Shiraz’s Haft Tanan Garden blends architecture, art, legend
Haft Tanan Garden (Bagh-e Haft Tanan) is one of the oldest and most significant historical sites in Shiraz, Fars Province, located at the foothills of Chehel Maqam Mountain, just north of the Hafez Mausoleum. This serene and ancient garden, whose origins trace back to centuries before the Zand era, gained much of its current structure and charm during the reign of Karim Khan Zand, the founder of the Zand dynasty in the 18th century.
In ancient times, the people of Shiraz would visit this sacred site to pray for rain, offer worship, and seek blessings. The name “Haft Tanan” literally means seven bodies or seven persons, referring to the seven wise and pious men whose graves rest within the garden. Out of respect for their spiritual status, Karim Khan Zand placed large, uninscribed stone slabs over their tombs, signifying reverence without revealing their identities.
The architectural design of the main building in Haft Tanan Garden is both simple and elegant. The roof is supported by two massive monolithic stone pillars, giving the structure a sense of grandeur and strength. Inside, the stucco-decorated walls are adorned with five vivid paintings depicting various ceremonial and spiritual scenes, each representing a different aspect of life, faith, and mysticism during the Zand period. These paintings are considered masterpieces of 18th-century Persian art, reflecting the aesthetic values and cultural depth of that era.
During the mid-20th century, specifically in 1957–1958 CE, the complex underwent extensive restoration under the supervision of Mohammad Baqer Jahan Miri, a distinguished artist and painter from Shiraz. Thanks to his efforts, many of the original artistic and architectural features were preserved and revived. Today, the site functions not only as a historical monument but also as a museum of ancient stonework. The stones displayed here, dating from the 9th to the 17th centuries CE, are beautifully engraved with various scripts and calligraphic styles, offering valuable insight into the evolution of Persian art and epigraphy.
At the heart of the garden lies a large rectangular pool, which was once filled with the pure waters of Roknabad Stream — a source long celebrated in Persian poetry and known for its clarity and coolness. The reflection of the surrounding cypress trees and the historical mansion in the still water adds to the mystical ambiance of the garden.
Today, Haft Tanan Garden stands as a tranquil and spiritually charged destination, drawing both history enthusiasts and art lovers alike. It beautifully encapsulates the harmony of nature, spirituality, and Persian architectural artistry, serving as a timeless reminder of Shiraz’s rich cultural heritage.