Naqsh-e Jahan Square: The Image Of The World

The second largest square in the world which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the center of Isfahan called Meidan Emam or Naqsh-e Jahan (Image of the world). This square is in rectangular field, 560 meters (1837ft) in length and 160 meters (564ft) in width, made by Shah Abbas l the Great in 17^th century, that is why the other name of the square is Meidan Shah. However, after Islamic Revolution the name was changed and it is now, officially known as Meidan Emam.

After choosing Isfahan as the capital of Iran by Shah Abbas l, he started to renovate the city and chose a new center for the city. The previous center was Atigh square, so Shah Abbas chose a place in an old garden named Naqsh-e Jahan to connect the old part and the new part of the city. He constructed four buildings around the square as the symbols of his monarchy’s base. To the north, Royal Bazaar, (Qeyssarriyeh Bazaar) as the symbol of economy, to the south, Royal Mosque, (Masjed-e Shah) the symbol of religion, to the west, Ali Qapu Palace, the symbol of government and to the east, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque as the symbol of science and social power. Each one has a unique structure and design, and they’re all linked by a series of two-story arcades full of shops.

The square has been a place to gather people and hold ceremonies like “Nowruz”, promenades and even public executions. One of the main activities (with over 2,500 years old in Iran) had been Persian Polo called “Chogan”. The two stony gates still remained on both sides of the square. Today, the square is a lively social place that people go there for walking, shopping, visiting the monuments, or maybe sitting and enjoying the superb view.

If you’d like to know what visitors think of this place, take a look at TripAdvisor.