Jolfa Quarter Esfahan

Many Armenians family who were originally from the older city of Jolfa in Nakhchivan, which is also known as Jolfa Quarter resided in a district located along the southern bank of Zayandeh-Roud river in Esfahan. This new Armenian quarter with all the enclosing villages was named New Jolfa after this city to form one of the oldest and greatest districts of Armenians in the world. Geographically located on the southern part of Zayanderud River, Jolfa is the Armenian quarter of Esfahan.

 

quarter of armenian

History

Shah Abbas I, who moved his capital to Esfahan, ordered a colony of Armenian Christians from the town of Jolfa (now on Iran’s northern border), to move to the village ‘New Jolfa’ in Esfahan. Shah Abbas ensured that Armenian religious freedom was respected. Christians from Esfahan have been living there from very old time. Most of them are Armenians which at the time of the Great King Abbas, immigrated from Jolfa located on the bank of the Aras River in the year 1014 AH and stayed along the south bank of the river Zayandeh River.

Historical records indicate that Shah Abbas well treated the residents of Jolfa Quarter of Esfahan in the hopes that their resettlement in Esfahan would be beneficial to Iran due to their knowledge of the silk trade. The Armenians became active in the cultural and economic development of Persia and New quarter became their new home. Armenians were influential and active in the modernization of Iran during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today the Armenians are Iran’s largest Christian religious minority.

 

Attraction of Jolfa District

There are many churches, cathedrals and museums in this district which can make your visit as beautiful and unforgettable as possible. The most famous tourist attraction of Jolfa is Vank Cathedral. Vank Cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture. Construction of this cathedral started at the time of Shah Abbas the second. Vank Cathedral is known for holding unique collections of beautiful frescos. They depict stories from the holy bible and Tora. They were painted by Armenian artists during safavid era which you can see as soon as you move into the passage and enter the prayer hall read more.

 

Opening hours

The opening hours of Jolfa Quarter Esfahan are from 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM in every day. At here you can see some attractions such as Isfahan Music Museum, Vank Cathedral, Bedkhem Church and Marnan Bridge.