Introduction

Isfahan is an ancient city located in central Iran, which became the capital during the Safavid dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries and prospered to the point that it was said that "Isfahan is half the world." This city, which flourished as a political and cultural center, holds a special historical and cultural presence for the Iranian people, and is sometimes likened to the "pearl of Iran" due to its beauty. Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan Square) in the city center is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its magnificent scenery still conveys the prosperity of that time.

So why is Isfahan so special? One of the reasons is its importance as a center of arts and culture . Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty had a deep understanding of arts and architecture, and he brought many artisans and artists from all over the country to Isfahan. As a result, the buildings and crafts that were created were a collection of the best of Persian culture, and the city was decorated with gorgeous mosques, palaces, and beautiful handicrafts. Isfahan is particularly known as the home of traditional crafts , and is the largest producer of many crafts, such as the parquet work Hatamkari and the enamel work Minakali, which are known as the "original art of Isfahan." Isfahan, where historical heritage and traditional crafts are in harmony, is a special city that allows visitors to experience the rich cultural value of Persia.

History and Culture of Isfahan

The brilliance of the World Heritage Site, Imam Square

Imam Square (formerly King's Square), located in the center of Isfahan, is a huge square developed as the core of the city planning of the Safavid period. The rectangular square, which stretches about 512m north to south and 159m east to west, is surrounded by two-story arcades and has monuments on all four sides. The magnificent Iwan Gate of the Imam Mosque (formerly Shah Mosque) stands in the center of the south side, and the small Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, which was reserved for the royal family, stands quietly on the east side. The north side leads to the Grand Bazaar (Kayseri Gate), and on the west side is Ali Qapı Palace , the residence of the king. The entire square is designed in a harmonious way, and all of the buildings on all four sides are masterpieces of Safavid architectural beauty. Since it was registered as a World Heritage Site as "Imam Square of Isfahan" in 1979, it has been praised around the world for its historical value and beauty.

Imam Square is located in the center of the old city of Isfahan. It is surrounded by a two-story arcade, and in the center is a green space and a fountain. The dome visible in the background is Imam Mosque, and in front of it to the right stands Ali Qapı Palace. The square is a magnificent space that still conveys the prosperity of the Safavid period.

As its name "Portraits of the World Square (Meydane Naqsh-e Jahan)" suggests, this square symbolized the golden age of the Safavid dynasty . In 1598, Shah Abbas I moved the capital of the empire to Isfahan and began large-scale urban development. This square was built as the central project, and its current form was completed by around 1617. At the time, the square was a flat sand-covered area where festivals and polo matches were held on a grand scale, and merchants and artisans' stalls lined up under the arcades on all four sides. A European who visited Isfahan in the 17th century recorded its lively appearance as "a market of markets, selling the widest variety of goods I have ever known." The long corridors surrounding the square are still lined with souvenir and craft shops, and together with the bazaar, it is a shopping mecca. The city remains as lively as ever, and the harmony between beautiful architecture and the everyday lives of the people there speaks volumes about how Isfahan was a city full of cultural vitality.

Prosperity and cultural heritage brought by the Safavid dynasty

Under the reign of Shah Abbas I, Isfahan entered its golden age as the center of Persian art . Under the patronage of the king, a royal workshop was established, and talented artisans were brought from all over the country to produce carpets, pottery, metalwork, and other items. The gorgeous Persian carpets woven for the court and the intricately crafted art pieces were highly praised at the time, and Isfahan became widely known as a city of art. In addition, the magnificent mosques, palaces, and gardens constructed during this period have been passed down to the present day as cultural heritage and continue to fascinate visitors.

Besides the aforementioned Imam Square area, there are many other notable remains from the construction boom during the Safavid period. For example, Chehel Sotoun Palace (also known as the Palace of Forty Columns) in the south of Isfahan is a wooden villa built in a vast garden, with a beautiful view of its colonnades reflected on the water. The colorful murals inside vividly depict the court and historical scenes of the Safavid period. The Friday Mosque (Masjed-e Jameh), which dates back to the 11th century and has an even older history, is a complex of Islamic architecture that has been repeatedly expanded and remodeled throughout the ages, and is also registered as a World Heritage Site. These numerous architectural heritage sites are proof that Isfahan has prospered as a cultural and economic center for a long time.

