Persian Renaissance in Esfahan Cityscape
Esfahan is a desert oasis of art and architecture. The city was the capital of Persia during the Safavid dynasty. I was fascinated by the intricate tile work and calligraphy on the walls and floors of the mosques and palaces. The Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also known as Imam Square, was a highlight of my trip. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest squares in the world and is surrounded by stunning buildings such as the Imam Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. I also visited the Vank Cathedral, a beautiful Armenian Christian church that showcases a blend of Iranian and Armenian styles. Esfahan's bazaar is also worth exploring. I compared this city's architecture with other cities' Islamic-Persian architecture like Tabriz and Shiraz.