Naqsh-e-Jahan Square in Isfahan Province will soon become the world’s biggest handicraft market, promised the governor general of Isfahan Province. Also known as Imam Square, the UNESCO-listed square is an important historical site located in the heart of Isfahan city. It has over 500 stores stretched along the inner and surrounding campus of the square. Pointing to the economic importance of setting up the market, Rasoul Zargarpour said the first phase of the plan will be launched in the near future, opening numerous handicraft shops and several traditional food stores. The official said street vendors around the square will be removed to prepare the ground for efficient implementation of the project, according to the Persian daily Donya-e-Eqtesad. The third largest city in Iran, Isfahan was officially declared the cultural capital of Islam for 2006. It is famous for its handmade artworks such as carpets, textiles, Khatam (Persian version of marquetry) and more. Isfahan joined the UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in 2015.
