Shahzadeh Mahan Garden

The Shahzadeh Mahan Garden is a Lost Paradise in the heart of the desert that magnifies the splendor and grandeur of the desert.

Kerman is the most important city in southeastern Iran and one of the largest cities in Iran. This city is home to many historical mosques and Zoroastrian fire temples and is listed among the 1000 cleanest cities in the world.

Kerman is on a large, flat plain 800 kilometers southeast of Tehran. Many parts of the city are surrounded by mountains, which create a diverse climate pattern throughout the year. Therefore, the northern part of the city is located in a desert area, while the southern part, with its higher elevations, enjoys a more temperate climate.

Kerman is famous for its long history and rich cultural heritage, reflected in its local dialect, poetry, folk music, handicrafts, and customs that Kerman has introduced to the world.

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Learn More About the Shahzadeh Mahan Garden:

• Shahzadeh Mahan Garden
• History of Shahzadeh Mahan Garden
• Tourist Attractions
• Architecture and Layout of the Garden
• Recreational Facilities of the Garden
• Cultural Significance of Shahzadeh Mahan Garden
• The cultural importance of the garden and its impact on Iranian art
• Conservation measures for Shahzadeh Mahan Garden

Shahzadeh Mahan Garden

Exploring nature and visiting a historical garden can create an amazing journey. How wonderful it is to visit a garden situated in the heart of the desert. What could be better than this?

The Shahzadeh Mahan Garden is located near the city of Mahan. This garden is one of the most beautiful examples of Shahzadeh Paradise Gardens and, along with several similar gardens, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Shahzadeh Mahan Garden, situated on the slopes of the Tigran Mountains, shines like a diamond in the heart of the desert. The entrance features a two-story building, with the upper floor containing rooms for living and entertaining guests. Besides the entrance building, the garden includes a royal mansion and a bathhouse. The royal mansion has now been converted into a restaurant managed by a private entity. The garden has a variety of fruit trees, and its ponds, fountains, and water features create a beautiful display.

History of Shahzadeh Mahan Garden

The city of Mahan is located southeast of Kerman. Six kilometers south of Mahan lies a beautiful and large garden with a stunning structure on its grounds, known as “Bagh-e Shahzadeh” (Shazdeh Garden).

This garden was established by the order of the ruler of Baluchistan, Abdolhamid Mirza Naser al-Dowleh, during the Qajar period, and in the autumn of 1353, with the registration number 1012, it was registered on the list of national monuments.

This garden, along with eight other gardens including Pasargad in Shiraz, has earned the title “Mother of Iranian Gardens.”

When you enter the garden, you will see a beautiful structure made of brick and adobe. There are bricks along the edges of the garden that are also used on the steps. Additionally, the beautifully decorated tiles on the garden’s gateway enhance its charm and beauty. Walking on the stone and mortar paths, you will be captivated by this amazing garden.

Tourists and visitors never leave Kerman province without visiting it. The Shahzadeh Garden is extraordinary and shines like a square-shaped emerald in the heart of the desert. Seeing such an ever-green place amid the dry and hot desert seems impossible and miraculous.

Tourist Attractions

The architectural beauty of the garden and its pavilion is one of the main attractions for visitors. The intricate designs, colorful tiles, and traditional Iranian architecture are a feast for the eyes.

This garden, with its lush greenery, cool water, and stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountains, is a haven of peace and tranquility. Meanwhile, the nearby city of Mahan is also worth visiting for its historical sites, traditional bazaars, and local cuisine. The Shrine of Shah Nematollah Vali, located in Mahan, is an important pilgrimage site and a prime example of Islamic architecture.

Visiting the Shahzadeh Mahan Garden is a must for travelers to Kerman province in Iran. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and serenity of a traditional Iranian garden and to learn about the history and culture of this fascinating region.

Architecture of Shazdeh Mahan Garden

The culture and identity of a society can be reflected in its architecture and the meanings intertwined with it. In this regard, architecture and design act as mediums for conveying meaning and identity to the nation and future generations. Iranian gardens have evolved throughout the history of the Persian Empire, considering the culture and beliefs of the society. These gardens not only depict geometries and shapes but also showcase different design elements, each symbolizing and representing its unique significance within the community.

• The Shahzadeh Mahan Garden is a quintessential Persian garden and one of the finest examples of terraced gardens. One of the features of such gardens is the unique and spectacular display of water in cascading forms, both horizontally and vertically.
  The entrance gateway of this Persian garden frames the internal space transparently. When standing under its arch, one can see beautiful views consisting of the garden, the main pavilion, and its fountains.
• Interestingly, the fountains in the garden operate without the use of electricity. The water flows into specific stones, and once inside, it moves to another stone, effectively acting as an elbow in a plumbing system.

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• The selection and arrangement of plants and trees in the Shahzadeh Mahan Garden, with its towering trees, play a significant role in the identity of the Persian garden.
• This process results in the water being ejected as a fountain, eventually flowing through the courtyards and pools to reach the main pavilion.
• During the fruit-bearing seasons, this garden, with its abundant trees, displays colorful and picturesque landscapes. Overall, this garden shines like a precious diamond in the heart of the desert.

