In this article from OverIran Tourism Magazine, we will provide you with complete information about Afif Abad Garden in Shiraz, which many people know as Gulshan Garden in Shiraz. This garden was built during the Safavid era, and it has undergone many changes in the following years. Now, it has become a military museum and a unique garden for visiting Shiraz and tourists. In the following sections, read a bit about the history of Afif Abad Garden in Shiraz, and then acquaint yourself with the details of the different parts of the mansion. This way, you will quickly familiarize yourself with the layout of the garden.
History of Afif Abad Garden, Shiraz
AfifAbad Garden in Shiraz, spanning nearly 127,000 square meters, stands as one of Iran’s historical gardens, resilient through the vicissitudes of time. During the Safavid era, this garden was recognized as one of the personal domains of the ruler of Fars, Yaqub Khan Dhul Qadr, serving as a retreat for Safavid kings. At its heart, a grand stone fortress named Golshan Castle was erected.
In the Qajar period, the garden was acquired by one of Shiraz’s prominent families, Mirza Ali Khan Qavam al-Molk. Under Qavam al-Molk’s direction, the garden underwent extensive renovations, including the installation of a 15-kilometer aqueduct to facilitate irrigation. With much of Golshan Castle in disrepair, a splendid two-story mansion replaced the dilapidated structure in 1284 AH. This mansion stands as the elegant edifice still visible in AfifAbad Garden today. Towards the end of the Qajar era, the garden was entrusted to Afifeh Khanum, the niece of Bani Bagh. Ms. Afifeh implemented numerous alterations across various sections of the garden, leading to the renaming of the garden as AfifAbad Garden.
During the Pahlavi era, the heirs of the garden gifted it to Farah Pahlavi. However, the army eventually purchased AfifAbad Garden during an auction in 1340. Following this incident, AfifAbad was restored and rebuilt, mirroring the example of the Palace of Versailles, within seven years.
After the Islamic Republic Revolution, this garden remained under the control of the army. On April 29, 1370, Army Day, it was reopened as Military Museum Number Two, accessible to all. The AfifAbad Garden complex in Shiraz was registered on the list of national works of the country in 1351 AD.
where is Afif Abad Garden?
Address of Afif Abad Shiraz: at the end of Afif Abad St, Shiraz, Fars Province.
Access to Shiraz Gulshan Garden is possible by bus, metro, taxi, and private car. If you plan to visit by bus, you should board the buses on Esteghlal Boulevard and get off at Zarehi station. From this station, you can walk to the garden in a few minutes.
Different parts of AfifAbad Garden, Shiraz
AfifAbad Garden in Shiraz, renowned as one of the best places to visit in shiraz, encompasses various sections. Kalit Bagh is a compound comprising the royal palace alongside two military museums and the Ebrat Museum. Additionally, it features a bathhouse, a traditional coffee house, and an Iranian garden, all open for public visitation. In the subsequent sections, I will introduce these areas.
The main royal palace
The main royal palace of Afifabad Garden, Shiraz, is a two-story mansion, which bears many similarities to Eram Garden in Shiraz in terms of architecture and structure. This mansion, with 30 halls and nested rooms, is a delightful fusion of Achaemenid, Sassanid, and Qajar period architecture.
Upon first glance, your eyes are drawn to a vast mansion with a large, open porch encircled by tall columns. It’s intriguing to note that all rooms on the second floor lead out to the balcony. Adorning the porch is a depiction of the coronation moment of one of the Sassanid kings, immortalized in tiles.
The main entrance to the mansion is situated on the north side, leading you to the main hall via a few stone steps. The entrance gate boasts four columns with capitals reminiscent of those found at Persepolis. Noteworthy in this section are the wooden ceilings and oil paintings that adorn the entire interior ceiling.
The east facade of Afif Abad Palace in Shiraz features a broad and expansive porch, forming the focal point of the mansion’s exterior. Flanking the building are two spring terraces, each adorned with eight columns. Be sure to wander around the mansion and capture a souvenir photo.
Military Museum
Stepping onto the first floor of the Afif Abad Garden mansion in Shiraz, the architecture and interior decorations, illuminated by colorful lights streaming in through the windows, impart a pleasant ambiance to the space, reminiscent of a military museum.
