A Day Tour in Top Tourist Attractions of Isfahan In the Safavid Era
 

The prosperity of Isfahan in the 17th century, the largest and most populated city of the Safavid era, is reflected in the prominent monuments and icons standing at each and every corner of the city. Founded by Shah Ismail I in the early 16th century, Safavid dynasty opened a new chapter in the history of Iran. By establishing the Twelver Shi’ism as the official religion of the state, the Safavids managed to unify a considerable number of ethnic groups and take control of the country. Originally centered in Ardabil, Safavids declared different cities as their capital during their relatively long rule (1501-1736). In chronological order, the capitals were Tabriz (1501), Qazvin (1548) and finally Isfahan (1598).

Actually, Shah Abbas the Great ordered the transference of the capital to Isfahan because the city was geographically, climatically, politically and strategically more suited to the aims of his kingdom. However, before the actual transference, a construction campaign was announced in Isfahan and many new monuments and sites were added to the city between the years 1590-1598. Some of these new additions are: Maydan-e Naqsh-e Jahan, Chahar Baq, Sheikh lotf Allah Mosque, Abbasi Congregational Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, Qeisarieh Bazaar, Si-O-Se Pol and many others. 

Art and Architecture

The blending of Persian and Islamic arts is represented in Safavid art. The enthusiasm of Safavid kings for art, especially Shah Abbas, promoted the Persian-Islamic art beyond the state boundaries, especially to Ottoman and India. Accordingly, carpet weaving, calligraphy, tile working, painting, and architecture came to perfection during the Safavid era. However, among these very different types of art, architecture and painting gained the upper-hand as the most important achievements of the Safavids.  Many relics from that period confirm the importance of art in the Safavid dynasty. Naqsh-E-Jahan Square, the vibrant boulevard of Chahar-Bagh shaded by old soaring trees, the royal palace of Chehelsotun, Charbagh-Madrasah and its adjacent Honar bazaar, the luxurious Abbasi Hotel, unparalleled bridges of Khaju and Si-o-se-pol on Zayandeh Roud, and Jolfa quarter (the Armenian neighborhood) and its remarkable Vank Cathedral, are just some examples of Safavid architectural heritages in Isfahan displaying this intricate art.

Also, under the patronage of Shah Abbas I, Isfahan housed the last school of miniature in the 17th century. Furthermore, the striking tile and ceramic art of the Safavid period, characterized by Persian and Islamic motifs and patterns which were mostly printed on turquoise blue backgrounds, is reflected in many exquisite architectural decorations. A number of these pieces have remained in Isfahan and some of them are being kept in famous museums of the world. Some examples of the last case are the tiled panel with floral patterns in Philadelphia museum of Art and the painted tile panels in Metropolitan Museum. 

Well-known Artists and Figures 

Many famous artists and scholars in the Safavid era appeared to participate in the development of art and architecture of Isfahan. Doost Mohammed (painter and calligrapher), Sadeqi Beg (a well-known painter and creator of the “canon of Painting”), Ali Reza Abbasi and Mir Emad (calligraphers), and great philosophers like Sheykh Bahaie, Mir Damad, and Mulla Sadra are among the outstanding figures of that time. 

Foreign Travelers to Isfahan 

The reputation of Isfahan as a charming city during the Safavid reign attracted many travelers to this city. These travelers were of different walks of life, from traders and politicians to orientalists and missionaries. Chardin, a French jewel merchant who traveled to Isfahan in the 17th century, and wrote in detail about it, emphasized on the splendor and extent of the city which could rival London. Tenreiro, a Portuguese traveler, visited Isfahan in the 16th century, Thomas Herbert, a 17th-century English merchant, explored Isfahan and Kashan, and Adam Olearius, a German scholar, visited Isfahan in 1637 to explore the trade route with Iran. Olearius described the city as “the Metropolis of the whole kingdom of Persia”.