Süleyman Demirel University has introduced thousands of youths from varied backgrounds to the city's mostly conservative fabric in recent years.

The city's football team, Ispartaspor, plays in Group 7 of the Turkish Regional Amateur League.

[3] Isparta was said to correspond to the ancient city of Baris, which is a namesake and was part of the Roman province of Pisidia.

[7][8] At an early stage it became a Christian bishopric, a suffragan of the Metropolitan see of Antioch of Pisidia, the capital of the province.

On 19 September 1976, Turkish Airlines Flight 452, a Boeing 727 aircraft, crashed on a hill in Isparta, also known Mount Karatepe, killing all 154 passengers and crew.

On 30 November 2007, Atlasjet Flight 4203 crashed on approach to Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport, killing all 57 passengers and crew.

It has been vacant for decades, having had the following incumbents, so far of the fitting Episcopal (lowest) rank:[13] The main economic activities of Isparta are the production of rosewater and handmade carpets.