Tony Hovansian, one of the Armenian Isfahanis, earned some experience in his youth with the photography camera of a German merchant, whom he worked for, and was able to find his way into the court of Zellosoltan and take pictures of this Qajar prince’s family.
Tony’s name is tied to the word ‘first.’ He founded the first studio for photography in Isfahan.
He was the founder of the first carriage house and the first lemonade-making factory in Isfahan’s Jolfa. He was also the first importer of bicycles in Isfahan.
Finally, he builds the first modern hotel of Isfahan during the Pahlavi era.
This hotel by the name ‘Americ’ began to work in 1307 solar in the Chaharbagh Street. It later changes its name to Ferdowsi Hotel and then Jahan Hotel.
The hotel was Isfahan’s theatre centre for twenty years, because of its capabilities.
It also turned into a cultural hub, and the concerts of Aref Qazvini and the conferences of great thinkers and orientalists such as Arthur Pope were held there. thus, it hosted many cultural, scientific and political personages of the age, who travelled to Isfahan.
Sadeq Hedayat, one of the most famous Iranian writers, also stayed in this hotel during his trip to Isfahan in May 1311 SH and wrote some pages of his travelogue “Isfahan: Half the World” in this hotel.
Jahan Hotel, which had started working much before the Abbasi Hotel, continued its activities up until the 60s (SH), yet was suddenly abandoned. Its lifeless yet strong body still stands in Chaharbagh Abbasi Street.
Name Hotel Jahan
Name of Founder Tony Hovansian
Era First Pahlavi
Location West of Chaharbagh Abbasi, in front of the Tall Bazarche (Bazar Honar)
Former Names Hotel Americ, Ferdowsi Hotel
Architecture Neoclassic
