Naghshe Jahan Square


Southern View


This square is from the period of Shah Abbas The Great (I), around 400 years old. Its length is 500m. (1640.4ft) from North to South, and has a width of approximately 165m (541.3ft), making it roughly over 20 acres, surrounded by two story Arcades and historical buildings. To the North of the square, you'll find the Qaysarieh Portal. To the South there is Shah/Emam Mosque. On East side you'll find Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and located to the West is Ali Qapoo Edifice, the palace and the gateway to the other royal establishments of that era. During the reign of Shah Abbas I and his successors, this square was an area where festivities, polo, dramatics and military parades took place. This square is listed by UNESCO's World Heritage center as "Meidan Emam".


South-East view



Northern View



"Naghshe Jahan" or "Illustration of the World" is the name given to this square, because in architectural details and mural paintings of its buildings, there are hints of other cultures. It also rhymes with the folklore saying of "Esfahan, Nesfe Jahan", meaning "Esfahan is half the world."





Eastern view from Ali Qapoo's Terrace



Shah Mosque



Sheik Lotfollah Mosque



Ali Qapoo Palace



Detail of Two Story Arcades



A Handcraft Shop


Stay tuned for a detailed look into each building.