TEHRAN – Isfahan province, renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourist footfall during the Eid-al-Fitr holidays.

According to Hamidreza Mohaqqeqian, the provincial tourism chief, more than sixty thousand visitors explored Isfahan’s historical sites on Thursday, marking a remarkable milestone in tourism.

“Today, we observed a notable influx of tourists, with over sixty thousand visitors exploring Isfahan’s historical sites, marking a sort of record,” stated Mohaqqeqian.

Mohaqqeqian said that a total of 60,654 tourists visited the province’s historical sites and tourist attractions by the second day of the Eid-al-Fitr holidays on Thursday, which broke previous daily records set during the Persian New Year (Norouz).

“The highest influx of tourists during the current Iranian year occurred on the third day of Farvardin [the first month of the Iranian calendar], with some 57,000 tourists recorded in a single day,” Mohaqqeqian explained.

“With this in mind, from this morning until afternoon, the record for tourist visits to Isfahan’s historical sites and tourist attractions during the entire month of Farvardin has been broken,” the official said on Thursday.

As mentioned by the provincial tourism department, Isfahan province registered over four million visits to its cultural sites such as museums and historical structures during the two-week Nowruz holidays.

Isfahan, once a bustling crossroads of international trade and diplomacy in Iran, has evolved into one of the country’s premier tourist destinations, drawing visitors from far and wide. Renowned for its wealth of architectural marvels, including unparalleled Islamic edifices, bustling bazaars, enriching museums, picturesque Persian gardens, and charming tree-lined boulevards, Isfahan offers a tapestry of experiences for the discerning traveler.

Situated along the banks of the Zayandeh-Rood, Isfahan, the provincial capital, boasts not only a plethora of historic bridges but also owes much of its allure to the life-giving river, which has endowed the city with an innate beauty and fertility. Dubbed Nesf-e-Jahan, or “Half the World,” Isfahan’s grandeur in its prime rivaled that of cities twice its size, boasting a population nearing one million.

The iconic blue tiles adorning Isfahan’s Islamic structures and its stately bridges stand in stark contrast to the arid expanse of the surrounding Iranian countryside. At the heart of the city lies the expansive Imam Square, also known as Naghsh-e Jahan Square, spanning an impressive 500 meters by 160 meters. Dating back to the early 17th century, this UNESCO-recognized square is adorned with Isfahan’s most captivating landmarks, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural splendor.

Beyond its cultural treasures, Isfahan plays host to a thriving industrial sector, boasting steel factories and even a nuclear facility on its outskirts. Moreover, the city has emerged as a leading hub for medical tourism, boasting a cutting-edge healthcare complex that attracts patients from around the globe, solidifying its status as a premier destination in the realm of medical tourism.

AM