Learn About History Of Isfahan Before You Make A Trip To Iran
History of Isfahan encompasses many ages and the city itself dates back to the Paleolithic period
. The artifacts found in the excavated sites reveal proof of the town flourishing in the various ages after that. Traditionally, the Elamite Empire made this place an important part and named it Aspandana. The Median dynasty too gave prominence to Isfahan.Later on, the place continued to be important in the Achaemenid Empire and Parthian Empire. The Arsacids made it the center of their province and ruled from there. The Sassanid rulers made Isfahan a prominent center. The Espoohrans or the members of seven noble families of Iran lived here and occupied important positions too. The city also became a military center with strongly guarded fortresses.
The Rise and Fall of the City
Before your trip to Iran you will learn that the Arabs did not occupy a favorable place in the history of Isfahan. The town again climbed back to prominence under the Abbasids and then under the Buwayhid dynasty in the 10th century. It was declared the capital city by Malik Shah I of the Seljuk dynasty. The place reached its pinnacle of glamour during this time.
But this ended after it was surrendered to Timur, the Turko-Mongol invader in 1387. Timur was not very stern with this city till its people reacted violently against the taxes imposed on them. They killed the tax collectors and some soldiers of Timur which was immediately punished by a massacre killing of more than 70,000 citizens.
Transformation into a Metropolis
The history of Isfahan tells you that the city again regained its lost dignity under the Safavid dynasty. Shah Abbas I beautified it and built many libraries, parks and mosques which brought glory to the town. Also known as the Nesf-e-Jahan (half of the world), Isfahan witnessed the intermingling of many cultures and nationalities. It was one of the largest cities in the world having over half a million people.
The city was again ruined by the Afghans when they defeated the Safavids. But today, when you take a trip to Iran, you will be impressed by the development of many industries dealing with the manufacturing of fine carpets, textiles, steel and handicrafts. Located only about 350 km away from Teheran, it ranks second in both area and population in Iran.
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