Also spelt “Isfahan”, Persian culture is on full display in this former capital. Arts, architecture, crafts and gardens have developed over centuries, absorbing cultural influences from as far away as Europe.
Floral motifs on the walls of Emam Mosque.
Chehel Sotoon Palace, one of the many sights in Esfahan.
A shisha (water pipe) is set up waiting for guests in the garden of Chehel Sotoon Palace.
Battle Of Chaldrian (1514) depicted on the walls of Chehel Sotoon Palace, Esfahan.
A girl photographs the exquisite interior of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.
Sun lights up the tiles of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, also known as the ladies' mosque.
Students sketching in Naghsh-e Jahan Square, the centre of Esfahani cultural and social life.
The architects had minute flaws purposely built into the Emam Mosque, so it would not be perfect. Only Allah is perfect.
Shah Abbas moved the Persian capital to Esfahan in 1598, and undertook the greatest building program in the empire's history.
Floral detail of tiles on Emam Mosque.
Rear courtyard, Emam Mosque.
Emam Mosque.
Ornately decorated arched entrances, Emam Mosque.
Naghsh-e Jahan Square at dusk.
Allahverdi Khan Bridge, popularly known as Si-o-se-pol bridge.
Almost every muslim town will have a Jameh (Friday) mosque, like this one in Esfahan. Friday is the day of prayer.
More exquisite tile work in Esfahan.
Naghsh-e Jahan Square and Emam Mosque lit up at night.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque by night.
Night shot of Emam Mosque, Naghsh-e Jahan Square.
There is an Iranian expression that says (roughly) that if you drink tea with someone, you have a friend for life.
Completed in 1602, Si-o-se-pol is both a bridge and a dam, and gets its name from the 33 arches.
One of the tea houses at the Si-o-se-pol bridge.
A vendor relaxes in the live bird section of Hakim Grand Bazaar.
Traditional arts and crafts thrive in Esfahan.
An Armenian church, from a time when language, culture and religion flowed more freely in the city.
Palace art in Esfahan shows influence from India.
Also in the palace paintings, European envoys depicted in distinctive hats.
The cavernous interior of the Imam Mosque.
Naghsh-e Jahan Square at dusk.
Looking out across Naghsh-e Jahan Square.
Tea shops and shisha are the social centre of Esfahani life, under the Si-o-se-pol bridge.
With so many wonderous and grand edifices, it must have been hard to argue that Esfahan was not half the world.