Chehel Sotoun Garden of Ashraf

Chehel Sotoun Garden of Ashraf, also known as Shah Garden, Shah Palace and Mellat Park of Behshahr, is one of the most outstanding historical monuments and Persian gardens of the Safavid era in the city of Behshahr, Mazandaran Province. The garden is located on Shahid Hashemi-Nejad Street and was designed and built in 1021 AH (lunar Hijri) by order of the Safavid king Shah Abbas I. Its position on the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains and the clever use of the natural slope of the land give this complex a special place in terms of both architecture and natural landscape. Chehel Sotoun Garden of Ashraf was registered on Iran's National Heritage List in 1356 (Solar Hijri; 1977) under number 1537, and today it is regarded as one of the most important historical and tourist attractions of Behshahr.

Measuring about 550 metres in length and 170 metres in width, this historical garden is a valuable example of the art of Persian garden design in the Safavid period. The two main avenues of the garden were laid out in a regular, geometric pattern, and at their intersection lies a large pool, one of the complex's defining features. The main axis of the garden looks north toward the Caspian Sea, and water once flowed through its different sections by way of channels, small pools and little waterfalls. In the past, the complex was a venue for official ceremonies, Shah Abbas's public audiences and the reception of guests of the royal court, and it held particular political and governmental importance. According to some historical sources, Shah Abbas I also spent the last days of his life in this palace. Today the historic mansion of the garden houses the Behshahr Municipality, and its grounds are open to the public as Mellat Park.

Getting to Chehel Sotoun Garden of Ashraf is very easy: the complex stands in the central part of Behshahr, on Shahid Hashemi-Nejad Street. Visitors can easily reach this historical attraction by private car or by city public transport. Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, thanks to the pleasant weather, the lush greenery of the garden and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. While strolling through the garden, following the principles of nature-friendly and responsible tourism, such as keeping the area clean, avoiding damage to trees and green spaces, and respecting the historical parts of the complex, will play an important role in protecting this valuable Safavid heritage.