The beauty of Persian architecture in mosques and palaces

When talking about Isfahan, it is essential to mention the beauty of the Persian architecture that colors the city. The masterpieces of Islamic architecture built during the Safavid period are a wonderful blend of architectural and decorative beauty. In particular, the mosques are spectacular with their intricate arabesque tile decorations in blue and turquoise tones. The geometric and floral tiles that cover the dome and walls of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque are especially beautiful and are praised as the highlight of Safavid architecture. The Imam Mosque also overwhelms the viewer with its magnificent four-Iwan structure and gorgeous mosaic tiles. The design, which even took into account the reverberation that would resonate in the dome, was a collection of the best in architecture and art.

Among the palace architecture, there are music halls designed with acoustics in mind, such as the Ali Qap Palace, and luxurious halls with stucco paintings covering the walls. What these buildings have in common is the high level of artistry down to the smallest details. Every element, such as the floral arabesques and calligraphy on the walls and ceilings, and the painted wooden canopy, is harmoniously and meticulously crafted. For this reason, the architectural decoration of Isfahan is even praised as the "highest beauty of Iranian art." When you step into the historic mosque and look up, you will be able to experience the timeless beauty of Persian architecture in the glittering brilliance of the tiles and the curves of the magnificent dome.

Traditional crafts of Isfahan

Isfahan is famous not only for its architecture, but also as a treasure trove of traditional crafts . During the Safavid period, many skilled craftsmen gathered here, which led to the development of various crafts, and their techniques and aesthetic sense have been passed down to the present day. Here, we will look at the characteristics and appeal of hand-woven carpets (Persian carpets), minakali (enamelwork), and metalwork (copperwork and silverwork), which are traditional crafts that represent Isfahan.

The charm and characteristics of hand-woven carpets

Persian carpets are a traditional craft that is indispensable when talking about Isfahan. Hand-woven carpets in Isfahan are characterized by sophisticated designs created by advanced techniques and extremely intricate weaving. Many carpets have a large medallion (circular pattern) in the center and floral patterns around it, and the design is elegant, inspired by the mosque architecture and gardens of Isfahan. The colors are also skillfully combined with deep crimson, ultramarine, ivory, etc., to create a harmonious and gorgeous look. The materials used are high-quality cork wool (soft lamb's wool) and silk, which give the carpets a supple luster and a luxurious feel. The weaving process, which involves knotting each thread by hand, requires tremendous patience, but the carpets that are produced are just like "woven paintings" and never cease to fascinate those who see them.

An example of a traditional hand-woven carpet from Isfahan. Even though it is a small carpet, it is decorated with intricate patterns and vivid colors. The designs unique to Persian carpets, such as the central medallion and repeating patterns, are beautifully expressed.

The beauty of Minakari (enamel work)

Minakali (میناکاری) is a traditional craft of enamelwork that Isfahan is proud of around the world. It is decorated with vibrant colors by applying a glassy glaze to the surface of plates and vases made of metals such as copper, and firing them in a high-temperature kiln to bring out the color. Isfahan's Minakali works are particularly known for their deep blue and light blue colors that are reminiscent of the sky and jewels , and are densely painted with intricate floral and arabesque patterns. The intricacy and beauty of the colors have been described as "an overwhelming violence of color that is so beautiful it takes your breath away," and they have a strong presence that captivates all who see them.

Decorative Minakhali plates on display at the Isfahan Bazaar. The copper plates are intricately painted with blue and turquoise enamel. Traditional floral arabesques and geometric patterns are tightly painted, and the intricacy and vividness of the colors are captivating.

The Minakali technique has a very long history, and some say it dates back to the ancient Achaemenid period (around 1500 BC). Isfahan is the largest producer of this cloisonné technique, and it has continued to develop during the Safavid period, with new designs being introduced. The production process requires skill, and is time-consuming, requiring first a glaze to be applied to the metal base, then a delicate paint is applied and the piece is fired again. The finish and price of the piece vary greatly depending on the skill of the craftsman, and even a small plate painted by a top craftsman can be expensive. However, because it has the artistic and traditional beauty that is worth its value, it is very popular as a gift or souvenir. You can feel the beauty of Persian colors and the high level of craftsmanship through the brilliance of Minakali.

