The Persian Garden
The first instances of gardens, as what we understand from the term today, began when wild fruit trees were fenced for protection from the animals and other humans. Later humans added another aspect to the practical function of such gardens, that is, gardens became a deliberate attempt in imitating nature. The earliest traces of garden-making in Iran goes back to Cyrus of Persia (559-530 CE), who made a garden in his capital, Pasargadae, in quadripartite arrangements. This garden gave birth to shape of Persian Garden or so-called Chahar Bagh. The Persians attempted to recreate an image of their Utopia of Paradise with gardens. Iran is a dry country, and so water is highly precious for Iranian people. Naturally, gardens indicating water abundance are the quintessential manifestation of Persian Culture.
The Persian Garden is a garden surrounded by protective walls that have both technical and philosophical function. The philosophical side of the Persian garden refers to the emphasis of Persian culture on the separation of inner and outer spaces; this culture was intensified with the arrival and flourishment of Islam. Entering Persian garden is possible through a portal entrance that yet again is an indication of the importance of the inner space. The visitors could not just pass through the door and enter the garden. The portal entrance is a small walled space that functions to filter the garden from those who have or have not permission to access the garden. Passing the portal entrance, visitors enter the garden that may be built on flat or sloped land.
Persian gardens were divided into four sections through water channels. Along with water channels shading trees such as Pine, Poplar and Cypress were planted to create shade. Each of the four sections created a small garden filled with fruit trees and flowers. Where the vertical and horizontal watercourses crossed, typically an artificial pond was made with a Pavilion right next to it. If the garden has a flat setting the cross axes and pavilion are typically built in the center of garden. However, sloped gardens have a tripartite plan, and the cross axes and so, the pavilion would be placed in the upper one-third section of the garden. This technique creates an optical illusion that virtually adds to its perceived length.
Naturally, the passage of time caused changes to the original plan used in the Achaemenian (550- 330 B.C) time. Adding Bathhouses to the construct, adding Servant Sections, changing the regularly planted trees and the exclusion of Pavilion (In Safavid Time) are the most notable changes. The local social movements and ruler’s taste influenced how a garden would shape until the Qajar (1794 – 1925 CE) Era that Persian gardens borrowed styles and ideas from the European Gardens. The small flower mounds, the bordering of passageways with Boxwoods, topiary and the use of statues are all the legacies of Qajar. They were not the first to make changes in Persian Gardens, but they were the first to make a lot of them.
The Persian Gardens well present the adaption to harsh climate conditions. Having its roots in the time of Cyrus of Persia (6th century BCE), Persian Gardens influenced garden design from Andalusia to India, Taj Mahal being a prominent proof of it. Persian gardens also inspired the design of carpets, textiles, miniature paintings, and architecture. In 2011, UNESCO registered the combination of nine Persian gardens as a World Heritage Site as follows:
Pasargadae Garden: The ancient Persian word “Paradaiza” means an area surrounded by walls. The English word paradise is derived from “Paradaiza” because these green enclosed gardens were located in the severely dry plateau of Iran, resembling heaven on the earth. Pasargadae garden is the prototype and classic example of Persian gardens. This royal garden was constructed under the command and supervision of Cyrus of Persia (559 – 530 BCE). By now, more than one thousand meters of the garden’s water channels and stone watercourses revealing the magnificence of its water circulation system are excavated. The remains of water circulation systems and two small pavilions for relaxation are the testimonies to the glory of this ancient garden which once was fraught with various trees and colorful flowers.
Eram Garden: Shiraz is recognized by its lush gardens, among which the most stunning is Eram garden in the heart of the city. Though no precise information is available about its exact construction date, historical travelogues teach us that it was present at the time of Seljuk Empire. However, it seems that the outstanding mansion in the middle of the garden decorated with paintings, tile works, and moldings is a Qajar architectural masterpiece that in turn indebted to the architecture of Zandieh era. This three-story building includes a stunning crescent-shaped roof having a portrait of Nassereddin Shah Qajar (1831 – 1896 CE) sitting on his horse. Cypresses known as Sarv-e Naz among Iranians are feature trees in the garden, but since the garden is turned into a small botanical garden, some other species of trees also exist.
Fin Garden: In great contrast to the arid lands of Kashan, the Fin Garden is an excellent example of a paradise on the earth. Dating back to Safavid era (1501 – 1722 CE), this garden witnessed notable. For example, it was the place wherein Amir Kabir (1736 – 1796 CE), the wise chancellor of Nassereddin Shah Qajar was assassinated. The fortified entrance opens to the green garden of mostly the cypress trees irrigated with several water streams. a two-story Safavid pavilion is surrounded by fountains and streams. The museum of Kashan is also situated in the complex.
Chehel Sotoun: Close to the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the garden was part of the urban design of Isfahan during the development of the city in the time of Safavid (1501-1722 CE). In the middle of the garden, twenty wooden pillars rise to a decorated wooden ceiling of the mansion. A pool in front of the mansion mirrors these twenty pillars, creating a virtual display of 40 pillars, i.e., Chelel (40) Sotoun (pillar). All around the interior walls of the mansion is decorated with paintings narrating historical events of Safavid kings such as their battles and receptions of guests. A gentle slope leads the water to streams and pools across the garden.
Shazdeh Garden: It seems unbelievable to see numbers of trees in the heart desert. Iranian architects, however, made it possible with considering a gentle slope and construction of stairs. A charming twisted two-story Qajar mansion with two wings standing on the top of stairways is visible from the entrance gateway. The garden is entirely green in springs and summer and is mind-blowingly colorful in autumn.
Abbasabad Garden: Nine kilometers far from Behshahr city, there is an only UNESCO listed Persian Garden in a forest district. It includes a storage dam constructed by Sarooj, a Chahartaqi mansion in the middle of the lake, a garden, a bathroom, a watermill, and two brick towers.
Dolatabad Garden: The garden and its pavilion were constructed in the last years of Afsharid monarchy (1736 – 1796 CE) by the ruler of Yazd. Standing on an octagonal structure, its world-tallest wind-catcher of the pavilion operates as an air conditioner. Regardless of wind direction and speed, this traditional structure leads the wind into the pavilion. Multiplied by the cool functioning of the pool beneath the windcatcher, a favorable breeze is circulated in the pavilion.
Akbarieh Garden: This garden dates back to the early ages of Zand dynasty (1751 – 1794 CE) located in a mountainous region of Birjand. In the east side of the garden, the two-story building of Heshmat Al-Molk is the garden’s oldest construction, whereas the central mansion, another two-story building, is used for ceremonies and reception of guests. Today, Birjand Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, as well as the Khorasan Museum of Dolls and Culture, are also situated there.
Pahlavanpour Garden: A permanent water stream sprung from the Qanat of Hassan Abad, revitalizes old robust trees of Pahlavanpour Garden in Mehriz. In fact, this Qajari garden bridges between ancient and modern Iranian garden styles. Lofty plane trees at two sides of the water stream along with pomegranate, almond and persimmon trees are notable features of the garden. In addition, similar to other Persian Gardens, it includes an entrance gate, a central mansion, and a bathroom.