3: Painting an Oasis: Isfahan

How do you capture Iran’s third largest city in one painting? In the 1600s, Isfahan served as the capital of the Safavid Empire and one of the biggest cities in the world at the time. Larger than Paris, London, or Tokyo. Isfahan was built on the back of the silk trade. Its rich and noble history makes it an important city in the Islamic world. 

‘Fashioning an Empire’ is by the Museum of Islamic Art, and produced by Kerning Cultures Network. 

Thank you to our partners, Qatar Museums, and M7. The Fashioning an Empire exhibition runs 23 October, 2023 - 20 April, 2024 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. 

This series is produced by Al Shaibani and edited by Hebah Fisher, with sound design by Mohamad Khreizat. 

Thank you to Dr. Julia Gonnella, director of the Museum of Islamic Art, for talking to us for this episode. 

Follow us @MIAQatar on Instagram to learn more about this exhibit.