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 .
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
