New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Isfahanاصفهان

es-fa-HAHN

A city of central Iran.

In the poem
First at B1.5, Afrasiab Battles Nohzar Again; last at E5.3, Hormizd Renounces Tyranny
Named
16 times, in 13 sections
Main stories
B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (4); D5 The Iskandar Cycle (3); B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (1)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Isfahan most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Isfahan. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
B1.5

Afrasiab Battles Nohzar Again

The second day’s battle goes against Iran, and Nohzar fights Afrasiab himself without result. Remembering his father’s prophecy, the Shah sends Tus and Gostaham to take the royal women from Pars to the safety of Alborz, and bids them a tearful farewell.

  • B1.5.27
    Toward Rey and Isfahan now make your flight;Go secretly, unseen by those who fight.
Isfahan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B5.11

Kavus Returns to Iran

Kavus returns in triumph and opens his treasuries. He loads Rostam with gifts and grants him Nimruz by charter before Rostam rides home to Zal. He then makes Tus commander of the army, gives Isfahan to Gudarz, and rules in feasting and justice.

  • B5.11.30
    He gave Gudarz Isfahan as his seat,With full command and governance complete.
Isfahan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B10.29

Kay Khosrow Reaches Isfahan

From Zam, Giv sends news to Gudarz and Kavus, and there is rejoicing throughout Iran. Banu-gashasp comes with Rostam’s gifts. Gudarz rides out to meet the prince, welcomes him to Isfahan, and feasts him for seven days.

  • B10.29.7
    And said: “Ride hard, to Isfahan proceed,Where kings reside and noble warriors lead.
  • B10.29.25
    Toward Giv and Isfahan she took her way,With Rostam’s wealth displayed in bright array.
  • B10.29.27
    The nobles gathered from the farthest place,And turned toward Isfahan with eager pace.
Isfahan named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B10.30

Kay Khosrow Comes before Kavus

Kavus embraces his grandson. Khosrow describes his exile and how he played the fool before Afrasiab, then praises Giv’s deeds. Kavus rewards Giv with a charter to rich provinces and gives Farangis a golden residence.

  • B10.30.46
    On parniyan a royal charter namedKhorasan, Rey, Qum, Isfahan, proclaimed.
Isfahan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C3.48

Turan Seeks Quarter from Kay Khosrow

The Shah rewards his men and gives Isfahan to Gudarz. Piran’s leaderless troops send an envoy to beg quarter, laying Siavash’s death on Ahriman and their own king. Kay Khosrow pardons them; they heap up their arms, swear loyalty, and are settled through his realm.

  • C3.48.3
    To old Gudarz he granted Isfahan,A crown and throne to grace the Pahlevan.
Isfahan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C4.58

Giv Receives Khosrow’s Patent

Gudarz reminds the Shah of his family’s losses and of Giv’s seven hungry years searching Turan. Kay Khosrow grants the house of Gudarz Qom and Isfahan, seals the patent, and charges the assembled chiefs to honor Giv and obey Gudarz.

  • C4.58.13
    He granted Qom and famed Isfahan’s seat,The home of chiefs where noble houses meet.
Isfahan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D4.10

Iskandar Writes to the Chiefs of Iran

A messenger brings Iskandar’s terms to Isfahan: he stands in Dara’s place, mourns him, and lays the blood on the murderers. His letter to the Mobadan orders tribute, coins struck in his name, market guards, border watchmen, bondmaids, and honor for holy mendicants.

  • D4.10.1
    From Kerman came a messenger one dayTo Isfahan, where Iran’s chieftains lay.
Isfahan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D5.2

Iskandar Proposes Marriage to Dara’s Daughter

Iskandar writes to Roshanak’s mother Dalaray: he buried Dara as a king, had sought peace before the war, and now claims the bride Dara promised him. She may keep Isfahan and its officials. A second letter invites Roshanak as his first lady.

  • D5.2.15
    Keep Isfahan; its former rule maintain,With skilled officials serving its domain.
  • D5.2.27
    As fits a king’s own daughter’s high estate,Isfahan’s Mobad leads you to our gate.
Isfahan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
All 13 sections that name Isfahan
  1. B1.5 Afrasiab Battles Nohzar Again
  2. B5.11 Kavus Returns to Iran
  3. B10.29 Kay Khosrow Reaches Isfahan
  4. B10.30 Kay Khosrow Comes before Kavus
  5. C3.48 Turan Seeks Quarter from Kay Khosrow
  6. C4.58 Giv Receives Khosrow’s Patent
  7. D4.10 Iskandar Writes to the Chiefs of Iran
  8. D5.2 Iskandar Proposes Marriage to Dara’s Daughter
  9. D5.4 Iskandar Sends His Mother to Fetch Roshanak
  10. D6.2 The Tribal Kings
  11. D10.18 Bahram’s Gur-e-Khar Hunt before the Princes
  12. D13.3 Anooshirvan’s Decree of Justice
  13. E5.3 Hormizd Renounces Tyranny

On the maps

D13.3, D13.2Anooshirvan's Just Order

Where the name appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site. Titles and epithets are not counted.
B1The Crisis after Manuchehr1B5The Seven Labors of Rostam1B10Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow4C3The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs1C4The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow1D4Dara and Iskandar1D5The Iskandar Cycle3D6The Ashkanian Dynasty1D10The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign1D13Anooshirvan and the Road to the End-time1E5Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan1

More in the Glossary and the index of places.