The delicacy of metal crafts (copper and silverwork)

Isfahan is also known for its metalwork , and traditional techniques for applying intricate decoration to copper and silverware are still alive today. A typical example is the hand-carving technique known as gharamzani (قلمزنی), which is a craft in which patterns are carved into the surface of metal using tools such as hammers and chisels. Craftsmen work on copper or brass plates, vases, etc. that have been previously painted with a rough outline, tapping the tip of a nail one stroke at a time to indent the metal and bring out the design. This is the result of skilled technique and perseverance, and the finished patterns are extremely delicate and intricate, including flowers, arabesques, and sometimes poetry.

The completed Gharamzani piece has black abrasives embedded in the grooves to make the patterns stand out clearly. The contrast of the jet black lines against the shining silver of the copperware is elegant and gives a sense of traditional Persian art. There are many Gharamzani workshops and shops around Imam Square in Isfahan, where you can also see demonstrations. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see the craftsmen working in front of the shops up close, and you'll be captivated by their outstanding skills.

A wide variety of other metalwork techniques have been passed down, including Fairouz Khubi , in which the surface of copperware is covered with crushed turquoise, and filigree work, in which patterns are created by weaving silver wire. Each piece is handmade, so no two are alike, and the individuality of the artisan is evident in the details, making them an appealing feature. Isfahan's metalwork attracts craft lovers from all over the world with its intricacy and elegance, and is popular as a souvenir, ranging from small vessels to large decorative plates. When you come into contact with the delicacy of these copper and silverwork, you cannot help but be amazed at the advanced technique and aesthetic sense that Persian traditional crafts have cultivated.

Persian carpets from Isfahan

Isfahan has long been famous as a producer of high-quality Persian carpets, and Persian carpets from Isfahan, known for their exquisite weaving and beautiful designs, are highly regarded around the world. Here, we will explain the history and characteristics of Isfahan carpets, and the reasons why they are loved around the world.

History and Features

The history of Isfahan carpets flourished during the Safavid period. Under the patronage of Shah Abbas I, a royal carpet workshop was established in Isfahan, where artisans from all over the country wove many luxurious carpets for the royal court. The advanced techniques and refined aesthetic sense cultivated during this period became the foundation for the quality of Isfahan carpets to come. In fact, the city was so prosperous at the time that it was even called "Isfahan is half the world" ("Isfahan Nesfe Jahan" in Persian), and the flourishing of arts and culture can be seen. Even today, the city is dotted with historical palaces and mosques, as well as workshops and galleries that recall the prosperity of the past, and traditional carpet weaving is still carried on.

The most distinctive feature of Isfahan carpets is their high quality and fineness. First of all, high-quality silk is used for the warp threads. Silk warp threads give the carpet a smooth luster and further enhance the pattern. In addition, the knots are very dense, and they can be woven with an astonishing fineness of 500,000 to 1 million knots per square meter. This fineness, which allows dozens of knots to be woven into 1 cm2, allows the carpet's patterns to be expressed in an exquisite manner, creating details that are like miniature paintings. As a result, Isfahan carpets are extremely thin but durable and flexible, and are worthy of being called "works of art."

Furthermore, many of the dyeing workshops in Isfahan also do their own dyeing , and many of the pieces feature a very good harmony between design and color. The use of natural plant dyes adds depth to the color, and you can enjoy the beautiful texture that develops over time. In terms of material, the cork wool used for the pile is finer and softer than regular sheep's wool, making it very smooth to the touch. Thanks to these particularities, carpets from Isfahan have an elegance and unity that is immediately recognizable, and they belong to the highest category of Persian carpets.

Why it is valued worldwide

There are clear reasons why Isfahan carpets are highly valued by enthusiasts around the world. Firstly, their outstanding technical skill . Isfahan is home to a large number of experienced and skilled weavers, who have inherited the tradition of hand-weaving with extremely fine knot densities. The carpets produced by high-density weaving of over 650,000 knots per square meter are considered to be among the most exquisite in the world. Woven by combining extremely fine silk threads and high-quality wool, the outlines of the patterns are surprisingly sharp, and the expressiveness is just like a painting drawn with threads.

