Revival of Beyramabad Garden, crucial for preserving Kerman’s cultural heritage
Kerman Province, known for its desert landscapes, holds a treasure trove of stunning gardens that owe their existence to the ingenious qanat system devised by our ancestors. These gardens stand as a testament to the unwavering efforts and enthusiasm of the people in this region.
One particular gem, the Shahzdeh Mahan Garden, has even earned the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, some of Kerman’s precious gardens, which are esteemed as cultural heritage sites, face the threat of destruction and loss for various reasons. However, by preserving and restoring these gardens, we can enhance the province’s tourism sector with enriching historical attractions.
Among the renowned gardens in Kerman is the Beyramabad Garden, constructed during the Safavid era by the then governor of Kerman, Beyram Beig Afshar, under the rule of Shah Ismail Safavid. This magnificent garden covers an area of 4.5 hectares in the eastern part of the city and has a history of four hundred years.
It was officially recognized as a National Heritage Site on February 27, 1999. The architectural marvels of Beyramabad Garden, reminiscent of other Safavid era structures, blend stunning designs with an abundance of flora, trees, and water features, making it one of the most captivating gardens in Kerman.
According to an endowment document, the garden was entrusted to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza during the Qajar period. This allowed various activities to take place within its premises, with the proceeds directed back to the shrine.
However, negligence and natural calamities have pushed the garden to the edge of destruction. The last restoration efforts for Beyramabad Garden date back to 2001, when the Cultural Heritage Organization meticulously renovated its fences, towers, and surrounding walls.
Recognizing the importance of revitalizing the neglected recreational and tourism potentials of the city of Kerman, Alireza Razm Hosseini, the former governor of Kerman, announced a restoration program for Beyramabad Garden in October 2015, following the successful restoration of Fathabad Garden near the city of Akhtarabad. However, despite the anticipation of cultural heritage and tourism enthusiasts, the garden remains closed to visitors even after eight years of restoration efforts.
Mojtaba Shafiei, the deputy head of Kerman Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization, acknowledges that the restoration work carried out by Astan Qods Razavi, under the supervision of the Cultural Heritage Organization, has made the monument largely ready for public visits, while there is ongoing restoration in certain areas of the structure that could provide added attractions for visitors.
He noted that the decision to reopen the garden lies with the Astan Qods Razavi, as they manage it.
The authorities of Astan Qods Razavi still consider the restoration of Beyramabad Garden incomplete, despite the Cultural Heritage Organization’s belief that conditions for visitation and utilization by tourists have been prepared.
It is our hope that the necessary steps will be taken to fulfill the aspirations of cultural heritage and tourism enthusiasts eagerly waiting to experience the beauty of the historical Beyramabad Garden once again.