted and worked
with tiles in harmonious colors. On
the walls, portraits of the Qajar
sovereigns can be noted, with their
guards in formal European apparel.
This building is also equipped with
cellars that are cool and pleasant
for use in the heat of summer.
Materials used in the construction
of this structure are, stone, brick,
sun baked bricks and a composition
of clay, straw and mortar.
Back to top
|
|
Other
Old Houses, Esfahan |
|
Other
ancient houses are the followings:
Akhavan Kharrazi, Pirnia, Jamal
Qodassieh, Sheikh-ol-Islam and Haj
Mohammad Taqi Lavaf in
Esfahan. Habibi and Sowt-ol-Molk
in
Khansar. Sarifian, Haj Seyed
Aqa, Hakim Bashi, Haj Saleh,
Lajeverdi, Naraqi, Tabatabaiha,
Ameriha and many such ancient houses
in
Kashan, are archaic premises
located in Esfahan Province.
Back to top
|
|
:: Old Schools. |
|
Aqa
Bozorg School, Kashan, Esfahan |
|
This
ancient structure has four porches
and a beautiful dome with two tile
worked minarets. Its courtyard and
chambers that are on a lower level
display an attractive aspect. Below
these chambers are is the pool and
nocturnal area made use of in
summer. The dome is built on an
octagonal platform and is doubly
covered. The lower covering bears
the weight of the ceiling,
conducting it to the pillars, and
the other is the outer covering
which aids in making the dome look
larger. Skylights have been affixed
to the dome, along with religious
versus around the dome have provided
a harmonious connection between the
different sections of the structure.
The ceilings of the western and
winter nocturnal areas are of
plaster, which have been designed on
simple lines besides which is the
library. The porches display
intricate tile work, indicating the
traditional art and culture of this
land and the tombs of several
trustees can be noted in the western
porch. This structure was
constructed in the year 1268 A.H.
Back to top
|
|
Chahar Baq (Soltani) School, Esfahan
|
|
This
school was constructed for
theological studies, late in the
reign of Shah Soltan Hossain Safavid
in the years 1116-1126 A.H. The
artistic work on its dome is of
tiles and the majestic entrance door
is a matchless work of art, adorned
with gold and silver.
Back to top
|
|
Molla
Abdollah School, Esfahan |
|
The
same is located in the bazaar of
Esfahan, and was a premise for
prayer and theological studies by
reputed clergies, named as, 'Molla
Abdollah Shooshtari', during the
reign of Shah Abbas I.
Back to top
|
|
Other
Old Schools, Esfahan |
|
These
are the following: Baba Qasem,
Jaddeh, Mirza Hossain, Kaseh Garan,
Nimavard, Jalaliyeh, Shams Abad and
the Bozorg Sadr School in
Esfahan. The Alavi and
Khansar Schools are other
ancient schools of the province.
Back to top
|
:: Old Bazaars. |
|
Aminodolleh Arcade, Kashan |
|
This
three storeyed building with its
grand entrance is an affect of
'Farrokh Khan Qaffari-e-Kashi',
(known as Aminodolleh) who completed
this structure in the year 1285 A.H.
Back to top
|
|
Esfahan Bazaar, Esfahan |
|
This
bazaar is a relic of the Safavid era
and prolongs from the Qasariyeh
facade to the Jame' Mosque. This
bazaar is also known as the
'Bazaar-e-Nezamiyeh' or
'Nezam-ol-Molk'.
Back to top
|
|
Kashan Bazaar, Kashan |
|
One
of the important and attractive
structures of
Kashan is its ancient and large
bazaar. Its primary structure dates
to the 7th century A.H. The same is
extremely beautiful and has splendid
ceilings. Here there are innumerable
caravansaries, arcades, water
reservoirs etc. present.
Back to top
|
|
Malek-ol-Tojar Arcade, Esfahan
|
|
The
same is a relic of the Qajar period
and is connected to the bazaar of
Kashan by way of large wooden
doorways.
Back to top
|
|
Sabaq
Arcade, Esfahan |
|
The
said is a relic of the Qajar era. It
is in three floors and has two
courtyards.
Back to top
|
|
Sharifkhaneh or Gomrok Arcade,
Esfahan |
|
'Aqa
Sharif FaDayi' constructed this
three storied structure in the late
Qajar period. Its interesting
aspects are the vaulted tile work
adorning the chambers and its
beautiful paintings depicting
hunting scenes.
Back to top
|
::
Old Public Baths and Water
Reservoirs. |
|
Ardahal Aggregate Bath, Kashan
|
|
The
same is located in the west of
Kashan and is a relic from the
Safavid era. Here the water system,
adornments, the hot bath, cornices
and tile work are worth noting.
Back to top
|
|
Fin
Garden Bath, Kashan |
|
In
this aggregate a small and a large
bath are present. The ceilings
adorned with paintings and fine
marble columns are artistic affects
here. The smaller bath has gained
historical fame due to the
assassination of Amir Kabir in this
place.
