Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Safavid dynasty, a government that was considered the most powerful government in the world during the reign of Shah Abbas, is a symbol of restoring the original Iranian identity and the political integrity of Iran.

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In the heart of the Safavid Empire and its capital Isfahan, there is a square whose splendor dazzled the eyes of all European travelers during the Safavid era. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which is today the second largest square on earth, was a sign of the greatness of the Eastern civilization and more importantly, the Safavid Empire among the Europeans in the 16th and 17th centuries; Europeans' amazement and wonder can be seen in their travelogues.

When and How Was Naqsh-e Jahan Square Built?

At the beginning of Safavid reign, the cities of Tabriz and Qazvin were chosen as capitals. However, with the beginning of Shah Abbas rule and his plan for the development of Iran, he moved the capital to Isfahan (far from the Ottoman empire borders), which was always one of the most populated and great cities of Iran. Isfahan was the capital during the Seljuk period and was always considered one of the most important, prosperous and populated cities of Iran in the following periods as well. Shah Abbas, with the help of great architects, drew a construction plan that would connect the previous structures of the city, while giving priority to the importance of the new building. In addition, he, with his unique policy, added elements in the architecture of the Square, which show the general policy of the Safavid government and its foundations of power. For this reason, shah abbas first ordered the construction of a long market to connect the old square of the city to the new one. Then, in an area of 8.5 hectares, Naqsh-e Jahan square was built with a rectangular shape and 6 important buildings (2 buildings have been destroyed). We know precisely that the building was built in 1602 AD. Kaempfer, Chardin, Tavernier, Delavalle, Herbert, Flanden, Morey and dozens of European tourists have all visited Naqsh-e Jahan Square and considered it superior to similar squares in Europe.

Different Parts of Naqsh-e Jahan Square and politics hidden in it

During the time of Shah Abbas I and until the end of the Safavid period, there were 6 buildings in this square, which included Aali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Abbasi Jame Mosque, Isfahan Bazaar (Qaysariyeh), marble columns and Sheikh Lotfollah School. Among these buildings, Aali Qapu Palace is the symbol of the first pillar of power (i.e. monarchy) and it has the highest height among others. Abbasi Jame Mosque is the symbol of the second pillar of power (religion) and the second tallest building in the square. After that, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, representing people's gatherings, is the third tallest building. Qaysariyeh market is also the third pillar of Safavid power (economy) and the last elevated building of the square. Of course, the marble columns that were brought from Persepolis to Isfahan were a symbol of Iranian nationality and the school was also a symbol of education in Safavid Iran.

The Unique Architecture of Naqsh-e Jahan Square of Isfahan

For a more detailed examination, each of the buildings should be examined separately:

Aali Qapu: It is constructed in 6 floors with 48-meter height, and each floor has its own architecture and decorations. The painting and the use of architectural elements in the facade of the rooms dazzle the eyes of the travelers.

Jame Abbasi Mosque: the most important mosque of the Safavid era with a height of 42 meters, where beautiful inscriptions with Nastaliq handwriting can be seen everywhere. Unique tilings, artistic moqarans, the aesthetic relationship between its minarets and the shape of the square, etc. are among the features of this mosque.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque: It is a symbol of the taste of Iranian artists. A special mosque that does not have a courtyard or a minaret. The interior of the dome of the mosque amazes the audience. Inscriptions written by the best Safavid calligraphers decorate the entire mosque.

Qaysarieh Bazaar: It is the entrance to Isfahan Grand Bazaar. Today, 2 floors of it remain and the big clock of the Portuguese Castle in Hormuz Island was installed on top of it after Iran victory over Portugal. Today, there are 200 shops around the square.

Only with your eyes, you can feel the sheer beauty of Naqsh-e Jahan Square!!!

 

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Tags: Isfahan Province, Isfahan Attractions, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Iran Historical Attractions, Squares in Iran

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