Shazadeh Garden of Mahan

Shahzadeh Garden of Mahan: A Qajar Paradise in the Heart of the Desert

Section one: Introduction, Location, history of Shahzadeh Garden

The Persian Garden (Bāgh-e Irani, Shahzadeh garden) is much more than a green space; it’s an ancient symbol of Iranian civilization and its genius for controlling nature. Rooted in mythology and the concept of “Pardis” (the origin of the English word paradise), these gardens incorporate three essential elements: water, trees, and architecture. In Iran’s arid landscapes, the Persian Garden, through the clever use of qanat water systems, creates a refreshing, symmetrical, and lush oasis, as if a piece of heaven has been brought down to earth. This architectural and hydraulic creativity led to the inscription of nine Iranian gardens, including Shahzadeh Garden, onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.

Among them, the Shahzadeh Garden of Mahan (meaning “Prince’s Garden”), also known as Bagh-e Qajari or Bagh-e Naseri in historical texts, is an extraordinary example. Located near the parched Kerman desert, the garden not only adheres to the principles of Persian garden design but also challenges the surrounding dry nature, narrating a beautiful tale of human ingenuity and architectural mastery.

A Unique Green Jewel in the Heart of the Desert (Shahzadeh  Garden of Mahan)

Strategic Location

Bagh-e Shahzadeh is situated about 35 kilometers southeast of Kerman and 6 kilometers from the historical city of Mahan. It lies on the old Silk Road, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Tigran Mountains. This location is key to the garden’s survival; it guarantees permanent access to water sourced from melting snow and qanats (underground aqueducts), allowing it to glow as a green spectacle in stark contrast to the surrounding desert.

History of Shazdeh Garden

The construction of this garden dates back to the late Qajar era (late 19th century). Its initial phase was ordered by Mohammad Hassan Khan Sardari Iravani, the then-governor of Kerman. However, the majority of the current structure and the main buildings were completed over eleven years by Abdolhamid Mirza Naserodolleh, a grandson of Naser al-Din Shah and later the governor of Kerman, which is why it is sometimes referred to as Bagh-e Naseri.

The Famous Tale of the Unfinished Garden

The most popular story surrounding Shazdeh Garden concerns the unfinished state of the entrance portal (Sar-dar). The legend claims that masons were busy tiling the entrance when news of the governor Naserodolleh’s sudden death reached Mahan. Workers, supposedly unhappy with the governor’s stern rule, immediately dropped their tools and left the mortar (Melaat) right there as a sign of their liberation and the termination of work. This abandoned mortar is still visible on parts of the entrance structure today, serving as a historical testament to the sudden halt of the garden’s construction.

Traveler’s Note: Shahzadeh Garden is an essential stop and often combined with other historical sites. Be sure to check Kerman multi-day tours and specific packages like the Rayen Castle tour with Shazdeh Garden for comprehensive itineraries.

Section Two: A Masterpiece of Terraced Architecture and Hydraulic Engineering

Shahzadeh Garden is a superb example of a terraced Persian garden. This rectangular garden, approximately 400 meters long and covering 5.5 hectares, is built upon a natural slope.

Symmetry and the Main Axis (Chahar Bagh)

The garden is designed according to the traditional Chahar Bagh (Four Gardens) layout. The central water axis runs from the highest part (the residential pavilion) to the lowest (the entrance portal), defining the garden’s symmetrical structure. On either side of this axis, fruit trees and shady trees, such as cypress, sycamore, pine, and pistachio, are planted in a precisely ordered manner.

The Engineering of Cascades and Fountains

The intelligent use of the land’s slope is the most astonishing aspect of Shahzadeh Garden’s engineering.

• Gravity Flow: Unlike many gardens that require pumps to lift water, here the water from the qanat enters the highest point of the garden (behind the main pavilion) and then flows throughout the garden purely by gravity.
• Terraced Fountains: Along the main axis, several pools and fountains are embedded. These fountains, numbering between 10 to 12 main jets, operate without any mechanical power, utilizing only the difference in elevation and the water pressure generated by the cascades to spray beautifully upward. This system creates a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience of waterfalls and terraced pools in the middle of the desert.
• Natural Cooling: This intricate network of flowing water, coupled with the evaporation, noticeably lowers the garden’s temperature compared to the outside, transforming it into a cool oasis and shelter in the hot region.

 Section Three: Structures and Main Features

The garden’s architectural elements are meticulously designed to complement nature and allow residents to fully appreciate the environment.

1. The Sar-dar (Entrance Portal)

The Sar-dar is located at the lowest part of the garden and functions as a visual and climatic barrier. This two-story structure, with its beautiful architecture and Qajar tilework, gently separates the visitor from the harsh, dry environment outside, gradually ushering them into the lush garden interior. The second floor of the Sar-dar was traditionally used for temporary rest, receiving guests, and viewing the garden’s ascent.

2. The Kushk or Bālākhāneh (Residential Pavilion)

The Bālākhāneh (Upper House) is the main and most splendid building, situated at the highest point and the end of the central water axis. This two-story pavilion was the permanent or temporary residence of the governor and his family.

• Dominant View: Its placement on the highest ground provides a commanding and sweeping view of the entire garden, the watercourse, and the fountains down to the entrance portal, emphasizing the owner’s status.

3. The Private Garden (Bagh-e Khalvat)

Behind the Bālākhāneh, an area known as Bagh-e Khalvat (Private Garden) was cultivated with fruit and shade trees, creating a more secluded and intimate space for the residents. Additionally, a Hammam (bathhouse) was situated near the pavilion, containing various sections for private bathing.

Planning Your Visit: When exploring the region’s history, visitors often include Shahzadeh Garden as a stop in popular Kerman tour packages. For historical enthusiasts, a visit might be part of an Arg-e Bam tour from Kerman, linking two of the region’s most famous sites.

Conclusion: Shahzadeh Garden of Mahan is not just a historical attraction; it is a testament to the remarkable Iranian capability for creating beauty, mastering water, and transforming the desert into paradise. This garden invites tourists to witness the extraordinary contrast of water and desert and the enduring art of Qajar garden design.