Economy in Isfahan

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Isfahan has long been a key trade and industry center in Iran. Historically, the Silk Road was routed through Isfahan, helping the city grow. Today the economy blends traditional crafts with modern industry and services.

Key points:
- Traditional crafts like goldsmithing, carpet weaving, textiles, and copperwork have deep roots in Isfahan, while the city is also a major furniture producer.
- Industrial areas within about 50 kilometers include Jey Industrial Estate, Sagzi, Mohammad Abad, Dowlatabad, and Isfahan itself.
- The city’s markets cover shoes, bags, cars, computers, home appliances, food, pharmaceuticals, and gardening, with special markets for medicinal herbs, flowers, fish, and meat. Isfahan’s rugs are famous worldwide.
- Major facilities include Jey Oil Refining and the Montazeri Power Plant near the oil refinery, which provide energy and support industry. There is also a uranium processing facility in the area for enrichment (construction began in 1993).
- To create more jobs, there are plans for a dry port in the eastern logistics area to take advantage of the airport, railway, and road links.
- Isfahan is a hub of innovation: Isfahan Science and Technology Town, the Health Science and Technology Park at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (opened in 2019), and monthly Startup Grind Isfahan events.
- Tourism supports the economy, with about 150 hotels and Sarouyeh as a popular tourism area.
- The city is working on public plans and investment: the Isfahan 1405 strategic plan (for 2026) is published online for citizens, and the Association of Mass Builders of Housing and Construction promotes professionalism and investment. There is also a program to build Kowsar hypermarkets in every district.
- Social challenges include child labor identified in 2019 (680 cases). District 14 is among the poorer areas with higher crime, and Oman Samani neighborhood has very high population density and a large immigrant population.

Currency used is the Iranian rial.