Meidan Emam, Esfahan

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Meidan Emam, Esfahan: A Glimpse into the Safavid Era

Meidan Emam, also known as Naqsh-e Jahan Square or Shah Square, is a significant historical site located at the heart of Isfahan, Iran. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, this expansive square is a testament to the grandeur and cultural richness of the Safavid era.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Built by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th century, and bordered on all sides by monumental buildings linked by a series of two-storeyed arcades, the site is known for the Royal Mosque, the Mosque of Sheykh Lotfollah, the magnificent Portico of Qaysariyyeh and the 15th-century Timurid palace. They are an impressive testimony to the level of social and cultural life in Persia during the Safavid era.

Encyclopedia Record: Naqsh-e Jahan Square

The Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also known as the Shah Square prior to 1979, and sometimes known as the Imam Square, is a square situated at the center of Isfahan, Iran. Constructed between 1598 and 1629, it is now an important historical site, and one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. It is 160 metres (520 ft) wide by 560 metres (1,840 ft) long – an area of 89,600 square metres (964,000 sq ft). The square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era. The Shah Mosque is situated on the south side of this square. On the west side is the Ali Qapu Palace. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is situated on the eastern side of this square and at the northern side Qeysarie Gate opens into the Isfahan Grand Bazaar. Today, Namaaz-e Jom'eh is held in the Shah Mosque.

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