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, the square was built in 1616, measuring 500 meters in length and about 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 bordered by monumental buildings connected by a series of two-story arcades. Surrounding the square are magnificent ancient architectural complexes, including the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Imam Khomeini Mosque, which features the characteristic domed Persian architectural style. The traditional market—Bazaar—preserved here retains its appearance from over 300 years ago, where visitors can admire the world-renowned Isfahan handicrafts. Towering majestically on one side of the square is the Imam Khomeini Mosque, originally named the Royal Mosque and commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque. This mosque retains the traditional Persian architectural style, with its inner and outer walls and several tall columns inlaid with small, deep and light blue glazed tiles forming beautiful and intricate Persian patterns.