Ispahan

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

a city of Persia, and formerly the capital of that empire. It is situated in the province Irak-Ajemi, of which it is the capital. It stands in the midst of an extensive plain, abundantly watered by the Zenderood, a river about 600 feet broad; and is surrounded by groves, avenues , and spreading orchards . Within its limits the the city comprises one vast succession of superb mosques, immensc bazaars, marble palaces, canals, fountains, and gardens. The manufacture of all kinds of woven fabrics, from the most costly gold brocade of figured velvet to the most ordinary calico or coarse cotton, is pursued on an extensive scale; many hands are also employed in making trinkets and jewelry , paper, papiermâché goods, arms , steel sword blades , glass and earthenware. Ispahan is the chief commercial emporium of Persia , and on the great line of communication between India, Cabul, and China on the E. and Turkey, Egypt , and the Mediterranean on the W. The inhabitants are considered the best artificers in Persia, and education is very general. Ispahan , under the caliphs of Bagdad, became the capital of Irak, and under Shah Abbas the metropolis of Persia. In 1722 Ispahan was reduced by the Afghans, and in 1727 was retaken by Nadir Shah, who , however, took no steps to restore it to its ancient glory. Within the last 100 years the capital has been transferred to Teheran, and Ispahan has gradually fallen into a state of decay from which even its commercial importance has not been able to redeem it . Pop. (1918) 80,000.