SARA KERIMI

Isfahan- The Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also known as the Shah Square, is situated at the center of Isfahan, Iran. Built between 1598 and 1629 during the reign of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty, the square is an important historical site, and one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

The Naqsh-e Jahan, literally meaning the “Image of the World Square”, is a popular destination for tourists visiting Isfahan. Most tourists take horse-drawn carriages to get around the square. Even though taking one of the horse-drawn carriages looks nostalgic, the suffering of horses is forgotten.

Animal rights activists in the city have recently launched a campaign called “Save the Carriage Horses” in Isfahan, demanding horse-drawn carriages be banned in the city, calling for solidarity.

 In 2019, a video shared on social media platforms showed how a horse died of heat exhaustion in the city. In March 2024, another video shared on social media platforms showed a horse unable to stand on one of its legs. In the city, many horses face poor and uncomfortable conditions, carrying tourists around the square from 9 am to midnight.

“Animals are used for tourist amusement,” Reihana K., a women’s rights and animal rights activist in Isfahan, told NuJINHA. “We must defend both women’s rights and animal rights. If we do not stand against mistreatment towards nature and animals, we cannot build a better society.”

Alternative solutions: Electric carriages, bicycles

Animal rights activists in the city demand the replacement of horse-drawn carriages with electric carriages or multi-seater tandem bicycles in order to stop animal exploitation. Although some alternative means of transportation have begun to be used in Isfahan, horse-drawn carriages still continue to be used.

The use of horse-drawn carriages has been decreasing all around the world. In cities such as Paris, London, New York and Beijing, the use of horse-drawn carriages have already been banned. In many cities, animal rights activists have launched campaigns against the use of horse-drawn carriages.

“Iranian activists have demanded horse-drawn carriages be banned for a decade,” said Samira.A, an environmental activist from Isfahan. “Iranian activists make efforts to be the voices of these defenseless animals. Many protesters, especially women, make efforts to raise awareness among people and call on tourists not to take horse-drawn carriages to protect horses.”

In April 2025, an online petition was launched to demand horse-drawn carriages be banned in Isfahan. The petition will last until the end of May.