Unesco’s World Heritage listed Iranian Site Meidan-e Emam, Esfahan
Published: July 30, 2019

Located in the City of Isfahan (Central Iran), Meidan-e Emam manifests as a vast rectangular square surrounded by architectural structures of the Safavid Period. Also known as Meydān-e Naqsh-e Jahān, the square used to constitute one of the greatest squares of the 17th century, to the extent that, by the time of ShāhAbbās, the Safavid, and his successors it functioned as the field for polo competitions, martial marches, festive events, and artistic performances. The balanced coexistence of trade spaces with administrative and religious buildings as well as the existence of the oldest polo gate of the world in the center, define it with part of its architectural features.
The historical architectural structures of the site include Āliqāpu, AbbāsiJāme’ (“grand”) Mosque, SheykhLotfollāh Mosque, and the Gate to Qeysariyye. To these must be added the 200 traditional shops, circling round the square in two storeys, where the handicrafts of Isfahan are presented for sale.