Isfahan (city)

Isfahan or Eşfahān (historically also rendered as Ispahan, Old Persian Aspadana, Middle Persian Spahān, Persian اصفهان), located about 340 km south of Tehran, is the capital of Isfahan Province and Iran (Persia)'s third largest city (after Tehran and Mashhad). Its population in 2000 was 2,040,000.

History

The Arabs conquered Isfahan in 642 and introduced Islam. Under their rule, the city was promoted to provincial capital. The Islamic philosopher Avicenna lived and taught there in the 11th century. In 1051, Isfahan was conquered by the Seljuk Turks under Toghril Beg, who kept it as his capital. The city flourished under Seljuk rule until about 1200. In 1387, the city was conquered in a bloody war with Tamerlane.

Related Topics:
Arab - 642 - Islam - Philosopher - Avicenna - 11th century - 1051 - Seljuk Turks - Toghril Beg - Seljuk - 1200 - 1387 - Tamerlane

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The Golden Age of Isfahan came in the 17th century under Shah Abbas I, who made it the capital of the Safavid dynasty. Many of the magnificent buildings in the city date to this time. One century later, in 1722, it was conquered by the Afghans after a long siege, which left much of the city in ruin. Although the Afghans were a primary cause of Isfahan's decline, this can also be attributed to the development of maritime commerce by European merchants from such countries such as the Netherlands. Isfahan's wealth originated in its role as a chief waystation along the trans-Asia trade route, but trade dwindled as the cheaper sea routes increased in popularity for transporting commodities between Asia and Europe. It was only in the 20th century under Shah Reza Pahlavi that the city was finally revived.

Related Topics:
17th century - Abbas I - Safavid - 1722 - Afghans - Netherlands - Asia - Europe - 20th century - Reza Pahlavi

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Isfahan is also where Arthur Pope and his wife Phyllis Ackerman are buried.

Related Topics:
Arthur Pope - Phyllis Ackerman

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