The historical site which comprises a Mosque, Palace and a Grand Bazaar on its area is Naqsh-e Jahan Square which was built between 1598 and 1629. Naqsh-e Jahan Square a UNESCO world Heritage site was located in the city centre of Isfahan. Naqsh-e Jahan Square was also called by “Imam Square and Shah Square”. At 160 metres width and 560 metres length this extraordinary Naqsh-e Jahan Square stands at an area of 89,600 metre square. This complex has lot of buildings which was built during safavid dynasty. Naqsh-e Jahan Square was once used as a polo field. Copious horse carriages are present on this site.
Shah Abbas who was once a king of Iran, decided to make Isfahan as a capital of Persia. So he made the intellectual building Naqsh-e Jahan Square with mosque, palace and bazaar. During his period he lived in Ali Qapu Palace and celebrated Nowruz (the Persian New Year) for first time.
The crown of the square was the Shah Mosque located on the south side. This mosque is having the city’s largest dome and is the best place for conducting Friday prayers. Sheik Lotf Allah Mosque on the east side of the square is the mosque of the royal court which does not have minarets.
Ali Qapu Palace on the west side is a six floored mosque with wide terrace on front. The royal reception and banquets are held on the sixth floor because this floor is having large rooms and stucco decorations which are so attractive. From the upper floor, the ruler of safavid dynasty watched horse race conducted on the square.
Isfahan Grand Bazaar is the oldest bazaar in Iran involved in selling carpets and kilim. Through the Qeysarie Gate on northern side, you can get enter into the bazaar. If you are hungry, there lot of food stalls and coffee shops in this bazaar selling Iranian delicacies. Isfahan Grand Bazaar is the largest bazaar in the Middle East.
Website: http://www.isfahancht.ir/MainFa.aspx?p=1
Address: Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran