Chowgan is a cultural, artistic and sports event, which has a strong connection with the identity and history of its participants and its audience.
On top of the Qeysarie Gate of Isfahan Bazaar in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, an image of a horse archer, formed as half-human and half-horse, is patterned on a mosaic tile.
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who was in Isfahan at the beginning of Shah Suleiman’s rule, described the atmosphere of Muharram in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, in his traveloque.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square, with its vast dimensions, was the best place to play chogan. Another game called qapoq-andazi was also played in that field.
Engelbert Kaempfer, the German physician and traveller who travelled to Iran at the time of Shah Suleiman’s coronation, recounted what he saw in his travelogue.
Jahan Hotel, which had started working much before the Abbasi Hotel, continued its activities up until the 60s (SH), yet was suddenly abandoned.
Isfahan’s Chaharbagh was the busiest passage of the city up until a few decades ago and not just a place to pass along, but one to stay in and visit friends at.