TEHRAN – The centuries-old Armenian cemetery in the central province of Isfahan has the potential to become a top tourist destination, the provincial tourism chief has said.
Nearly 120,000 Iranian-Armenian citizens, foreigners and scientists from more than 12 countries are buried in this cemetery over the past 400 years since the formation of New Julfa, Alireza Izadi explained on Monday.
However, evidence and documents indicate that this cemetery has a history dating back more than 500 years, he noted.
This cemetery could be transformed into one of the main tourist centers in the southern part of Isfahan due to the life stories of those buried there and the contributions they made to the development of the culture and civilization of the region, the official added.
Steeped in a rich history, Isfahan was once a hub of international trade and diplomacy in Iran and is now one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good reason.
It is full of many architectural marvels, such as unparalleled Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards. It is a city to walk around, get lost in its incredible bazaars, doze in beautiful gardens and meet people.
The ancient city is famous not only for the abundance of great historical bridges, but also for its “life-giving river”, the Zayandeh-Rood, which has long given the city its original beauty and fertility.
Ispahan has long been nicknamed Nesf-e-Jahan which translates to “half of the world”; which means it is relevant to see half the world. At its height, it was also one of the largest cities in the region with a population of nearly one million.
The cool blue tiles of Isfahan’s Islamic buildings and the city’s majestic bridges contrast perfectly with the hot, dry Iranian countryside that surrounds it.
The huge Imam Square, better known as Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. (literary meaning “Image of the World”), is one of the largest in the world (500 m by 160 m), and a majestic example of town planning. Built in the early 17th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Square is dotted with Isfahan’s most interesting sights.
Modern Isfahan is home to heavy industry, including steelworks and a nuclear facility on its outskirts. However, its inner core wants to be preserved as a priceless gem.
The city is also home to a gigantic, professional and technologically advanced healthcare city, which is a major destination in the field of medical tourism.
UBU/AM
