Isfahan, Ancient capital city in central Iran
Isfahan extends along both banks of the Zayandeh River, with wide avenues and parks running between residential neighborhoods and historic compounds. Stone bridges connect both sides, while mountains rise beyond the houses in the distance.
Shah Abbas I moved the Persian capital here in 1598 and commissioned squares, mosques and palaces. Over the following decades, a new city center emerged that attracted craftsmen and artists from many regions.
Families and friends gather on the bridges at sunset to sit under the arches and listen to traditional songs. Local musicians play instruments near the river, while people from different generations share tea and conversation in the shade.
Most main sights lie within a few kilometers of each other, making the center easy to explore on foot. Summer heat can be intense, so early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable for visiting outdoor sites.
The Armenian quarter of New Julfa contains thirteen churches from the 17th century, still used by a Christian community that has lived here for centuries. The Vank Cathedral shows a mix of Armenian and Persian building styles rarely found elsewhere.
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