TEHRAN – The University of Isfahan is set to host an international conference about the historians of the ancient Iranian city in November 2025.

Prearranged by the University of Isfahan, Farhangian University, the Isfahan Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and the Isfahan Seminary, the event aims to explore and analyze the contributions of native and international historians of Isfahan across centuries, ISNA reported on Monday. 

Ali-Akbar Kajbaf, President of Farhangian University in Isfahan and a faculty member in the University of Isfahan’s history department, announced the event, emphasizing its focus on reviewing the rich historiographical traditions of the city. 

“With a longstanding legacy of historical documentation by historians, sociologists, and geographers, we aim to introduce and analysis the works of Isfahan's historians, from ancient times to the present,” Kajbaf told ISNA.

According to organizers, the conference is set to explore the expertise of multiple academic disciplines, including geography, sociology, and political science, in partnership with national and international universities. Organizers also plan to invite foreign scholars who have conducted research on Isfahan by sending conference posters to encourage their participation.

Kajbaf noted that details regarding participation, as well as the scientific and executive chairs of the conference, will be finalized in an upcoming meeting at the University of Isfahan. “The selection of judges and announcement of awards will also be discussed in future sessions,” he added.

Moreover, the secretariat of the conference will consider submissions from oral historians, with no restrictions on contributions from scholars or students. “Researchers, including post-graduate students and enthusiasts, are welcome to submit their papers for consideration,” Kajbaf emphasized.

A city of historical significance

Isfahan, situated at the crossroads of Iran’s north-south and east-west trade routes, reached its zenith between the 9th and 18th centuries. During the Safavid era, it became Iran’s capital under Shah Abbas the Great. Renowned for its Persian-Islamic architecture, the city is home to historical landmarks such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Moreover, the ancient city was once a crossroads of international trade and diplomacy in Iran and now it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good reasons. It is filled with many architectural wonders, such as unmatched Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards. It’s a city for walking, getting lost in its mazing bazaars, dozing in beautiful gardens, and meeting people.

The Persian proverb “Isfahan nesf-e-jahan ast” (Isfahan is half the world) reflects the city's cultural and historical prominence.

AM