Secondly, their designs are original and elegant . Many of Isfahan's carpets are characterized by urbane and sophisticated designs, and in addition to traditional floral and arabesque patterns, they skillfully incorporate the geometric patterns of mosques and garden motifs. The colors are also very sophisticated, and the uniform color schemes created by the carpets' own dyeing give them a distinctive style that makes them instantly recognizable as being made in Isfahan. The artistry and high level of perfection of these designs are what attracts viewers from all over the world.

Thirdly, there is the relentless pursuit of quality . Isfahan's workshops and craftsmen do not tolerate any compromise, from the selection of materials to dyeing and weaving. They use the finest silk for the warp threads, and carefully weave the threads dyed with natural dyes over a long period of time. The finished carpets are robust and long-lasting, and are said to become more lustrous the more they are used. Some masterpieces take several years to make, and the finished pieces are truly worth a lifetime. There are also many famous workshops from Isfahan, including the Seirafian Workshop , which is highly regarded in the Persian carpet industry and produces carpets of such quality that they are called "works of art." In this way, it can be said that the pursuit of the highest quality while fusing tradition and innovation is what has pushed Isfahan carpets to an unshakable position worldwide.

Isfahan Visitor Guide

If you visit Isfahan, a city steeped in history and art, there are must-see sights and experiences. Here we introduce the must-see places and tips for buying carpets, which are a particular favorite among many visitors.

Experience the world of traditional crafts at the bazaar and workshops

If you come to Isfahan, the first place you should visit is the Grand Bazaar. Entering through the Kayseri Gate on the north side of Imam Square, you will find a historic covered market (bazaar) stretching from there towards the Friday Mosque. This Grand Bazaar and the bazaar that spreads inside the corridors of Imam Square are lined with carpet shops and traditional craft shops such as copperwork, minakali, and khatam (inlaid work), and you will be captivated by the beautiful crafts just by walking around. You will lose track of time looking at colorful cloisonné plates, jewelry boxes with miniature paintings, and intricately made boxes made of marquetry.

We especially recommend checking out carpet workshops and galleries . In and around the bazaar, there are workshops where hand-woven carpets are actually woven, as well as long-established carpet shops. If you're lucky, you might be able to watch artisans carefully weaving each knot at a loom. Seeing such a scene will help you understand why Persian carpets are called "works of art". Some shops also display and sell vintage antique carpets and carpets from various production areas (Tabriz, Nain, Kerman, etc.), and it is interesting to compare the differences in designs with those from Isfahan. Friendly shop owners may be able to tell you about the characteristics of each production area and the meanings of the patterns, so it's a good idea to enjoy talking to them while you look around.

Other spots in Isfahan where you can experience traditional crafts include the handicraft shops in the Armenian quarter of Jolfa and the Crafts Museum near Chehel Sotoun Palace. However, Imam Square and the bazaar are the biggest treasure trove, so take your time to explore them as much as you can. You'll be able to feel the richness of culture in the city that is touted as half the world .

summary

We have looked at the charms of Isfahan, touted as "half the world," from the perspectives of history, culture, and crafts. The magnificent architecture left by the Safavid dynasty, the stately style of the World Heritage site Imam Square, and the many traditional crafts that have been passed down over the years make us realize once again the rich cultural heritage that this city has cultivated. Walking the streets of Isfahan, you will notice that Persian aesthetics and craftsmanship are alive and well everywhere, from the sparkling blue tile domes of the mosques to the intricate hand-woven carpets.

The cultural value of Isfahan, which can be felt especially through traditional crafts such as hand-woven carpets, minakhali, and gharamzani, is immeasurable. Even a single carpet displayed casually contains the experience and skills of generations, and behind a vibrant dish lies a drama of fire and skill. By touching these things, you can feel the weight of history that has been passed down for hundreds of years, and the preciousness of art that is rooted in people's lives. Isfahan can truly be called a living museum.

By incorporating Persian carpets and crafts from Isfahan into your life, you can feel closer to the rich traditional culture of Persia. The world of art and traditional crafts from Isfahan will surely add rich color and stories to your daily life.