New Julfa and the Holy Saviour (Vank) Cathedral

New Julfa is the Armenian quarter of Isfahan, founded in 1604 by order of Shah Abbas I. At that time thousands of Armenians were moved from the old town of Julfa on the Arax deep into Persia. The shah granted them rights rare for the time: freedom of religion, self-government and trade privileges. From here caravans went to India, Russia and Europe, and schools, printing houses, churches and workshops were founded here.

The main sanctuary of the quarter is the Holy Saviour (Vank) Cathedral, built in the 17th century, which combines Armenian architecture with Persian ornament. Today New Julfa is a living centre of the Armenians of Iran, preserving their language, faith and traditions for more than 4 centuries.

The upper photograph shows the monastery courtyard with a bell tower bearing a clock and a statue of a seated bearded man; the lower one shows the domed cathedral and an arched bell tower.