Isfahan, world famous city of blue mosques, city of bridges, paradisiacal gardens and palaces, imperial residence, commercial city and cultural center. Isfahan is a fertile oasis on the shores of Zayande-Rud in the central Iranian highlands at 1575 meters above sea level.

History

550 BC
Already in the Achaemenid period under Kourosh the Great Isfahan is said to have been a residence city named Gabai.

250 BC to 650 AD
Under the Parthians and Sasanids, the city developes into an important army base, at times it is also capital and mintage place.

7th century
During the period of the Arab conquest in 642, Isfahan consists of two districts: the former Gabai, now called Dej, and the Yehudiyeh district, where many Jews have settled.

11th century
The turk-speaking Seldjuks, who invade the country from the east, briefly help the city to flourish during the 11th century. They are the ones who build the great Friday mosque, first palaces, and several caravanserais.

13th and 14th centuries
The city survives the first Mongol storm under Djingis Khan in the year 1228 relatively unscathed. The second Mongol storm under Timur Leng in 1338 however, has disastrous consequences for Isfahan: hundreds of thousands of city inhabitants are slaughtered, the city itself is largely destroyed.

17th century
From 1598 on the city flourishes under the reign of the Safavid Shah Abbas the Great. He makes it his new capital. He has bridges built over the river and creates the great Imam Square. Further more he provides the city wirh wonderful gardens and magnificent palaces.
However, Shah Abbas the Great eliminates all of his successors out of fear of rivalries. Therefore, after his death, a fierce battle for the throne leads to disorder in the Empire and a series of weak rulers. Finally, when the Afghans invade the country, Isfahan is unable to strike back. The formerly magnificent royal residence is widely destroyed and Mashad becomes the new capital.

18th century
Over the years Isfahan the Shiraz ruler Karim Zand has the city rebuilt. But it never regains its old splendor and glory.

20th century
Over the past 50 years, the city has become an important center for industry and textile production. In addition, a large university is opened in 1954. And last but not least, tourism also increasingly offers a source of income.