Jahan Nama Garden in Shiraz
A Walk Through One of Shiraz's Oldest Paradises
If you’ve ever visited the beautiful city of Shiraz, you know that choosing among its gardens can be tough. Deciding which garden to visit first and how to spend your limited time can be challenging, and Jahan Nama Garden is one of these wonderful options.
This article from SURFIRAN‘s travel magazine helps you acquainted with the aspects of Jahan Nama Garden in Shiraz and what to expect in this enchanting garden.
Contents
History of Jahan Nama Garden
Jahan Nama Garden in Shiraz dates back to the 8th century AH. Located along a water stream, its lushness was always guaranteed. Its trees have been vibrant throughout the centuries, earning it the name Zinat-al-Dunya.
The true grandeur of Jahan Nama Garden was bestowed by Karim Khan Zand. He ordered the garden to be fenced and the street leading to it to be lined with trees. The octagonal pavilion in the middle of the garden, built under his command, stands as one of the finest architectural examples of its time.
General Layout of Jahan Nama Garden
The overall view of Jahan Nama Garden with its marble pool and small gardens creates a memorable scene. This beauty is acknowledged by the greatest historians and Iranologists, with detailed descriptions found in various historical texts.
Architecture of Jahan Nama Garden
Iranian gardens typically feature a water stream, a central garden house, and a large front pool. Jahan Nama Garden in Shiraz includes all these elements, beautifully available for visitors.
The water stream rejuvenates the garden’s beauty over the years. The central garden house, an octagonal pavilion surrounded by windows, and the main courtyard pool with its fountain, which has remained since ancient times, are key highlights.
Naming of Jahan Nama Garden
During Karim Khan Zand’s era, the garden reached its peak beauty and known as Bagh-e Vakil. Later, under Fath Ali Shah, governor of Fars, it renamed Jahan Nama Garden. Timur, fascinated by its beauty, ordered a replica to be built in Samarkand, leading to another Jahan Nama Garden there.
Beauty of Jahan Nama Garden
From above, four streets bordered by cypress and orange trees can be seen. A water canal, adorned with small fountains, adds a soothing sound to the picturesque tree scenery.
Karim Khan Zand’s fascination with the number eight is evident throughout the garden. The central building, known as the French Hat Pavilion, with its octagonal roof, remains intact. The building’s exterior, once richly decorated but now plain, suggests a past grandeur lost to time.
Eight cypress trees line each street of the garden. The long water canal is divided into eight parts, each with eight small fountains, symbolizing the ancient Persian belief in eight as a sacred number representing luck and fortune.
Best Time to Visit the Garden
Spring, especially May, is the best time to visit. The scent of orange blossoms and the sight of towering cypresses against the refreshing backdrop of the Zagros mountains make for an unforgettable experience. Even the poet Hafez couldn’t resist praising the garden’s springtime beauty.
Kooshk Pavilion of Jahan Nama Garden
Currently, the garden is managed by Shiraz Broadcasting, and access may be restricted. Until recently, the Kooshk Pavilion, or French Hat Pavilion, housed a museum and a shop offering local crafts and specialties.
Interestingly, the pavilion’s wooden windows, replaced by iron ones for restoration, have sparked debate among architectural and historical experts, as iron does not align with the original architecture.
Visiting Hours of Jahan Nama Garden in Shiraz
Open from 8:30 AM to 8 PM, these hours apply to the first half of the year and may change due to weather and darkness.
Entrance fees are 3,000 IRR for Iranians and 15,000 IRR for foreign tourists. Note that the garden closes on martyrdom days and may be under broadcasting authority’s use. Always check before visiting.
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Location of Jahan Nama Garden
The garden, one of the first you encounter in Shiraz, is located on Hafez Street. After visiting Hafezieh, you can easily walk to the garden. Buses and taxis are available for those not using private vehicles. Use buses from Vali-e-Asr Terminal – Rokn Abad or Kolbeh Square – Rokn Abad and alight at Hafezieh crossroads. Taxis are widely available, but note the lack of nearby metro stations due to the area’s historical nature.
Address: Fars Province, northeast Shiraz, east of Hafez Street (Darvazeh Quran), above Hafezieh Square Phone: 07132275875
Final Thoughts
Jahan Nama Garden is one of the oldest and most authentic gardens in Iran, carrying centuries of Iranian history. Its cypress and orange trees amplify its beauty, ensuring an unforgettable stroll. A trip to Shiraz is memorable, but a visit to Jahan Nama Garden adds an unmatched beauty to the experience. Imagine walking the same paths as Iranian kings and princes, breathing the same cool, pleasant air. So, pack your bags for Shiraz and place Jahan Nama Garden at the top of your must-see list.
