If you want to find the magnificent Persian civilisation and glory, you must visit Isfahan. Isfahan, like China's Xi'an, is a cultural capital. Located at important crossroads of the Silk Road between the East, West, North and the South, it was the centre of the Silk Road. It heads to China towards the East; the Roman Empire towards the West; the Persian Gulf towards the South; Russia towards the North. From Xi’an, Isfahan to Roman, the Silk Road connected the three major ancient capitals of the world. This ancient city was arguably the centre of the world. “Esfahān nesf-e- jahān ast”(“Isfahan is half of the world” in Persian) is an adage that best describes Isfahan. 

In the centre of Isfahan, it is where Chehel Sotoun, the former palace, is located. The Persian king stayed in this major commercial city to witness the prosperity of the Silk Road trading and dominated the commercial development here. In the vast plaza, the king reviewed his army, watched polo games and planned how the Persian army could ensure the safety of caravans and businessmen on the Silk Road who came to this city of “half of the world” to trade. Khaju Bridge spans the river, making it convenient for merchants to cross the river and continue their journey.

Isfahan, located in the centre of the world, gathers people from all over the world. All religions are, therefore, widely welcomed in Isfahan. Not only are there mosques, but also Christian churches. Armenians, Jews, Arabs, Turks, Indians, Europeans and even Chinese live in this ancient city. They visit Isfahan for establishing a trading or missionary base, and then they will continue their journey to the final destination. This city has been embracing the world since ancient times. At this crossroads of the world, visitors from other parts of the globe can take a break and explore the best of Persian culture before continuing their trip.