Sunday, September 29, 2013

Unforgettable Journey to “The Half of The World”, Isfahan



I am so excited when Korean Air announced the Asian On-Air Program 2013 on its Facebook page by inviting the participants to write about their unforgettable travel story.  What make me enthusiastic to take a part on this event because the winner will have a chance to visit Korea at the expense of Korean Air, and Korea is a country that I’d love to be able to visit. I hope I’ll be lucky to joint this event, so wish me luck.


Well, on this occasion, I want to share my unforgettable journey to Isfahan, the third largest city in Iran. I visited Isfahan on July 2012, and it become the most impressive experience from all my traveling experiences, because Isfahan is a kind of beautiful blend between modern dan ancient city.  Isfahan today look like other metropolitan city in the world, but still we can see of its past glory. 

Geographically, Isfahan is located in the south of Tehran, the capital city of Iran. It takes about 45 minutes from Tehran to Isfahan by plane. Isfahan itself is the capital of Isfahan Province. 



Isfahan is an ancient and historic city. The city is very famous for its Islamic architecture, beautiful boulevard, bridges, palaces, mosques and minarets from the era of 16th century when the city under the Safavid dynasty.  Isfahan has became the center of culture and commerce from around the world since it flourished from the year of 1050 to 1722. That is why Isfahan is also known as Persian proverb said “Isfahan is half of the world”.  Even a well-known jazz musician from United States Duke Ellington composed the song called “Isfahan”  after he visited the city in the era of Shah Iran.



One of the most beautiful spot in Isfahan is Naghsh-e Jahan Square which is one of the largest city squares in the world and it has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Naghsh-e Jahan Square is an outstanding Iranian dan Islamic architecture back to the era of 11th -19th century.  It is also known as “The Face of the World” due to its typical garden design which remind me of spacious park in Europe that is combined with Persian-style park.



The square split by lengthwise garden in the middle, with a large pond and a longside fountain.  The horse-drawn carriages ready to take the visitors enjoying the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere around the Square.

If we overlook the Square , on the south side of the building there is a magnificent the Shah Mosque, on the west side there is the Palace of Ali Qapu and the east side there is a Sheikh Loft Allah Mosque , while the north side is the entrance that is open and connected to the bazaar ( market ) of Isfahan .




The most interesting thing in the complex of Naghsh-e Jahan Square is the Palace of Ali Qapu which has six floors . To get to the sixth floor terrace , I had to climb a stone staircase covered with ceramic of distinctive blue and yellow colors floral design , ranging from a narrow staircase to the width . On each floor , we pass through the spaces until I get on the top floor , there is a music room and a spacious terrace refuted high poles which are made of wood . This is where the royal family used to hold royal events , with an open view to the rest of the .

Shah Mosque on the south side , is a mosque which has the largest dome in the city of Isfahan . The mosque is still used for Friday prayers . While Loft Allah Mosque which extends east side , is a special mosque for the royal family and was once the residence of the royal family.



Naghsh - e Jahan also a good place to buy souvenirs. In the bazaar , located at the bottom of Castle Ali Qapu , we can find a variety of Iranian handicrafts , carpets , bags , and other unique items.

Beside Naghsh-e Jahan Square there are still so many historical buidings and interesting places to visit in Isfahan. But I just have one day trip, so only visit Naghsh-e Jahan Square, the ancient Jameh Mosque and teological school Chahar Bagh which also have a very awesome architectural design.





That’s my unforgettable travel story about Isfahan, the city of the half of the world. I you a kind of traveler who like ancient city, interested in architectural design, Isfahan will be the best place to visit. []


Name: Magdalena Krisnawati
Country: Indonesia
Blog visitor: 25-50 visitor per day