Scenes from Half the World

Naqsh-e-Jahan Square and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran

Aww, what the heck! Might as well finish posting pictures of Isfahan, since I’ve sorted thru them already. Besides, I’m kinda busy with work (a good sign in times of uncertainty, …like now). So, here’s another picture post!

“Isfahan is half the world,” so says a Persian proverb ~ 'Esfahan nesf-e-jahan'. The world must be a lot smaller then, but still, Isfahan has its own unique qualities that makes it a place well worth a visit. Pictures don’t do real justice to the place, go see it yourself!


Muqarnas (the hanging beehive-like formations) at the entrance of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque


The interiors of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque – this mosque was built as a private mosque for the ladies of the king’s harem – Isfahan used to be the capital of Persia during the Safavid Empire era


The patterns on the dome of the inner hall, coupled with the beam of light reflected on the dome, are supposed to look like a peacock with its tail opened, especially from the entrance to the hall. Whatever it is, it's still a sight to behold!


Naqsh-e-Jahan Square at night, north view. The square has a north-south alignment. On the north (in the background of the photo) is the Qeysarieh Gate, entrance to Isfahan’s Grand Bazaar. On the east (right side of the photo) is the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. On the west (left), is the Ali Qapu Palace. And Anu’s standing in front of the Shah Mosque on the south


The south-west corner of the Naqsh-e-Jahan Square with the Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque) in view – The huge square is surrounded on all four sides by shops selling souvenirs, trinkets, Persian sweets, Persian …you name it, and arches. Whoever built this place, sure has a craze for arches. "OK, let’s put an arch here, and there. And there, and there, and there… What the heck, just friggin fill all the gaps with arches!"


The shops around Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan


Qeysarieh Gate, the main entrance to Isfahan’s Grand Bazaar (Bazaar-e-Bozorg), on the north of the Naqsh-e-Jahan Square


Isfahan’s covered bazaar, the Bazaar-e-Bozorg, closed for business! We were told that it’s the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday! (In Dubai, the birthday was on the week before!) No, I don’t know how the Prophet can have different birthdays in different countries. Go ask a scholar!

Persian bazaars are interesting. They’re typically covered with vaulted ceilings that have holes in them (I guess it’s to let light in, if not it’ll be pitch black, right?). And they’re huge with a network of maze-like alleys! Nice, for some spy thriller movies, ain’t it?


For the love of arches! Told ya there's a serious obsession with arches in Isfahan – Imam Ali Square, Isfahan


Let There Be …Arches! Thirty-three to be exact – This is the Si-o-Seh Pol (33 Bridge), so named because it has 33 arches. How unimaginative can you get?


Khaju Bridge, Isfahan – It IS a bridge, despite the lack of water – heard they’d typically release water back into the Zayandeh River just before Nowruz, the Persian New Year in March. Not fair for us winter visitors!!! What did they do to all that water anyway?


More arches (what else?) below the Khaju Bridge, Isfahan


The gardens around the Zayandeh River …it’d be nicer if there was SOME water!


Khoda hafez! Till I write again...