A film depicting one of the great cities of Iran, Incredible Isfahan: Discovering Persia’s Past, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at Breasted Hall in the Oriental Institute.
The free screening will begin with introductory remarks from John Woods, professor in history, who also appears in the film. Farzin Rezaeian, the film’s producer and director, will discuss the production and its companion book.
Modern Isfahan in southwestern Iran still displays many of the treasures from its medieval past, when it was a stop on the Silk Road. Before sea commerce became widespread, it was an important trading community that counted among its residents a cosmopolitan mix of Indians, Persians, Greeks, French, Italians and Armenians who built a cathedral that is still in use.
Isfahan has undergone various transformations from its foundation until its heyday in the 17th century, when it became the capital of the Safavid Empire. The city has some of the most magnificent examples of Islamic architecture in Iran.
“Transformed into a vibrant, international center by Shah Abbas I (1587-1629), the city of Isfahan has since become the hub of Persian spirit,” Rezaeian said. “Its complex urban fabric, refined architecture and fragrant gardens still reveal the fasts of the enlightened rulers who contributed to Iran´s grandeur.”
Rezaeian grew up in Chicago and graduated from Sullivan High School on the city’s North Side. He entered the University of Illinois as an engineering student but switched his major to sociology and instead studied political science and communications.
After graduation Rezaeian returned to Iran, and for the past 20 years, he has been producing and directing many historical documentaries and educational programs, including the popular Persepolis Recreated, which premiered in 2004 at the Oriental Institute. His works use new techniques such as 3D animations to produce graphic reconstructions of ruined or destroyed historical monuments.
He also has worked with Abbas Alizadeh, research associate at the Oriental Institute, who assisted him the publication of books and documentary films depicting Iranian culture, including Persepolis Recreated and Iran: Seven Faces of a Civilization. These books were accompanied by documentary films, which premiered at the Oriental Institute. The companion book of Incredible Isfahan will be on sale at the April 27 screening.
—Prof. Jacqueline Stewart
