Introducing Naqsh-e Jahan square

Naqsh-e Jahan square is located in the north of Isfahan city. Many tourists visit this square every year. Before 1357, this area was also called Maidan Shah. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Naqsh Jahan was officially called Imam Square of Isfahan. Throughout history, Naqsh Jahan was also known by the names of Main Square, Big Square, Qasr Square, Royal Square and New Square.
This square was registered in the list of national monuments on 8 February 1313, and it was also registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1358.
Before the Safavid period, there was a beautiful garden named Naqsh Jahan in this square. Naqsh-e Jahan square was the name of a city in Azerbaijan, which today has changed to Nakhchivan.
This field is more than 560 meters long and 160 meters wide. The area of ​​this square is covered with 200 two-story cells. Beautiful historical buildings are also in the heart of the world. In the past, to protect the square and other historical monuments, arches were built around it, and these arches have turned into today’s cells.

History of Naqsh Jahan Square, Isfahan

As mentioned earlier, there was a large garden in this area. The central part of the square was called Kushk. In this area, there were military buildings from the period of Agh Quyunlu and Timurids. With the destruction of this garden, now this part is located in the western part of the square and the mansion of Ali Qapu is located in it. During the Seljuk era, very important celebrations and festivals were held in this square.
After Isfahan became the capital of Iran during the Safavid period, Naqsh Jahan square became very prosperous. The original building of this square was on the edge of Zayandeh River and was ordered by Shah Abbas Safavid and by famous architects such as Sheikh Bahai, Ustad Ali Akbar Isfahani and It was built by Mohammad Reza Esfahani.
The initial foundation of Imam Square in Isfahan was built in 1011 lunar year, and with the passage of time and until 1025, its construction and other buildings around Naqsh Jahan were finished. The decoration and tiling of the mosque and other buildings around Naqsh Jahan Square began in 1025 and continued until the reign of the second successor of Shah Abbas. The map of this square was taken from Atiq Square, which was one of the oldest squares in Isfahan. . Also, this square is very similar to Shah Qazvin Square, Amir Chakhmaq Square of Yazd and Sahib Abad Square of Qazvin.
At the same time as the reign of the last Safavid king, Naqsh Jahan square lost its glory and grandeur because all the streams around this square dried up and the prosperity of the square disappeared. The loss of the glory of Naqsh Jahan intensified with the attack of Ashraf Afghan. This destruction became more intense due to the carelessness and negligence of Shah Qajar.
Many historical mansions and old buildings such as Naqarkhaneh mansion were destroyed during this time.
During the Pahlavi rule, this square was reconstructed. As a result, economic prosperity returned to Isfahan again.

Sightseeing places in Naqsh-e Jahan square, Isfahan

Naqsh Jahan field is very large, that’s why you can spend a lot of time in it by visiting it.
Touring Naqsh Jahan Square in Isfahan is a pleasure because every part of it is a historical monument. Every hour of the day and night, the view of this square has its own beauty.
The historical monuments left in this square still retain their beauty.
The cells that are located around the square, in addition to being an important shopping center in Isfahan, also have a beautiful appearance and are considered historical monuments due to the age of the buildings. You can buy Isfahan souvenirs from these stores, which include various foods, iran handicrafts, copper dishes, carpets, etc.
To buy souvenirs, you can visit Isfahan Grand Bazaar, which is located near this square.
Currently, a large Islamic museum is being built on the top floor of Naqsh Jahan square in Isfahan. This museum has a high cultural and artistic value. This museum is being completed. With the completion of this part of the square, Naqsh Jahan will become the largest center for learning about Islamic and Iranian culture.

Buildings around Naqsh-e Jahan square

• Abbasi Jame Mosque or Shah Mosque: The most important historical works of Naqsh Jahan in Isfahan is this mosque. which is located on the south side of this square. This mosque has been the venue for many traditional gatherings and ceremonies since ancient times. This building was built in 1020. There are many historical monuments such as Shah Abbasi’s inscription on the head of this mosque. This inscription is written in the praise of Shah Abbas I and in the third script. Another inscription on which the names of the architects of Naqsh Jahan Square are written is located on the top of the mosque door. This inscription was written by Mohammad Reza Emami.
Mashad Jame of Isfahan has very beautiful minarets and dome. Islamic and Iranian art has been used in its construction and decoration. The sound reflection under the dome of Isfahan Jame Mosque is very amazing. This place is also called Kabir Abbasi Mosque, Sultan Mosque and Shah Mosque.

• Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque:A beautiful dome can be seen in the corner of this square, which will undoubtedly attract your attention, because this mosque has no minaret. This mosque is located on the eastern side of Naqsh Jahan square and was considered the religious center of Isfahan and is still very important. This building was built by the order of Shah Abbas I during the Safavid rule and in a completely exclusive way. The dome of this mosque is 32 meters long and it took 17 years to build. The architecture and tiling of this mosque is the art of Mohammad Reza Esfahani, one of the famous architects of that period. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is still a unique masterpiece after many years. It is also possible to visit this mosque every day in the morning and in the evening. Also, if you are interested in knowing more about this beautiful attraction, be sure to read the article about Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque .

