Dowlat Abad Garden located in Yazd, central Iran, is a Persian architecture jewels. The Garden is an authentic Iranian garden that annually attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists.
This is a complex built according to the original Iranian architectural style and consists of a large garden and some buildings.
Before you see the garden or even the walls of the house, from hundreds of meters away and some streets away from that spot, you can see the tallest wind catcher of the mansion inside the garden.
Looking at the garden and the main entrance of the garden, you will see the long pool in the shade of the tall cypress trees leading to the main entrance. On the way to the mansion, there are beautiful grapes and pomegranates trees behind those tall trees.
This traditional air-conditioning system of local houses around the desert in Iran is the essential elements at the residential structures. However, the exaggerated grand size of this wind catcher functioned perfectly well.
The building has got a large stain-glass window that could be pushed up and down to have the air in. At the central section of the building there is a small pool which adds some humidity to the dry air of this house in the heart of desert, in Yazd. It looks like a central open air section where you can see the windows of the upper floor and corridors leading to the exterior corners of the house. It is at these corners that you can find the staircases leading to upstairs.
Mohammad Taghi Khan known as the Great Khan was the progenitor of the dynasty of all Khans in Yazd excavating a qanat named Dowlatabad, later on.
He commenced constructing the estate of Dowlatabad Garden as his residence along the water extending from the qanat. The magnificent estate abounds with a vestibule, a soaring wind catcher, a veranda covered with mirror, and the splendid façade.
The most significant characteristics of the design of this building is believed to be the attempt of the architect in selecting tactful angles for providing the best views and landscape internally.
Dowlatabad Garden complex includes the southern frontispiece building, the vestibule building and the wind catcher (bad-gir), the summer building or Harem, Behesht building, the mirror hall building, Tehrani building, the main frontispiece building and a double-spanned water cistern.
The garden contains mirror hall mansion , entrance mansion , ‘Behesht aeen’ mansion , wind tower mansion , harem mansion , Tehran mansion , servants mansion , kitchens , octagon court, shelter, water storage, carriage house, Summer and winter stables and also has an aqueduct (qanat) , numerous ponds and water tables in the garden space.
The mansion inside this walled garden is a unique octagonal-plan mansion with colorful stain glasses within sash window panes. In addition to a long pool in front of the building, there are some small ones inside the building and a room accommodating a small pool underneath the wind catcher, which is still the largest in the city.
Dowlatabad garden is regarded as one of the sites worth visiting due to verdant gardening skill in landscape architecture, irrigation method, and in the richness of architectural design. It is for this reason that the same has been recorded as a historic building.
Long pool in the shade of the tall cypress trees leads to the main entrance. On the way to the mansion, there are beautiful grape and pomegranate trees behind those tall trees.
The lush garden is a paradise where different trees like pine and cypress, various flowers like roses and fruit trees like grape and pomegranate abound, offering a green carpet panorama.
The Persian garden was conceived to symbolize Eden and the four Zoroastrian elements of sky, earth, water and plants. Water plays an important role in the ornamentation of the gardens.
Dating back to different periods, the gardens consist of buildings, pavilions and walls, as well as sophisticated irrigation systems. They have influenced the art of garden design as far as India and Spain.
Dowlatabad is among the Persian gardens that have just been registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as one of the masterpieces of traditional gardens.
Dowlatabad Garden: A Quintessential Gem of Persian Architecture
Nestled amidst the heart of Yazd, a mesmerizing city in central Iran, the Dowlatabad Garden stands as a testament to the region’s rich architectural heritage and cultural tapestry. This captivating complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodies the essence of traditional Persian gardens, offering a harmonious blend of verdant landscapes, ingenious water features, and exquisite architectural masterpieces.
A Legacy of Royal Opulence
The origins of Dowlatabad Garden can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was commissioned by Mohammad Taghi Khan, the powerful ruler of Yazd. Khan, known as the Great Khan, envisioned a palatial retreat that would reflect his wealth and position, and he spared no expense in bringing his vision to life.
The garden’s grandeur is epitomized by its imposing central mansion, a magnificent octagonal structure adorned with intricate tilework, elaborate arches, and an awe-inspiring windcatcher, a traditional Persian architectural element designed to enhance ventilation and cooling. This towering structure, the tallest in Yazd, stands as a testament to the Khan’s architectural prowess and the engineering ingenuity of the time.
A Symphony of Water and Nature
The heart of Dowlatabad Garden lies in its meticulously crafted landscape, a verdant oasis that seamlessly blends with the surrounding arid landscapes. Lush greenery, punctuated by towering cypress trees and vibrant flowerbeds, creates a sense of tranquility and serenity. A central pool, fed by a sophisticated qanat system, reflects the surrounding greenery, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light and shadow.
The garden’s intricate irrigation system, a hallmark of traditional Persian gardens, ensures the preservation of its lush vegetation. The qanat, a subterranean water channel, brings life-giving water to the garden, enabling the growth of a diverse array of plants, from towering trees to fragrant flowers and delicate fruits.
A Cultural Treasure Trove
Beyond its architectural and landscaping marvels, Dowlatabad Garden holds immense cultural significance. The mansion, adorned with intricate wall paintings and exquisite tilework, once served as a hub for social gatherings, cultural events, and royal receptions. Its tranquil atmosphere and opulent décor provided an ideal setting for fostering intellectual discourse, artistic expression, and the celebration of Persian traditions.
A Symbol of UNESCO Recognition
In 2011, Dowlatabad Garden was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing its exceptional architectural significance and its embodiment of the quintessential Persian garden tradition. This prestigious designation has further enhanced the garden’s global recognition and solidified its position as a cultural icon of Iran.
A Timeless Oasis
Today, Dowlatabad Garden stands as a captivating destination for visitors from around the world. Its harmonious blend of architectural splendor, lush greenery, and intricate water features provides a glimpse into the essence of Persian culture and the ingenuity of traditional engineering practices. Visitors can wander through the garden’s tranquil paths, admire the architectural masterpieces, and immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere, creating lasting memories of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
As one steps into Dowlatabad Garden, it is as if one has stepped back in time, into the heart of Persian culture and architectural heritage. The garden’s timeless beauty, coupled with its rich history and cultural significance, makes it an enduring treasure of Yazd and a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the essence of Persia.
