Introduction
"The globalization of the health industry and the expansion of communication technologies have transformed medical and healthcare services beyond their biological function into cultural and economic commodities. This process entails the conversion of cultural values, therapeutic traditions, and medical heritage into marketable products for tourists. Within this context, destinations with a historical background in medical science hold particular significance. The city of Isfahan, with its ancient history and rich legacy in the field of health and treatment, has long been recognized as one of the major centers of scientific, cultural, and medical knowledge in Iran. Indeed, due to its historical attractions and traditional medical centers, this city can play a key role in the development of historical-medical tourism. However, despite the existing therapeutic capacities and long-standing history in Isfahan, a large part of the historical background of its medical centers remains unknown and has not been considered in attracting historical tourists. This research attempts to identify tourism attractions related to the history of treatment, determine suitable medical tourism routes in Isfahan, and assess the feasibility of these routes for the development of entrepreneurship in the tourism sector."
Theoretical framework
This research investigates historical-medical tourism in Isfahan and demonstrates that Isfahan has been one of the most important medical centers in Iran. During the Buyid dynasty and Safavid periods, prominent physicians and sages such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Shafa'i Isfahani, and other renowned doctors practiced in this city, and a significant portion of Avicenna's scientific works was also composed during his residence in Isfahan. From the Qajar period onward, modern medicine and hospital construction in the European style began in Isfahan. European missionaries and physicians, particularly in the Armenian quarter, established clinics and hospitals such as Morselin Hospital and Boghoskhanian Hospital. The persons such as Donald Carr, Ernst J. Christoffel , and Armenian and Isfahani philanthropists played important roles in the development of healthcare services, the introduction of modern medical equipment, and support for the blind. Furthermore, this research describes the process of establishing mental health care facilities and the development of modern psychiatry in Isfahan
Methodology
This applied study employed a qualitative research design using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke's framework. Data were collected through a combination of library research, in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews, and field observations. The study population consisted of elites and experts in history, medicine, tourism, and cultural heritage related to the research topic. A non-random, purposive sampling method was adopted, and snowball sampling continued until theoretical saturation, which was achieved after the 11th interview. Triangulation was utilized to enhance the validity and reliability of the findings.

Discussion and Conclusion
In response to the first research objective, namely identifying historical tourism attractions with an emphasis on the development of medical tourism in Isfahan, 11 main themes and 45 sub-themes were identified. The 11 main themes include historical hospitals, cemeteries, shrines, mosques and theological schools that once had therapeutic functions, historical Dar al-Shifas (healing houses), the Red Lion and Sun Society (Red Crescent), the Cristoffel Blind Institute, schools and places of learning, churches that historically had therapeutic functions alongside their religious roles, and public bathhouses.
To address the second research question, the medical history tourism attractions identified in the first question were examined. Considering the proximity of certain attractions, several routes were designed as follows:
First Medical History Tourism Route of Isfahan: Kashani Street – House of Amirqoli Amini (founder of the Red Lion and Sun Society) – Red Crescent, Isfahan Second Branch (historical building and Red Crescent Museum) – Kashani Hospital (formerly Soraya Hospital) – Lonban Mosque
Second Medical History Tourism Route of Isfahan: Shamsabadi Street (Kuala Lumpur Street) – Cristoffel Foundation – Jesus Mary Hospital – Social Security Organization Building, two cypress trees of Jesus Mary Hospital – St. Luke's Church – Bishop Thompson's House (Isfahan National Museum of Arts)
Third Medical History Tourism Route of Isfahan: Isfahan Constitutional Museum (House of Haj Agha Nowallah Najafi, founder of Khorshid Hospital) – Qeysarieh Entrance (site of the Safavid-era Dar al-Shifa) – Saadi Mansion – Khorshid Hospital
Fourth Medical History Tourism Route of Isfahan: Nazar Miyani Street – Boghos Khaniyan Hospital – Simon Mansion – Vank Church
Fifth Medical History Tourism Route of Isfahan: Takht-e Foulad (from the beginning of Ayatollah Khansari Street to the Seyyed al-Iraqein Tekyeh)
Sixth Route: Armenian Cemetery
Seventh Route: University of Isfahan
Eighth Route: Takht-e Foulad Historical-Cultural Complex
Ninth Route: Dardasht Bathhouse – Ibn Sina School
Conclusion
The results obtained from analyzing the collected data led to the identification of 40 medical tourism attractions in the city of Isfahan, along with their descriptions and historical backgrounds. Given that the basic GIS maps and spatial locations of tourism attractions with an emphasis on Isfahan's medical history are already prepared, it is recommended that the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization of Isfahan Province and the Isfahan Municipality take action to optimize these maps and develop a tourism map, making them available to tourists and city tour guides. Furthermore, organizing the Red Crescent complex (the Isfahan Red Lion and Sun Society) and transforming it into a museum equipped with modern standards will help preserve and introduce the remaining heritage in this field. Additionally, holding various events during National Population Week, such as "The First Breath at the Historical Hospital of Jesus Mary" for those who were born in this hospital, will not only create an exciting historical nostalgia for citizens but will also help preserve this historical heritage and draw public attention to the city's medical heritage history.