A survey on the transformation process of the Safavid Isfahan into the prototype of a travel destination

A large number of merchants, political representatives, catholic friars, explorers and adventurers traveled to Isfahan, during the reign of Shah Abbas I. But how did he make his capital such an attractive destination for travelers? The main purpose of this article is to examine the impact of his management policies, on the formation of a flourishing travel market. This study is a historical research, with analytic approach, based on library and documentary data sourcing. The period of the Safavids dynasty is often considered the beginning of modern Persian history. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, as he tried to upgrade the Silk Road to improve the commercial prosperity of the empire, an abundance of caravanserais, bridges, bazaars and roads were built. Shah Abbas I transferred his capital to Isfahan, which he transformed into one of the most attractive cities in the world. Our main discussion will be divided into two major sections. First, by referring to historical sources, especially travelogues, we will evaluate the Safavid Isfahan as a travel destination. Afterward, we will attempt to find the political, economic and social foundations of this developement. Due to the analyzed data, the reasons for acceptability of Safavid Isfahan as a travel destination, are based on four management foundations: expanding and beautifying the city, achieving economic centerality, providing the required infrastructures on the route and destination, and acceptance of non-Iranians / non-Muslims.