Perhaps one of the intriguing paradoxes of the military museum is the juxtaposition of dangerous and crude weapons within such a refined setting. At the center of the hall, a serene water feature reflects the exquisite design of the ceiling and walls, adorned with a grain pattern reminiscent of wheat on a creamy background.
The Afifabad Bagh Military Museum showcases weaponry from various historical eras. It stands as one of the largest weapons museums, displaying an extensive array of cold and hot weapons, including swords, armor, rifles, and pistols, open for public viewing. Among its treasures are weapons belonging to historical figures such as Fath Ali Shah, Naseruddin Shah, Mohammad Reza Shah, Reza Shah, and Muzaffaruddin Shah.
Ebrat Museum
Connecting the first floor to the second are three flights of stairs. The first floor boasts a lengthy corridor lined with nested rooms. This corridor leads you to the heart of the floor, the grand and opulent hall of Afif Abad Shiraz Garden. Sunlight streaming through the glass windows illuminates the stucco and plasterwork of the hall.
While the door and wall of the main hall are indeed striking, don’t forget to glance upward at the ceiling. Adorned with delicately painted floral designs, the wooden ceiling adds to the hall’s allure. Another highlight of the hall is the presence of two marble fireplaces, positioned to the north and south.
Amidst the splendor of the hall, it’s easy to overlook the Ebrat Museum. This floor houses the Ebrat Museum, a repository for the personal belongings of the Pahlavi family.
Comprising various sections such as a conference room, living room, dressing room, reading room, reception area, and gambling hall, this museum showcases prized possessions including original carpets from the rooms and Farah Pahlavi’s personal piano.
Iranian Garden
Afif Abad Garden in Shiraz stands out as one of the most enchanting traditional gardens in Iran, where towering trees and vibrant flowers delight every tourist’s eyes. With its lush greenery, this garden ranks among the most popular attractions in Shiraz, offering an ideal setting for leisurely strolls and friendly gatherings.
The Iranian garden engages all five human senses, from the melodious chirping of birds to the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind. In spring, the fragrance of orange blossoms fills the air, while summer brings the scent of ripe oranges. In autumn and winter, the garden’s hues shift to whites and oranges. Though the garden’s floral display may not match its former glory, Golshan Garden remains a favored destination for Shiraz residents seeking relaxation and fresh air.
Traditional Bath
Situated in the western section of Afif Abad Garden in Shiraz, this traditional bath boasts a design typical of Iranian baths, yet its architecture creates a visually stunning ambiance. Adorning the bathroom’s interior walls are reliefs depicting scenes from famous ancient tales, including Farhad’s love for Shirin, the audience with Sassanid King Khosrow Parviz, and the entrance of Yusuf into Egypt.
The traditional bath of Gulshan Garden in Shiraz features both cold and hot water reservoirs, with the latter heated by a large copper vessel situated at the tank’s base. In the past, a fire lit under the boiler gradually warmed the water, while the smoke escaped through the minaret atop the bathroom’s roof. Over the years, the bath has undergone renovations, veering somewhat from its original design.
Coffee Shop
Adjacent to the traditional bath in the garden’s western section lies the traditional coffee house of Afif Abad Shiraz. Once a retreat for Qajar princes to unwind, enjoy leisure, and smoke hookah, the coffee house exudes a distinctly traditional ambiance with its brick walls and Iranian architectural elements. Notably, a small pond graces the center of the coffee house.
Featuring six rooms adorned with intricately designed tiles, the coffee house showcases visual depictions of significant tales from the Shahnameh, including the legends of Zahak and Kaveh Ahangar, Zal and Simorgh, Rostam and Sohrab’s fateful battle, and more. Despite some commercialization diminishing its former charm, the coffee house remains a must-visit destination in Shiraz, offering pleasure in viewing the vibrant and captivating Shahnameh illustrations adorning its walls.
The best time to visit the garden
You must have heard a lot about Shiraz and its unique description in the spring season, especially in May. Spring is the best season to visit Shiraz, but Afif Abad Garden in Shiraz is also attractive in other seasons, and visiting it will be a pleasant experience. If you are visiting the Gulshan Garden of Shiraz for the first time, spend a few hours exploring the mansion, visiting the museums, and admiring the beautiful wooden roof of the mansion, which you will not find anywhere else with such taste and elegance.