The relationship between humans and nature has remained unchanged over time, and it can be said that everything humanity possesses comes from nature. In this article from Eligasht, we will introduce one of Iran’s gardens that was created by humans, inspired by nature. One of the beautiful gardens in our country is located in Tabas, a desert city in the western part of South Khorasan Province. Historically, Tabas was considered part of Yazd County. Now, let’s explore a corner of paradise in the heart of the eastern desert known as Golshan Garden. Join us with Eligasht to learn more about this beautiful and picturesque garden.
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A Fascinating History
To start, we need to discuss the history associated with Golshan Garden in Tabas. The construction of this garden dates back to the Zand and Qajar periods, built by the governor of Tabas, Mir Hasan Khan. You might wonder, which period is it really from: the Zand or the Qajar? There is no specific date for the construction of this garden, as its establishment coincides with the final days of Lotf Ali Khan Zand’s reign and the rise of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar. Thus, it is impossible to definitively attribute its construction to either period. Interestingly, this human-made masterpiece inspired by nature was registered as a national heritage of Iran in 1976. Many travelers have visited Golshan Garden, including the wife of André Godard, the famous French architect, and Swedish geographer Sven Hedin.
Discovering Golshan Garden and Its Unique Features
Golshan Garden is considered the second symbol of Tabas and is one of the 50 famous gardens in the world. Covering an area of eight hectares, it is one of the rare gardens in Iran that features a permanent water flow. The garden is filled with a variety of palm and citrus trees, such as bitter orange, orange, cypress, and poplar, amidst which the sounds of birds beautifully resonate.
It’s interesting to note that this garden hosts various plant species that adapt to different climatic conditions. For example, you can see plane trees, which thrive in cold regions, alongside date palms, which only grow in tropical areas. The astonishing quality of the water in the garden has led to the formation of a central pool, streams, and natural waterfalls, creating a colorful painting in this region. The existence of such clear water between Iran’s two salt deserts—Dasht-e Lut and Dasht-e Kavir—might seem somewhat strange and unbelievable.
It’s worth mentioning that Golshan Garden relies on groundwater sources, specifically an artesian well. Given that rainfall in Tabas is rare and there are no rivers or streams, the idea of using an artesian well to bring life to this earthly paradise was very ingenious. Notably, the irrigation system and water circulation in this garden are consistent and permanent. In the pool of Golshan Garden, birds such as pelicans, ducks, and geese thrive, with the pelicans, which arrived in the 1950s, becoming a symbol of beauty in the garden.
The story of the pelicans goes as follows: two migratory pelicans settled in this garden during their journey to Tabas in the 1950s, choosing it as their home. An earthquake in 1978 resulted in the death of one, leaving the other alone. The remaining pelican also passed away in 1994. The pelicans currently in the garden were brought in several years after the last pelican’s death.
What the Architecture of the Garden Has to Say?
The architecture of the Golshan Garden in Tabas bears a strong resemblance to the Chahar Bagh architecture of Alborz Province. Additionally, according to Quranic verses that describe paradise, there are two rivers that intersect within it. The garden features a design that we assume has been laid out within a palm grove. In the initial design of Golshan Garden, trees were planted in a checkerboard style, giving the garden a unique beauty that captivates all tourists in the area. Two main intersecting walkways divide the garden into four large squares, with a pool positioned in the center, creating a stunning visual display of plants amidst the pathways for all visitors.
Golshan Garden is depicted in a square shape, similar to the world-famous Taj Mahal in southern Delhi, India. In fact, all sides of this garden are equal and parallel to each other.
The entrance building of Golshan Garden in Tabas is the only structure in the garden and is a two-sided building. The entrance was completely destroyed due to an earthquake that struck Tabas in 1979, but it has since been rebuilt, alleviating concerns among its admirers. It’s worth noting that an anthropology museum has been established in the entrance building, and it would be a pleasure to visit it alongside your stroll through the garden. This museum is one of the branches of basic sciences, closely linked to daily human life, and has a significant impact on the growth and development of human civilization.
Best Time to Visit and Explore
All seasons are suitable for visiting Golshan Garden in Tabas; however, if we had to select the best time, it would be spring. During this season, the weather in this region is very pleasant, and the garden showcases its most beautiful sights to visitors.
Interestingly, according to an old tradition among the people of Tabas, most residents from the city and surrounding villages come to this garden on the 13th of Farvardin (April 1st) to celebrate the ancient and beloved custom of Sizdah Bedar (Nature Day). Additionally, at the beginning of spring, in celebration of Nowruz (Persian New Year), vendors set up stalls at the entrance of the garden, where you can purchase items like citrus fruits, lettuce, rhubarb, and wild tulips, all collected from the nearby mountains and villages. Moreover, Tabas enjoys a mild climate in the autumn, making Golshan Garden equally picturesque during this season.
Location and How to Get There
As previously mentioned, Golshan Garden is geographically located between two beautiful deserts in Iran: the Lut Desert and the Kavir Desert. Due to its location, the garden has attracted much attention from tourists and travelers. Golshan Garden is situated east of the city of Tabas, on Imam Khomeini Boulevard.
To visit Golshan Garden, you should travel to the city of Tabas in South Khorasan Province and then take a direct route via bus stations or public transportation to the Golshan Garden stop. After a short walk, you will arrive at this beautiful paradise in the heart of the tranquil desert.
Attractions Around Golshan Garden
Tabas is one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in Iran. If you wish, you can visit other attractions in addition to Golshan Garden. Here, we will only mention some of these sites and leave the exploration and description to you. Notable attractions include the Jeni Valley, Abbasid Arch, Halvan Cave, Tabas Castle, Sano Forest, Tabas Salt River, Tabas Citadel, Khan Caravanserai, and the village of Nayband.
Final words
In this article, we aimed to introduce one of the 50 famous gardens in Iran and the world. It’s worth noting that visiting Golshan Garden is open around the clock, with no specific visiting hours. Additionally, there is no fee required for entry. We recommend bringing picnic supplies and enjoying a pleasant time inside the garden, creating lovely memories. By visiting Golshan Garden in Tabas, you can enjoy the incredibly cool, pleasant, and lush atmosphere in the heart of the desert.
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FAQ
What is Golshan Garden?
Golshan Garden is a historical and beautiful garden located in Tabas, Iran. It is known for its unique architecture, variety of plant species, and serene atmosphere, making it one of the most famous gardens in Iran.
When is the best time to visit Golshan Garden?
The best time to visit Golshan Garden is during the spring (March to May) when the weather is cool and pleasant. However, the garden can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering its own charm.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Golshan Garden?
No, visiting Golshan Garden is free of charge. There are no entrance fees, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the garden without any cost.
What other attractions are near Golshan Garden?
Visitors can explore several other attractions near Golshan Garden, including the Jin Valley, Abasi Arch, Halvan Cave, Tabas Castle, Sano Forest, and the Salt River of Tabas. Each offers unique sights and experiences.
What should I bring when visiting Golshan Garden?
It’s recommended to bring picnic supplies, such as food and drinks, to enjoy a meal in the garden. Additionally, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery are advisable.