Tehran’s Bagh-e Irani; a living heritage of nature, architecture
In the bustling heart of Tehran in Deh Vanak neighborhood, there lies a hidden paradise called, the Persian Garden, known locally as the Bagh-e Irani. This enchanting oasis, with its lush greenery, colorful blossoms, and the delightful aroma of blooming flowers, offers a peaceful and captivating environment. Every corner of this garden tells a story of deep appreciation and love for nature’s timeless allure. During springtime, the garden transforms into a vibrant, shimmering jewel perched on the slopes of the Alborz Mountains. A gentle breeze from the season sweeps through the ancient trees’ branches, carrying fragrant scents of countless flowers. This season bathes the entire space in a kaleidoscope of colors — tulips, violets, daffodils, and more — each contributing to the garden’s enchanting atmosphere. Walking amid the blossoms and listening to the harmonious songs of birds revitalizes the soul, turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. With each passing season, this tiny slice of paradise celebrates life through its unique palette of colors and fragrances, capturing the hearts of all who visit with its enduring charm, IRNA wrote. As you enter the Bagh-e Irani in spring, you are immediately immersed in a riot of vibrant hues and intoxicating scents. The sight of beautiful tulips in shades of red, yellow, pink, and white is breathtakingly harmonious, creating a visual spectacle that seems almost surreal. Alongside these tulips, seasonal flowers such as violets and daffodils augment the garden’s natural beauty. The combination of these colors and aromas leaves visitors with a profound sense of wonder — an unforgettable glimpse into Persian horticultural artistry.
A cultural, historical treasure
Steeped in history and crafted with delicate care, this garden has become a unique cultural treasure. It serves as an ideal location for peaceful family gatherings — where people can sit together in silence or lively conversation, basking in the fresh air and stunning natural surroundings. Keep with us until the end to explore every corner of this fascinating space and immerse yourself fully in its beauty.
This Persian Garden is nestled in a site that seems to have been part of it from time immemorial — the historic Deh Vanak neighborhood, one of Tehran’s oldest districts, which still bears traces of its past. Its main entrance is on the southern side, near the famous Jaame Mosque, but there is also an alternative entrance accessible via Sabri Street on its eastern boundary.
Spanning approximately 30,000 square meters, with roughly two-thirds dedicated to verdant green space, the Bagh-e Irani is home to some ancient trees that date back as far as the Qajar era. Its architecture reflects the classic Persian garden style of that period, characterized by symmetry, water features, and elegant design elements.
Architectural significance, preservation
Recognized as one of Tehran’s most treasured parks, the garden boasts extensive operating hours. It is open to visitors from early morning at 6 a.m. until late at night, 11 p.m., making it accessible throughout the weekday and weekend. While the garden itself can be visited at any time during these hours, the libraries within the garden operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are closed during holidays.
Historically, Bagh-e Irani belonged to a distinguished family from the Qajar era — the family of Mirza Hassan Khan Mostowfi-ol-Mamlak, son of Mirza Yusuf Khan Mostowfi and Shakar Khanum. The Mostowfi-ol-Mamlak dynasty was a significant political family, owning vast landholdings in Deh Vanak. Their ancestor purchased these lands from Nasereddin Shah, transforming the area into a thriving settlement through the construction of qanats — ancient underground water channels that sustain the lush greenery and support the garden’s beauty.
Like other famous Persian gardens such as Eram Garden in Shiraz and Shazdeh Mahan Garden in Kerman, the Deh Vanak’s garden features distinctive elements: intricately crafted brick lattice screens, towering old trees, tranquil pools, fountains, water channels, and ornate domed entrances. Its architecture and layout exemplify the classical Persian garden style, which has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site, emblematic of traditional Persian landscape architecture.
This style generally falls into two categories: garden-pavilion and garden-mausoleum. The Deh Vanak’s garden belongs to the garden-pavilion category, historically built as a summer retreat or residence for royalty, tribal chieftains, or influential families. The design centers around a main pavilion, with all waterways, qanats, and pathways converging toward it, often situated on an elevation that grants commanding views of the entire garden. For instance, in gardens like Shazdeh Mahan, the central pavilion is built atop higher ground, emphasizing its prominence.
In the Deh Vanak’s Bagh-e Irani, the pavilion resides on the northern side, designed with inspiration from traditional Persian pavilions. Its architecture highlights a substantial porch on the first floor, with walls constructed from yellow and brown bricks, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The water channels and pathways converge here, symbolizing the garden’s layout and aesthetic unity.
Libraries and key features
Within the garden premises, there are two libraries — one for men and one for women. The men’s library is integrated into the main pavilion building, while the women’s library stands in the garden’s northern section, slightly apart. Their hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in line with the garden’s operation, but both close on holidays.
A must-see feature in the garden is the central arch, located in its middle. Designed inspired by traditional Iranian architecture and ancient arches, it faces the main pavilion and is situated adjacent to the main pools. This arch is a favorite spot for photography, capturing the harmonious blend of structure and natural beauty.
The water features — pools and channels — are decorated with turquoise mosaic tiles, adding a touch of elegance. These channels are vital — they not only enhance the garden’s beauty but also help cool the air during hot months, creating a refreshing environment. The largest pool, positioned directly opposite the main pavilion, underscores the arrangement where all water flow ultimately consolidates, emphasizing the pavilion’s central role in the garden’s design.
Strolling along the water channels, admiring the lush trees, fragrant flowers, and the fresh air are among the garden’s greatest pleasures. Whether alone — reading a book or listening to music —and enjoying the tranquility, or with family and friends in picnics under the pergolas and benches, the garden offers something for everyone. And don’t forget to take photos everywhere — these captures will keep your memories alive long after your visit.
Optimal visiting seasons
If experiencing the garden’s greatest beauty is your goal, spring — particularly April and May — is the ideal time to visit. This period sees the tulips in full bloom and the entire garden alive with vibrant colors and sweet smells. Thousands of visitors flock here during this period, eager to enjoy the spectacle. May, in particular, hosts the Annual Tulip Festival, which raises awareness of these native flowers — belonging to the lily family with 109 species — and celebrates their beauty. Autumn, too, offers its own unique allure, with fallen leaves in warm hues creating a picturesque landscape.
Beyond tulips, this lush garden also supports a rich diversity of plants — including mulberry, jujube, sweetgum, myrtle, rose, and dogwood — adding to its botanical richness. Whether you are a plant enthusiast or simply seeking serenity amid nature’s beauty, this garden offers an immersive experience in natural harmony and cultural heritage.