Golshan Garden of Tabas

Golshan Garden of Tabas is one of the finest examples of the Persian garden, dating from the late Zand period and the early Qajar period. It is located in the city of Tabas, in South Khorasan Province. This historic garden stands in the city centre, on Moallem Boulevard, and as one of Iran's most important nationally registered monuments, it holds a special place among Persian gardens. Its unusual position between two great deserts, the Lut and the Dasht-e Kavir, creates a striking contrast between the arid climate and the lush greenery, which has made Golshan Garden a rare natural oasis. The garden was built on the orders of Mir Hasan Khan, a ruler of the region at the time, and from the start it was known as a complex serving both recreational and governmental purposes.

Inside Golshan Garden you will find an eye-catching blend of Persian architecture and varied natural scenery. Covering about 7 hectares and laid out as a chahar bagh (four-part garden), it is divided into four symmetrical sections, with a large pool and natural fountains at its centre. A constant flow of water, supplied by springs and underground sources, keeps the garden cool and pleasant even on the hottest days of the year. A variety of trees, including date palm, pomegranate, bitter orange, plane, cypress and willow, grow alongside ornamental flowers such as roses, hollyhocks and petunias, giving the garden a multi-climate character. The presence of animal species such as waterfowl and pelicans adds to its natural appeal and makes it a unique urban ecosystem.

Golshan Garden is very easy to reach, and can be accessed without difficulty from the main streets of Tabas. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and the vegetation is at its most beautiful. Besides its visual delights, a walk through the garden offers a chance to learn about one of the masterpieces of water management in Iran's dry climate. When visiting, it is important to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including keeping the environment clean, not damaging the trees, and avoiding any disturbance to the wildlife living in the garden.