The province consists of two parts: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. Chaharmahal interfacing between Isfahan province and the Bakhtiari tribe district consists of four areas: Lar, Kiar, Mizdej, and Gandoman. The people of the province are also divided into the inhabitants of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. The common language in Chahar Mahal is Farsi (with local and Turkish accents), while Lori (Bakhtiari dialect) is common in Bakhtiari areas.

Shahr-e Kurd, with an altitude of 2060 meters, is the highest province center in the country, and therefore, it is known as the “Roof of Iran”. The Zagros Mountains cover all parts of the province and its highest summit is entitled Zard-Kuh. Two major rivers of Zayanderud and Karun originate from the mountains of this province. In terms of climate, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari have mountainous weather. Historically, floral and animal design of clays, copper and bronze instruments, as well as coins and several inscriptions discovered in the excavations in Kian city (former Shahrak) belonging to the Parthian (247 B.C. – 224 A.D.) and Sassanid (224-651 A.D.) Empires reflect the ancient history of this province.

Because of the existence of Zagros highlands surrounding all over the province, it was hard to pass through this region and therefore, it was protected from the invasion of the Greeks, Mongols, and Tatar throughout history. The remains of some castles from the Achaemenid (550-330 B.C.) and Sasanian (224-651 A.D.) Empires in the Bazoft River region are a testimony to this claim. Ibn Battuta (1304-1368), a famous Moroccan explorer has recorded his journey through these areas in his travelogue.

The beautiful nature of this province attracts tourists every year. For example, winter sports enthusiasts find this place a popular destination during winters. The plains of Fritillaries, Kuhrang Tunnel Waterfall, Zaman Khan Bridge, Chaleshtar Castle, Sar Aqa Seyyed Village, and natural landscapes of Zayanderud bank are among other attractions of the province. Locals’ hospitality and Bakhtiari nomads have also boosted tourism in this province. Among the most important handicrafts of this region, it can be pointed out to carpets, Khersak, Gabbeh, Kilim, Jajim, Choqa, Khorjin (Saddle), Musical Instruments, lock and firearm accessories.

Furthermore, Bakhtiari honey, Boldaji Gaz, Kakuly (local cookies), Kashk (Curd), and Qara Qhorot (Black Kashk) are the most famous edible souvenirs of Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari. Most common foods in the area are made of meat and dairy products, most notably Bakhtiari kebabs. Ash-e-Shir (Milk & Rice), Ash-e-Mast, Ash-e-Dough, Ash-e-Kashk, Ash-e-Barg (Ash-e-Reshteh), Kachi, and Kufteh are the native foods in the province.

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The history of the province dates back to the Elamite Empire (2700- 539 B.C.). According to the archaeological excavations in the mound of Sialk, Kashan city in Isfahan province was populated even before the Birth of Zoroaster (1500 B.C.). After the collapse of the Sassanid dynasty in 651 A.D., the Muslim Arabs invaded Isfahan, and years later, Mardavij, the founder of the Al-Ziyar (Ziyarid) dynasty (930-1090), seized and ruled over it. Isfahan was the capital of Al-Ziyar dynasty for a while until the Buyid dynasty (934-1062) took the throne. During the Seljuk Empire (1037-1194), Isfahan was mostly the capital of Iran but it fell into the hands of Mongols after their invasion to Iran in 1219. Isfahan flourished mostly during the Safavid period (1501-1736) and more especially during the reign of Shah Abbas I when the city was selected as the capital.

Isfahan province has many natural and historical attractions, especially from the Safavid period, attracting annually a large number of domestic and inbound tourists. The cities of Isfahan, Kashan, and Abyaneh are the most visited tourist destinations in the province.

Of its historical attractions registered as the UNESCO World Heritage sites include Naqsh-e Jahan square, Atiq Jame’ Mosque, Chehel Sotoun Garden, and Fin Garden. Besides, the Zayanderud River and its historical bridges are other attractions.

Golabgiri festival (extracting rose water) in Qamsar and Neasar and the carpet washing ritual in Mashhad Ardehal in Kashan are among the known cultural and religious attractions in the province.

Isfahan province has also long been considered one of the major centers of Iran’s fine artworks and handicrafts such that they are still produced there.

In December 2015, Isfahan was registered as the Creative City in UNESCO for its craft and folk art.

Carpet weaving, copper engraving, vitreous enamels, Khatam (similar to marquetry), tiling, turquoise dishes, printing on fabric (Kalamkari), Wood carving, and Silver making are the most prominent fine works in this province. The most famous eatable souvenirs of Isfahan are Gaz (a type of nougat) and Poolaki (a type of candy) made with various materials and in different shapes. Rosewater (Golab) of Qamsar and other herbal extracts are also among other souvenirs.

The most famous traditional cuisine of Isfahan is called Beryan that is a type of barbecued meat. Yogurt stew, Halim Shir (made with oat, wheat and milk cereal), Halim Bademjan (made with eggplant), Keledos, Ghaymeh Rizeh (meatballs), and Ash Shul Qalamkar (Hodge-Podge soup) are other native foods. The most prominent figures of this province include Sheikh Baha’i, Kamal al-Molk, Reza Abbasi, Jalil Shahnaz, and Sohrab Sepehri.

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