Isfahan is best known for its architecture. It is so beautiful, Iranians say, that to visit the city is to see “half the world.” And, Isfahan is famous for its carpets in classical Persian court styles.

But, in Poland, the city is known for still something else. It is “Isfahan – the City of Polish Children” [“Isfahan – Miasto Dzieci Polskich”]

In June, 2008, the Polish postal service issued a stamp that explained why. The stamp shows a small boy dressed in a cadet’s uniform. Draped behind him is an Isfahan carpet emblazoned with the Polish eagle. And next to him is the city’s nickname in Polish: “Isfahan – Miasto Dzieci Polskich.” MORE