Fathabad Garden in Kerman (Biglarbegi Garden) | kerman iran
Fathabad Garden, also known as Biglarbegi Mansion, is a historical garden dating back to the Qajar period and is one of the notable attractions of Kerman. It was registered as a national heritage site of Iran on February 1, 2003. This garden flourished during its time, to the extent that its architectural style became a model for the construction of the Mahan Prince Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Currently, Fathabad Garden has been restored, featuring tree-lined paths, a large pool, beautiful night lighting, and various amenities such as restaurants and teahouses, attracting many tourists to this historical site.
Here’s everything you need to know about Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
Location of Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
Fathabad Garden is located in Kerman, Iran.
Introduction to Fathabad Garden:
Fathabad Garden, also known as Biglarbegi Mansion, is a historical garden from the Qajar era, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. It was designated as a national heritage site in Iran due to its cultural importance.
Architecture and Different Sections of Fathabad Garden:
The architecture of Fathabad Garden reflects the elegance and grandeur of the Qajar period. It features traditional Persian garden elements such as lush greenery, water features, and pavilions. The garden is divided into various sections, each offering a unique experience to visitors.
Best Time to Visit Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
The best time to visit Fathabad Garden is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild, and the garden is at its most picturesque with blooming flowers and vibrant foliage.
Restoration of Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
Fathabad Garden has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its historical integrity and ensure its longevity as a cultural landmark. The restoration efforts have revitalized the garden, making it accessible to visitors while maintaining its original charm.
Facilities at Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
Fathabad Garden offers various amenities for visitors, including restaurants and teahouses where they can relax and enjoy traditional Iranian cuisine and beverages. Additionally, the garden provides guided tours and information about its history and significance.
Tips for Visiting Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
When visiting Fathabad Garden, it’s advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during hot weather. Visitors should also respect the garden’s rules and regulations to help preserve its beauty for future generations.
Location of Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
Fathabad Garden, also known as Biglarbegi Mansion, is situated in the Akhtiyarabad area, approximately 25 kilometers from the center of Kerman city. To reach the garden, one should head towards Jomhouri Boulevard. After passing through it and Havanirouz Boulevard, the magnificent mansion of Fathabad Garden shines in the distance.
Address: Akhtiyarabad, 25 kilometers from the center of Kerman city, Kerman Province
Introduction to Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
Fathabad Garden, also referred to as Biglarbegi Mansion, is a beautiful and lush garden constructed by Fazl-Ali Khan Biglarbegi, one of the rulers of Kerman. The construction of this garden dates back to the year 1878 in the Gregorian calendar. In fact, the history of Fathabad Garden traces back to the Qajar era, with its construction commencing during the reign of Mohammad Shah Qajar and concluding five years later. Subsequent rulers of Kerman also utilized this garden for relaxation and leisure. This historical structure is part of the endowments of Rostam Khan Amiri, one of the survivors of Fazl-Ali Khan Biglarbegi.
In recent years, this complex has undergone restoration. Despite being considered as part of the endowment properties of Kerman Province, the restoration of this complex has been carried out under the supervision of the Cultural Heritage Organization.
Fathabad Garden not only boasts its beauty during the day but also shines with its special lighting arrangements at night. This historical site was listed in the National Heritage Sites of Iran in 2003.
kerman iran ، From Ganjali Khan Complex to the National Library
Architecture and Different Sections of Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
Fathabad Garden spans across 13 hectares with a building area of 1,500 square meters. The different sections of this garden include the main building of the garden, the Rulers Museum, the Painting Room, the Four-Season Mansion, the southern buildings of the main mansion, medicinal herb cultivation lands, and the outer courtyard.
Main Mansion:
Upon entering the Fathabad Mansion, you’ll first encounter a large pool whose reflection of the main mansion on its water is captivating. The Fathabad building is a two-story structure located at the northern end of the garden, featuring alcoves on both sides of the mansion and rooms adorned with intricate designs. This mansion is constructed with raw bricks and clay mortar, plastered with a layer of gypsum. Inside the building, beautiful plasterwork done by skilled artisans adorns the walls. Above the entrance door of the main mansion, there are windows through which small lenses were once inserted to illuminate the rooms with reflected light from the lamps.
Rulers Museum:
If you’re interested in history, this room invites you on a historical journey through Kerman. This part of the garden is dedicated to the Rulers Museum, displaying biographies and images of previous rulers of Kerman.
Painting Room:
The painting room, located within the main mansion, used to be the residence of the rulers of Kerman and is adorned with exquisite gold-painted murals throughout the room.
Four-Season Mansion:
The Four-Season Mansion is situated 30 meters east of the main mansion, featuring a single-story structure with a central dome and columned verandas adorned with beautiful brickwork and plasterwork.
