TEHRAN – A member of Isfahan’s Armenian Caliphate Council said on Wednesday that around 500,000 people visit Vank Cathedral in Isfahan’s Armenian district of (New) Jolfa every year.
Narbe Zaden Davoud told IRNA that the figures demonstrate strong tourist interest in the cultural and religious attractions of the historic Jolfa district. He said Bethlehem Church and the Museum of Armenian Music rank next to Vank Cathedral among the most visited places in the region.
Davout said authorities and local stakeholders aim to promote Jolfa as a complete tourist destination within Isfahan. He said the initiative will include introducing visitors to religious sites such as Vank Church and Bethlehem Church, as well as the district’s historic centre, guesthouses and handicraft workshops.
He mentioned the “Jolfa Walk” program that was launched a few years ago. The walking route includes churches, museums, accommodation and craft venues. Davout said daily tours have been offered since last year, showcasing the area’s cultural, social and culinary characteristics.
He said the aim was to encourage tourists to stay in Jolfa for at least a full day to experience its attractions and services.
Davout said private investment in the area is increasing. He said two hotels have been established in the past three years and new hotel and guest house projects are underway.
An 80-room hotel is currently under construction and is expected to be completed within two years. Another hotel is under development under the supervision of Armenia’s Caliphate Council. Some properties will be operated as boutique hotels, and restored Armenian historical houses will be converted into special accommodations, he added.
According to sources, Armenian families were moved to Iran in 1614 by order of Safavid ruler Shah Abbas I and settled south of the Zayand-e-Rud River. The size of the Jolfa area expanded during the reign of Shah Abbas II, the seventh Shah of Safavid Iran, from 1642 to 1666.
Once a crossroads of international trade and diplomacy, Isfahan remains one of Iran’s most famous tourist destinations. It is famous for its breathtaking Islamic architecture, including stunning mosques, palaces, and bazaars. Visitors can explore the Persian Gardens or stroll through the city’s tree-lined streets, soaking in beauty and history at every turn. The city’s architectural wonders, including Nagsh-e-Jahan Square, one of the largest squares in the world, are jewels of urban planning.
Isfahan is known as ‘Nesf-e-Jahan’, or ‘Half of the World’, symbolizing its historical importance. The Zayande Rud River, also known as the city’s “life-giving river,” further enhances the city’s natural beauty and increases its attractiveness for tourists.
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