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At the beginning of the 17th century in 1606 during
Safavid period, work on the cathedral began.
However, in 1655, this Armenian church was rebuilt
as the Christian community was rapidly growing in
Isfahan.
A tilework plaque inscribed in Armenian can be seen
by the entrance to the cathedral. Inside is nicely
decorated showing a mixture of Islamic and Christian
style. Inside the courtyard, there is the belfry and
can see the dome of the cathedral which the interior
is painted in Persian style with very elegant blue
and gold. The walls are painted of European
inspirations showing scenes of martyrdom, notably of
Saint Gregory.
The museum of Armenian culture is the building next
to the cathedral. The museum displays 700
handwritten books, the first book printed in Iran, a
variety of objects related to Armenian community in
Isfahan such as Safavid costumes, tapestries,
European paintings brought back by Armenian
merchants , embroidery, and other ethnological
displays related to Armenian culture and religion.
There are several carved stones showing scenes from
the Bible outside the museum.
Jolfa is the Armenian and Christian quarter of
Isfahan which was established in 1603 during Shah
Abbas I Safavid. Jolfa is located on the south bank
of the Zayandeh River and is linked to the Muslim
part of Isfahan by Si-o-se-pol bridge. The town of
Jolfa on the Araxes River in Azarbaijan (now on
Iran's northern border) at one time was the major
Armenian settlement until Shah Abbas I imported
Armenian families to new Jolfa in Isfahan. Today,
Jolfa is a quiet area of Isfahan with predominant
Christian community. |
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LOCATION
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