Naqsh-e Jahan Square

낙셰 자한 광장

Naqsh-e Jahan Square is a huge open plaza in the middle of Isfahan, a city in central Iran. Its Persian name means 'Image of the World'. It is about 560 metres long and 160 metres wide, and four grand buildings from the Safavid dynasty stand around its edges. Before 1979 it was called Shah Square, and many people also know it as Imam Square.

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At a glance

Country: Iran
Location: Isfahan, Iran
Built: 1629
Height: 53 m
Type: Historic district

Quick answers

Where is Naqsh-e Jahan Square?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square is in Isfahan, Iran.

When was Naqsh-e Jahan Square built?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square was built in 1629.

How tall is Naqsh-e Jahan Square?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square is about 53 m tall.

A vast Safavid square framed by the Shah (Imam) Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and the bazaar.

The square was built between 1598 and 1629 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous because it gathers a mosque, a royal palace, a second mosque and a market doorway in one open space, so you can see religion, government and everyday trade all at once.

Why was the square built?

In 1598 the Safavid ruler Shah Abbas the Great moved his capital from Qazvin to Isfahan. The new city lay beside a river in the middle of dry country, which put it farther from enemies such as the Ottomans. The shah then rebuilt Isfahan almost from scratch. His chief planner, Shaykh Bahai, focused on two big ideas: a long tree-lined avenue called Chaharbagh, and this great square. Bringing power, prayer and shopping together in one place also helped the shah keep tighter control over his empire.

What stands around the square?

The Shah Mosque, now often called the Imam Mosque, fills the south side. The Ali Qapu Palace is on the west, and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is on the east. On the north side the Qeysarie Gate opens into Isfahan's Grand Bazaar. In the old days the open ground was crowded with tradesmen's stalls, entertainers and food sellers, so the square was where the shah and ordinary people met. Today people still gather for Friday prayers in the Shah Mosque, and the square appears on an Iranian banknote.

Fun facts

At about 560 m long, it is one of the largest city squares in the world.
The square covers about 89,600 square metres, which is larger than twelve football pitches.
Its name, Naqsh-e Jahan, means 'Image of the World'.
Until 1979 it was officially called Shah Square, and today many people call it Imam Square.