TEHRAN – A recent restoration project has come to an end on the centuries-old Fin Garden, which is a UNESCO-designated property in central Iran.
Sidewalks, the facades of its edifice and main entrance, the ancient drainage system, lighting, and stone boundary walls were among the elements restored during a recently finished project, Kashan’s tourism chief said.
The UNESCO-registered property is a pure example of a Persian garden, Ahmad Danainia said.
“Fin Garden was founded in the Safavid era and embraces elements from the subsequentent Zand and Qajar historical periods.”
As one of the most visited places in Iran, the garden sees millions of domestic and (thousands of) foreign tourists throughout the year, the official said.
The richly manicured garden (aka Bagh-e Fin by the locals) is located in the ancient city of Kashan, on the margins of the central Iranian desert. The property together with eight others across the country has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list under the title of “The Persian Garden.”
The property is of high historical significance as well. On one side of the garden is a bathhouse complex, famous as the place where Iranian nationalist hero Amir Kabir was murdered. Mirza Taqi Khan, better known as Amir Kabir, served as prime minister under Nasir od-Din Shah (r. 1848 – 1896) from 1848 to 1851.
The history of Bagh-e Fin in its current shape dates back to the time of Shah Abbas I who was the 5th Safavid king of Iran and reigned from 1588 to 1629. However, some sources say the original premises date back far in time. Due to the fact that the oasis city of Kashan lies adjacent to the central Iranian desert, water is scarce, however, inside the garden, water superabundantly flows through a series of turquoise-colored pools and fountains.
The garden also embraces several historic structures, including a two-story edifice that was once used as the lodging for the royal establishment. Its elevated cedars are up to 500 years old and contribute well to the scenic landscape while the profusion of orange trees permeate pleasant fragrance when the trees are in blossom.
The genuine concept of the Persian Garden is deeply rooted in time and interweaves natural elements with manmade components to embody the idea of creating a paradise on Earth using artistic, philosophical, figurative, and religious notions.