Back to top
|
|
Haj
Sabbaq Water Reservoir, Kashan |
|
This
beautiful structure is located
amidst the Bazaar of
Kashan, and can be accounted for
as one of the fine examples in
respect to architecture, adornments,
capacity of water and the general
plan. Its semi-arched roofs, walls
and facade are worth observation.
Back to top
|
|
Other
Old Public Baths and Water
Reservoirs, Esfahan |
|
These
are the following: Mir Seyed Ali,
Masjed Vazir, Miyanchal, Abdol Razaq
Khan Kashi, Gozarnou and Habib Ebne
Moosa in
Kashan. The water reservoirs of
Haj Seyed Sadiq, Haj Seyed Qasem,
Haj Seyed Morteza, Masjed Khaki,
Dasht, Haj Mir Rahim, Meydan, and
others in
Naein. The water reservoir of
the Shahidan locality in Herand is
the ancient water reservoirs of this
province.
These are named as, the Abdol Razaq
Khan baths, Bazar, Molla Qobt, Mir
Emad, Taher, Mansur, Panjeh Shah and
Aqa baths in Kashan. Soltan Mir
Ahmad, Rahnan, Gozarnou, Shah, Khan,
Shah Ali, Sheikh Aba'ie, Shoori, and
Saro Taqy baths in Esfahan.
Afooshteh bath in
Natanz and the Kaloon bath in
Naein are ancient baths in
Esfahan Province.
Back to top
|
:: Historical
Caves. |
|
Niyasar Cave, Kashan |
|
The
said cave dates to approximately
2000 years ago and nestles in the
limestone hills overlooking the
Niyasar Village of
Kashan. This cave has been dug
out with the help of primitive
implements and resembles a
meandering stony tunnel in the
breast of the
Karkas Mountains. The same
comprises of long and narrow
passages, several chambers and
wells. It is well worth mentioning
that appropriate gear is required to
gain access to this vicinity.
The Niyasar Cave is in three floors,
and has a number of wells. Its
passages and chambers cover
approximately 500 square meters. The
underground tunnels or passages are
less than one square meter in area,
and in some locations measure 100 x
70 sq. cm. Vertically 45 wells are
connected to each other at an
average depth of 118 m. This cave
has four entrances and is of two
separate sections. The central
sector comprises of seven chambers
in variable heights and very
skillfully carved out.
The same is connected to the floor
beneath by the wells and halls. The
other portion is a lengthy passage
with a gradual incline and is
connected to other wells, this ends
in a beautiful hall. At the extreme
end of this sector is a large area
with several dug out chambers. The
Niyasar Cave has 20 chambers, the
largest of all being 28.6 sq. m. and
the smallest 1.8 sq. m.
Back to top
|
|
Qahraman Cave, Khomeini Shahr |
|
This
cave is located in the western
mountains of the Cheshmeh-e-Lar in
Khomeini Shahr. Within it is a
chamber of sculptured stone, with an
area of 3 x 3 sq. m.
Back to top
|
|
Other
Caves, Esfahan |
|
The
limestone cave of Kalah Rood and the
beautiful cave of the Alvijeh
Village; Shah Shekar Cave located at
a distance of 30 km. on the
Shahreza -
Semirom road; the Kukuloo Cave,
15 km. west of
Esfahan; the Shah Qandab Cave
southeast of Shahreza are worth
mentioning in this province.
Back to top
|
::
Other Historical Monuments. |
|
Dovecotes, Esfahan
|
|
Dovecotes or such turrets are in
plenty in the agricultural
vicinities of
Esfahan. These have been built
with the purpose of collecting the
excreta of these birds. The turrets
are topped with domes with crevices
so as to facilitate the access and
exit of these birds, and guide them
to their nests within this
structure. These are distinct
examples of Iranian architecture and
have been built of brick and gypsum.
At present there are over 100 such
dovecotes in
Esfahan Province.
Back to top
|
|
Naqsh-e-Jahan Square , Esfahan |
|

Back to top
|
This
square is from the period of Shah
Abbas I, and has a length of 500 m.
from north to south, and its width
being approximately 165 m.
Surrounding this vicinity are the
Abbasi Mosque and
Sheikh Lotf Ol-lah Mosque, the
Qaisarieh portal and the
Ali Qapoo Edifice. During the
reign of Shah Abbas I and his
successors, this square was an area
where festivities, polo, dramatics
and military parades took place. |
|
Provincial Battle Fields, Esfahan
|
|
Around
Esfahan are various such areas
that are tourist attractions. These
examples are the vicinities where
the Iran-Arab combats took place,
and that of Nader Shah and his
battle against Ashraf Afqan. Besides
the vicinity where Soltan Hossain
fought against Mahmood Afqan.
Back to top
|