Persian Gardens
Green gardens in desert places
Ancient Persia consisted of the modern countries of Iran, Iraq and Syria; from here came one of the most enduring garden forms ever created. The environment there is harsh and dry, so the gardens were created in enclosed, sheltered spaces and water was used sparingly. Native plants were used for ornament as well as for food and medicine. Many of the flowering bulbs, trees, shrubs (including roses) and plants now to be found in gardens throughout Europe are originally from Persia.
Geometry
The ancient Persians were fascinated by mathematics, which they believed gave them an insight into the hidden mind of God, and their gardens were formal and geometric in style. They were calm, still places for contemplation and conversation. With the growth of Islam in the 7-8th century, gardens took on a new symbolic meaning as well, representing Paradise.
Paradise
Our modern word paradise is derived from the Greek paradeisos, which in turn comes from the word pairidaeza, which pre-dates the Persian language. The meaning of pairidaeza is an enclosure or park. Paradise was the promised reward for the faithful, a state of blessedness. The rewards of paradise are described in the Koran.
'Such is the Paradise which the righteous have been promised: therin shall flow water undefiled, and rivers of milk forever fresh; rivers of wine delectable to those that drink it, and rivers of clarified honey. There shall they eat of every fruit, and receive forgiveness from their Lord.'
Holy Koran (47:15)
Water of Life
The basic design of the paradise garden is very simple. It is an idealized form of the pattern of irrigation, in which flowing water indicates the passage of time, purity and the source of life
- The Chahar Bagh is the central basin with an overflowing fountain, representing abundance and order. It is usually rectangular or hexagonal, and made of marble or stone
- The Chadar is an area of four squares, divided by four water channels leading from the Chahar Bagh. These four areas represent water, fire, earth and air.
- Advanced rules of geometry and symmetry are strictly used throughout, to reflect the holiness and perfection of the mind of God.
- The whole area is divided into enclosed spaces creating a multitude of different internal viewpoints and some spectacular external vistas.
- Unlike western art, there were no representations of animals or people
in the garden.
The Persian Garden had an enormous influence on the form and layout gardens in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. However, the idea of the garden as a symbol of paradise became lost within western culture.
Alhambra, Spain: ‘Court of the Lions’
Traditional layout of central fountain and rills of water dividing the court into four areas. Originally, abundant flowers and citrus trees gave scent and shade.
© M Sheldon
The Garden of Fidelity, Kabul (1508)
Emperor Babur personally directs work as men stretch cord and plant the garden. Babur straightened the zigzag watercourse ‘so the place became very beautiful’.
(Click on the thumbnail image to view a larger version)
©V&A Images/Victoria and Albert Museum (http://www.vam.ac.uk)
Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco
Many courtyards exist within the Islamic world, but few retain such lush planting which provide shade and perfume within the garden. A late 19th century example.
