Seeing half of the world inside Esfahan, Iran

Imam Square in Esfahan, Iran. Photos: Sandip Hor

“You are now going to see half of the world,” says guide Arsalan as we drive inside Esfahan, one of Iran’s most visited destinations. Obviously an overstatement now, but was absolutely befitting to French poet Renier when he stepped in there five centuries ago.

Renier was so awestruck by the sight of the grand ensemble of palaces, mosques, libraries, markets, public baths, parks, gardens and bridges, all spectacularly spread over a riverfront landscape he felt roving through half of the globe. So he dubbed Esfahan “half of the world”.