Amir Kalamzadeh, the Bureau of Isfahan Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, said the handicraft trade in Isfahan increased 20% year-on-year during the Nowruz 1404 holiday.
He told IRNA on Sunday that artwork sales at permanent shops and temporary exhibitions would be 133 billion rials ($1.3 million) from March 15th to April 4th.
Karamzadeh reached 300 billion rials ($330,000) in 628 pavilions at 35 exhibitions and 100 billion rials ($1 million) in permanent exhibitions, Karamzadeh explained.
He continued that historic monuments and tourist destinations in Isfahan attracted 9 million tourists during the Nowruz holiday, rising 50% year-on-year.
He added that 2.25 million tourists live in the state during the holidays, showing growth of 2.5% year-on-year.
With 1,940 national sites and 15 globally registered monuments, over 600 ancient homes and over 22,000 historic monuments, including many natural, cultural, religious and recreational sites, Isfahan is considered one of Iran’s tourist hubs.
The ancient city is celebrated not only for its magnificent historical monuments but also for its life-giving presence in the root river of Zayande.
Isfahan has acquired the lasting moniker of Nesf-e-Jahan and translated it into “Half of the World”, meaning that it is to see half of the world. During its peak, it stands as one of the largest cities in the region, boasting a population of nearly 1 million.
The gentle navy blue tiles decorating Islamic buildings in Isfahan, coupled with the city’s magnificent bridges, provide an impressive juxtaposition against the dry spread of the surrounding Iranian countryside. At the heart of the city is the vast Imam Square, famous as Naksh e Jahan Square, which means “the image of the world,” a monumental will of urban planning. Built in the early 17th century, this UNESCO-recognised square spreads over an impressive 500m, 160m x 160m, hosts some of Isfahan’s most fascinating sights.
KT