Architectural Details of Shazdeh Mahan Garden

• The rectangular garden covers an area of about 5.5 hectares, with a length of 407 meters and a width of 122 meters. This garden includes an entrance gate, bathhouse, pavilion, and pools, all enclosed by a high wall of trees. It shines like a green gem in the heart of the desert, catching the eye with its beauty.
• When you enter the garden, you see a beautiful two-story entrance through which you can view the garden’s interior and greenery. On the upper floor of this main hall, there are rooms for living and entertaining. Along the garden, there are side entrances. After passing through these areas, you enter the interior space of the garden.
• Twelve tiers of steps with waterfalls, fountains, and two pools are surrounded by tall trees. The stream flowing through this area enters from the top of the garden. The source of this stream is the Tigran Qanat, which originates from the heights of Joopar. After irrigating the fields and pathways, it cascades down the terraced levels and continues outside the garden, flowing towards the Mahan Garden.

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• At the end of the garden and perpendicular to the main axis, there is a gazebo with a gable roof, located 235 meters from the main entrance. This pavilion covers an area of 487 square meters and was the reception and residence area for the garden’s owner. Currently, this section is being renovated into a restaurant by a private entity.
• Behind this structure, there is a small garden with fruit trees. The stream initially flows through the waterways of this area before entering the main canals. The service buildings of the Mahan Garden are also aligned with the main garden wall and located outside it. To the east of the pavilion, there is a bathhouse and in the upper section, a residential building for the guard is situated.
• On the opposite side, you can see rooms that remain unfinished.

Recreational Facilities of Shahzadeh Mahan Garden

There are numerous facilities available in this garden, which we will discuss below.

• Restaurant: Without a doubt, sitting in the pleasant atmosphere of the garden and enjoying delicious meals is very appealing and exciting. This garden restaurant, with its attractive and thrilling open-air setting, accommodates many guests. Additionally, you can use free internet in this restaurant.
• Guesthouse: You can easily visit Shahzadeh Mahan Garden and not worry about staying overnight. This is because there is the possibility of overnight accommodation in the guesthouse of this garden.
• Horseback Riding: There is an opportunity for horseback riding around this garden for enthusiasts.
• Handicraft Shopping: Perhaps it may interest you, but you can buy souvenirs for your friends and acquaintances while visiting various parts of the garden. You can purchase various types of carpets, rugs, and many attractive handicrafts from this garden. Many rooms are solely dedicated to this purpose and operate as stalls providing services to all travelers and visitors.

The Cultural Significance of Shahzadeh Mahan Garden

In general, art plays a significant role in the cultural history of a country by enhancing cognitive beauty, cultural value, and overall experience for visitors. This garden is a masterpiece of Iranian art and architecture, symbolizing the cultural heritage of the region, proudly displaying itself as an icon in the heart of the desert.

The Cultural Importance of the Garden and Its Impact on Iranian Art

Architectural Beauty: The pergolas of the garden are designed in the traditional Iranian architectural style, adorned with intricate decorations, colorful tiles, and delicate craftsmanship. This architectural beauty is a form of art itself and contributes to the aesthetic appeal and cultural significance of the garden.

Landscape Design: The layout of the garden with terraced levels, a central axis with fountains, and meticulously planned greenery is a form of landscape art. This design not only creates a visually pleasing environment but also serves practical purposes such as water distribution and temperature regulation.

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Water Features: The fountains and water channels in the garden are not only functional elements but also artistic features that add to the beauty and tranquility of the garden. The sound of flowing water, a reflection of light on the water’s surface, and the overall design of water features contribute to the aesthetic appreciation of the garden.

Gardening: The selection and arrangement of plants in the garden are an art in itself. The variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers enhances the beauty and attractiveness of the garden.

Cultural Importance: The art and architecture of Shahzadeh Garden reflect the region’s cultural heritage and Iranian tradition in garden design. This garden is a symbol of Iranian culture and its historical and artistic achievements.

Conservation Measures for Shahzadeh Garden

The general measures for the protection and preservation of Iranian gardens and Shahzadeh Mahan Garden are as follows:

• UNESCO World Heritage List: The Shahzadeh Garden is one of the nine Iranian gardens listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title “Persian Garden”. This designation is important as it carries international recognition and a commitment to preserving and protecting the site.
• National Conservation: Many of Iran’s historical and cultural sites, including Iranian gardens, are protected by the Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization (ICHTO). This organization is responsible for the preservation, protection, and promotion of Iran’s cultural heritage.

• Regular Maintenance and Conservation:  Regular repair and maintenance work is essential to preserve the historical and architectural features of the garden. This may include repairing qanats (underground water channels), fountains, and pavilions, as well as maintaining the vegetation.
• Visitor Management: Restricting and controlling visitor access is another measure taken to protect the garden. This may involve limiting access to certain areas, controlling the number of visitors, and providing guided tours.
• Public Awareness and Education: Enhancing public awareness and education about the cultural importance and value of the garden for its preservation is crucial. This may include educational programs, informational signage, and promotional materials.