Among the fascinating attractions of Yazd, we reach a lush and vibrant garden: Dowlat Abad Garden, which is one of the most famous gardens in Iran and even has international fame. This garden, being one of the tourist attractions of Yazd, has a remarkable wind catcher, which is the tallest adobe wind catcher in the world and was built in coordination with other historical buildings in Yazd. In this article, we will explore the captivating charm of Dowlat Abad Garden, delving into its history, architectural marvels, and the serene ambiance it offers to visitors. If you want to get to know Dowlat Abad Garden in Yazd better, join Eligasht for more information.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Dowlat Abad Garden has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its outstanding universal value and significance. The garden’s architectural and horticultural elements, combined with its historical importance, make it a cherished cultural gem.
How to go to Dowlat Abad Garden?
To visit Dowlat Abad Garden in Yazd, you need to go to the Chahar Menar neighborhood and Shahid Rajaei Street. From there, take Ferdowsi Alley, and after a few steps, you will see the main entrance of the complex in front of you. To enter the garden, like other old mansions, you have to pass through a relatively large octagonal vestibule to enter the garden area. In this octagonal vestibule, part of the charm of this garden catches your attention, where you see some people displaying and selling beautiful handicrafts and pottery. You can buy these handicrafts as a lasting memory of your trip to Yazd. Upon entering the garden area, you will encounter a beautiful green space that may remind you of the Fin Garden in Kashan in terms of appearance. If you visit the garden at night, you will see many lanterns used to illuminate the garden area, creating an attractive ambiance. Here, you will see a large garden covering an area of 70,000 square meters, with buildings, fountains, and numerous ponds, among which gardens of pomegranate, apple trees, and others catch your eye. Another attraction of this garden is the presence of colorful flowers in the garden area, creating a beautiful and vibrant atmosphere.
History of Dowlat Abad Garden
This garden is one of the oldest gardens in the city of Yazd, and the unique and interesting point about it is the presence of a 33.8-meter wind catcher in the mansion of the garden, which is known as the tallest adobe wind catcher in the world. This garden is listed both as a national heritage site and a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most valuable attractions in Iran. The history of the garden dates back to the late Afsharid period when Mohammad Taghi Khan Bafghi, a member of the Khavanin-e Yazd family, built this beautiful garden. Initially, before constructing various parts of the garden, he focused on irrigating the trees and flowers in the garden. For this purpose, he dug a 65-kilometer-long qanat to transfer water from Mehriz to the location of this garden in Yazd. This qanat is over 200 years old and is formed by the combination of five qanat branches. The source of the qanat is the heights of Mehriz, which irrigated parts of the Mehriz lands along its 65-kilometer route and powered several water mills. However, this qanat is no longer used for irrigating the garden, and a nearby semi-deep well is used instead.
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The architecture of Dowlat Abad garden
The main building is entered through a wooden door in front of you, which has attractive carvings. Upon entering the building, you will see numerous rooms, most of which have a central pond. One of these rooms has stained glass windows and opens towards the courtyard, displaying colorful images when sunlight shines through. One of the rooms also houses a tall wind catcher that you can see. In general, the garden has two main sections: the inner and outer gardens. It is considered a residential-governmental garden, meaning that official ceremonies are held in the outer garden, while the inner garden serves as a private residence. The inner section consists of octagonal structures, a sanctuary, the Behesht-e Ayeen, a kitchen, a watchtower, a private water reservoir, and a stable, which served as the living quarters for the ruler and his family. One of the most important parts of this building is the octagonal structure, where water and wind are combined in the most attractive way possible. Inside the building, there are a series of water-filled ponds that, combined with the wind, transfer cool air from under the wind catcher to the Shah Neshin (royal seating area) and halls. That’s why this building is referred to as a summer mansion. The octagonal structure, which includes three Shah Neshins with lattice doors, a wind catcher, an octagonal room, and two lower rooms, features a beautifully designed ceiling that mesmerizes tourists with its intricate details for a few moments.
The outer section of the garden consists of various parts such as the Jelokhan and Sardar courtyard, the Hall of Mirrors, the Tehran Mansion, Do Bazarcheh, and a public water reservoir. The garden is surrounded by a tall adobe wall, which has a watchtower. In the past, a guard was stationed there to protect the garden and its surroundings. One of the beauties of this garden is the symmetry employed in its architecture, and a part of its charm is owed to these creative symmetrical designs, where all the elements have been skillfully incorporated in harmony with each other.
The Iconic Windcatcher
One of the most striking features of Dowlat Abad Garden is its awe-inspiring windcatcher, or “badgir” in Persian. Standing tall at 33 meters, it is one of the tallest windcatchers in Iran. This traditional ventilation system is designed to harness the desert breeze and direct it into the building, providing natural cooling and ventilation. The windcatcher of Dowlat Abad Garden is a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of sustainable architectural ingenuity.
The Elegant Pavilion
At the heart of Dowlat Abad Garden lies its elegant pavilion, known as the “Howz Khaneh.” This two-story structure showcases exquisite architectural details, including intricate plasterwork, delicate stained glass windows, and beautifully painted ceilings. The pavilion offers a tranquil space for relaxation, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding garden and the cityscape beyond.
Final words
Dowlat Abad Garden stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its creators, the timeless beauty of Persian gardens, and the enduring legacy of Iran’s rich cultural heritage. It is a destination that captivates the senses, nourishes the soul, and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have the privilege of experiencing its splendor. A visit to Dowlat Abad Garden is an immersive experience that transcends time. It is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the architectural marvels of ancient Persia, to feel the cool breeze channeled through the wind catcher, and to appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that went into creating this masterpiece.
FAQ
1- How old is Dowlat Abad Garden?
Dowlat Abad Garden dates back to the late Afsharid period, making it several centuries old.
2- What is the height of the wind catcher in Dowlat Abad Garden?
The wind catcher in Dowlat Abad Garden stands at an impressive height of 33.8 meters, making it the tallest adobe wind catcher in the world.
3- Is Dowlat Abad Garden listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, Dowlat Abad Garden is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.
4- Can visitors explore both the outer and inner sections of the garden?
Yes, visitors have the opportunity to explore both the outer and inner sections of Dowlat Abad Garden, each offering unique architectural features and elements.
5- What are some notable features of Dowlat Abad Garden?
Aside from the wind catcher, Dowlat Abad Garden boasts beautiful ponds, colorful flowers, symmetrical design elements, historical structures such as the Hall of Mirrors, and a tranquil atmosphere that invites visitors to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.