Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Meidan Emam, Esfahan) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The square preserves a variety of Islamic-style buildings dating from the 11th to the 19th century. Located in the city center of Isfahan, the capital of Isfahan Province in central Iran, it was built in 1616, measuring 500 meters in length and approximately 160 meters in width. It was the site where Shah Abbas the Great reviewed troops, watched polo matches, enjoyed grand performances, and held other ceremonies.

The square is surrounded by monumental buildings connected by a series of two-story arcades; nearby, there is an impressive complex of historic structures including the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Imam Khomeini Mosque, which features the characteristic domed Persian architectural style. The traditional bazaar, preserving its appearance from over 300 years ago, offers a chance to admire the famous handicrafts of Isfahan. Dominating one side of the square is the majestic Imam Khomeini Mosque, originally known as the Royal Mosque and commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque; the mosque retains the traditional Persian architectural style, with its inner and outer walls and some tall columns inlaid with small tiles in varying shades of blue, forming beautiful and intricate Persian patterns.