The first palace-garden, Chehel Sotoun, (Forty Columns) exemplifies the evolution of Iranian garden design during the Safavid period and the peak of art and architecture in the capital at that time, Isfahan. Chehel Sotoun Palace was founded during the reign of Shah Abbas I and completed and expanded under Shah Abbas II (The 11th century AH corresponds to the 17th century AD.). The complex is situated in the heart of Isfahan’s historic fabric, along the famous Chaharbagh axis, and was part of the Safavid urban plan to transform Isfahan into the "Half of the World."
The name “Chehel Sotoun” (Forty Columns) derives from the reflection of the twenty wooden columns of the main pavilion in the large pool in front of the palace; in Iranian culture, the number forty symbolizes abundance. Chehel Sotoun is a complete example of the Chaharbagh pattern, dividing space into four main sections with perpendicular axes that converge at the center. In the garden, a large rectangular pool in front of the palace reflects the columns and the pavilion. Water in an Iranian garden is not merely decorative; it provides cooling in the hot, arid climate of Isfahan and symbolizes purity and life. Trees, pathways, and pools are arranged symmetrically, and this geometric order represents cosmic order and a terrestrial image of paradise in Iranian-Islamic culture.
At Chehel Sotoun, the building and garden are inseparable; the palace sits within the garden, which frames and highlights the architectural splendor. This harmonious integration is a key feature of Iranian gardens, recognized by UNESCO. The main pavilion rests on twenty tall wooden columns set on stone bases. The pavilion’s ceiling is adorned with exquisite paintings and mirror work. The central hall (Mirror Hall and Public Hall) hosted official ceremonies. One of the palace’s most remarkable features is its historic wall paintings, depicting scenes from the battles of Chaldiran and Karnal.
Among other Iranian gardens, Fin Garden is one of the most famous historic gardens, dating back to the Safavid period and expanded during the Qajar era. It is a complete example of the Chaharbagh layout with perpendicular axes. Its most notable feature is the water system, which operates without pumps, relying on the natural slope and pressure of the Soleymaniyeh spring. Pools and fountains are designed to create a continuous flow of water without modern equipment.
Abbas Abad Garden, located in Behshahr in Mazandaran Province on the forested slopes of northern Iran, dates to the reign of Shah Abbas I. Its distinguishing feature is its integration with the mountainous and forested landscape. A historic dam, water reservoir, and a structure that emerges when the lake water rises add to the garden’s unique appeal.
Shazdeh Mahan Garden in Mahan, Kerman Province, belongs to the Qajar period and is set at the foot of the Joupār Mountains. Its main feature is the use of the natural slope to create cascading waterfalls and terraced pools. Water flows from the heights into the garden, forming a series of waterfalls along the main axis, creating a spectacular visual effect. This garden is an outstanding example of adapting Iranian garden design to the desert climate of Kerman.
Dowlatabad Garden in Yazd, dating to the Zand period, is famous for having the tallest adobe windcatcher in the world, standing approximately 33 meters high. It exemplifies intelligent natural ventilation in the hot, arid climate of Yazd. In this garden, qanat water plays a central role in shaping the spatial layout.
Eram Garden in Shiraz is one of Iran’s most beautiful gardens, with a long history and a Qajar-era form. It is renowned for its extraordinary plant diversity and ancient cypress trees. Its three-story pavilion is decorated with intricate tilework and mythological motifs.
Akbarieh Garden in Birjand, South Khorasan Province, dates to the Qajar era and is situated in a desert region. Its terraced structure and central axis with a large pool exemplify design adapted to the natural slope of the land.
Pasargad Garden in Fars Province is the oldest recorded example among the Iranian gardens, dating back to the Achaemenid period under Cyrus the Great. Remnants of stone water channels and its geometric layout indicate that the Chaharbagh concept has ancient roots. The garden is part of the historic Pasargad site and played an important role in shaping Iranian garden tradition, influencing Islamic and Mughal gardens in India.
Pahlevanpour Garden in Mehriz, Yazd Province, belongs to the Qajar era and is irrigated through the Hasanabad qanat. Its most important feature is the continuous flow of water through the garden, providing vitality in the desert climate. The architecture of summer and winter pavilions alongside the orderly green spaces reflects the lifestyle of the elite in Iran’s arid regions.
This collection demonstrates that the Iranian garden is not merely a green space but a combination of water engineering, architecture, art, symbolism, and climatic knowledge. Its defining characteristics include geometric design and symmetry, water-centered axes, the integration of architecture with nature, and adaptability to diverse climates. Developed over more than two thousand years, the Iranian garden has profoundly influenced garden design in many other countries.