• Ali Qapu mansion:This mansion is located in the west of Naqsh Jahan Square in Isfahan, which was considered a very important government center in the past. The infrastructure of this building is 1800 square meters and it is built on six floors. The decorations of this mansion are also very unique and always attract the attention of domestic and foreign tourists. There are 53 rooms
in the building of Ali Qapu mansion for resting and receiving guests and holding meetings. This building is also called Dolatkhane mansion.

• Sar Dar Qaisarieh: Another historical monument of this square is Sar Dar Qaisarieh, which is located in the north of Naqsh Jahan Square in Isfahan. Kayserieh is one of the most important economic centers of Isfahan. Because it is located at the entrance of the traditional market of Isfahan. On the third floor of this bazaar, there was a musical instrument from which the sound of music was played. Unfortunately, this part was destroyed during the Qajar period.

Kayseri market:Isfahan market, which is one of the largest and most beautiful markets in Iran, and the construction of this beautiful market took three periods and was related to the Safavid and Qajar periods. The entrance to the market in Naqsh Jahan square is marked by a beautiful headland that has many main and secondary lines. Life flows in this market and besides the architectural and historical effects, people make a living. Naqsh Jahan Square, which is a shopping center, you can easily buy good and beautiful products. Also, after sightseeing, you can try the delicious porridge of this square or drink the combination of buttermilk and baklava, which is a traditional food of Isfahani. Another special thing that you can do in this square is riding carriages that go around the square and create beautiful moments for you. Any point of this field can be a subject of photography and you can capture the most beautiful pictures with your camera.
Historical monuments such as Reza Abbasi’s paintings, Hormoz’s orange castle clock, and Hormoz’s Deer bell have not yet been destroyed in this square. There were works such as 110 Spanish cannon carts, 40-meter cap bar, European clock and marble capitals in this square, which have disappeared today.

Naqsh Jahan square entertainment

This square is considered the largest economic, political, social, touristic and recreational base in the entire province of Isfahan. In the following, we will mention some of the entertainments in this area.
• Naqsh Jahan Square is the venue for many traditional celebrations and holidays. From the past until now, this place has been the venue for royal sports such as polo. Two stone polo fields have been built in this field since ancient times. It still exists.
• This square is the place where Friday market is held. Shopping in this weekly market can be a good fun. Because you can find anything you want in it.
• It is possible to ride a carriage in this square. It’s a lot of fun to ride around the square with the sled.
• This square has beautiful gardens that are delicately decorated with flowers. Turquoise pools in the center of Naqsh Jahan square are equipped with tall fountains. The existence of these water features have created a pleasant atmosphere.
• There are many benches around the square that travelers and tourists can use.
• Many cafes and restaurants are located in this square where you can buy all kinds of traditional foods, sweets, desserts and ice creams specific to Isfahan.
Pashmak, buttermilk, porridge, biryani, yogurt stew, goshfil, baklava, sohan, Gaz Isfahan, etc. are some of the important foods of this city that you can find in Naqsh Jahan Square.

Where is Naqsh Jahan Square? How to access it?

Naqsh Jahan Square is located in the north of Isfahan city.
This square has three main axes:
the north-south axis connects Imam Mosque to Qaiser Gate.
The east-west axis is also considered from Ali Qapu Mansion to Imam Mosque.
The second east-west axis continues from Chehl Seton Palace to the buildings near Zayandeh Rood.
This square leads to Sepeh Street from the west and Hafez Street is located to the east. You can get to Naqsh Jahan Square from both of these streets.
Sepeh Street is a busy street in Isfahan, which is perpendicular to Zayandeh River. There are many parking lots at the entrance of this street. If you go to this square with a private car, you can park your car here.
Standardi street as well as the alley behind the kitchen is parallel to this square, from which you can walk to Naqsh Jahan square.
In the northeast of Naqsh Jahan, Atiq or Imam Ali square is located. This square is located two and a half kilometers from Naqsh Jahan.

Attractions near Naqsh-e Jahan square

Constituent House: 950 meters,
Si-Vese Bridge : 2.6 km,
Angoristan Malek Al-Tjajar: 1.3 km,
Hasht Behesht Palace: 1.9 km

Hotels near Naqsh-e Jahan square

Stara Hotel: 600 meters
Hasht Behesht Hotel: 600 meters
Abbasi Hotel: 1.3 km
Safaei Hotel: 1.7 km

final word

Isfahan is a very beautiful city in Iran, which is considered the cultural capital of the country. This city has an ancient civilization and original culture. There are many historical and cultural monuments in this city, and Naqsh Jahan Square is one of the most important of these works. Chehelston Palace, Minarjanban, Vanak Church, Khajo Bridge , Thirty-Three Bridges, etc. are other historical monuments of Isfahan city.
You can use a private car, bus, train and plane to travel to Isfahan. Before buying a plane ticket for Isfahan city , check your flight and airport. It takes about 45 minutes from Tehran to the plane. Shahid Beheshti International Airport is located in the east of Isfahan.