Water Pool:
The passage of the qanat water through the center of this magnificent garden and the presence of the Four-Season Mansion, the central mansion, and the tower and turret have created a beautiful and joyful place. The centrality of the pool is considered one of the characteristic features of ancient Iranian gardens, which is also evident in Fathabad Garden, and the pool in front of the mansion has the same feature. Water has played a significant role in shaping the garden, to the extent that its absence led to the destruction of the garden and the mansion within it.
A large pool measuring 60 by 5 meters was built in this structure, and tall trees flanked both sides of the garden, creating a beautiful view with the two-story building overlooking the pool. Gradually, the qanat of this complex dried up, subsequently causing the garden to dry up as well. Consequently, one of the rulers of Mahan built the mansion of Mahan Garden inspired by Fathabad Garden.
Medicinal Herb Cultivation Lands:
Kerman is famous for its medicinal herbs, which are one of the province’s main specialties. During the restoration of Fathabad Garden, efforts were made to allocate a portion of the garden to the cultivation of medicinal herbs, not only to utilize the capacity of the surrounding lands but also to generate income for this complex. Currently, Fathabad Garden has the largest collection of medicinal herb cultivation in the country, and its botanical diversity is unmatched elsewhere.
Best Time to Visit Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
The best time to experience ideal weather in Kerman and Fathabad Garden is from early April to late June. Most travelers opt for the colder seasons to visit Kerman. The coldest months in this city are December and January, during which, if you can tolerate the cold, seeing the beautiful Biglarbegi Mansion covered in snow would be enchanting.
Fathabad Garden is one of the top choices for nighttime excursions in Kerman, thanks to its special and beautiful lighting arrangements.
Restoration of Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
In the past, Fathabad Garden was a gathering place for addicts and ruffians and had turned into ruins. However, the Governor of Kerman visited Fathabad Garden and issued a special order for the reconstruction of the building, marking the first significant step towards the restoration of Fathabad Garden.
Alireza Razm Hosseini, the former Governor of Kerman, stated during his visit to the garden:
“This garden is 180 years old, and when I visited it for the first time, there was a loader present to demolish a part of this historical monument. We asked the person who intended to demolish the building for the reason behind his actions, and it turned out that he thought the bricks of the building were suitable for agricultural purposes and wanted to transfer them to his garden.”
Fortunately, with prudent measures, after the reconstruction operations, Fathabad Garden has been transformed into one of the most beautiful gardens in Iran, captivating the eyes of every beholder. The qanat (underground water channel) in this building had completely dried up. However, with the construction of a well, installation of a desalination unit, and full implementation of the Hamyar Ab plan, water supply to this building was restored. During the reconstruction of this building, a central hub was established, which is of special historical significance and has also been transformed into a research, agricultural, and recreational center. In the greenery of Fathabad Garden, 400 species of medicinal plants from Kerman Province are cultivated, which can contribute significantly to the country’s botanical bank.
Other restoration activities in this complex include the complete restoration and reinforcement of the entire building, column stabilization, roofing, reconstruction of poured spaces including the greenhouse, pool restoration, fountain design, and more.
Facilities at Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
Fathabad Garden offers facilities for the comfort of visitors, including a restaurant, syrup house, and tea house, where various foods, syrups, medicinal and fragrant plants, Kermani sweets, and traditional ice cream are served. Chairs are also provided in their outdoor areas for visitors to enjoy the garden’s atmosphere.
In the garden area, there are wooden pergolas, locally known as “kupur,” where you can relax for a while. Craft stalls and medicinal plants are also a popular choice among tourists for purchasing handicrafts and various herbal products as souvenirs.
One notable facility of the complex is the ability to hold seminars, official and business meetings, family gatherings, birthdays, etc., in the Four-Season Mansion, which comes with dedicated parking.
It’s interesting to note that accommodation is also available in this garden, and depending on your budget, you can rent one of the royal rooms, Four-Season Mansion, or regular rooms.
Tips for Visiting Fathabad Garden in Kerman:
The visiting hours for Fathabad Garden are from 9 AM to 8 PM; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure to contact the facility before your visit to ensure its opening.
To visit Fathabad Garden, an entrance fee must be paid, which was equivalent to five thousand Iranian tomans in 2021.
Many historical buildings in the country have been destroyed due to the negligence of unaware individuals or incorrect management. Fathabad Garden in Kerman has undergone incredible restoration operations. When visiting, strive to preserve this precious historical monument.
Entry to Fathabad Garden is prohibited with food items, vehicles, and animals.
Since there are no buses or taxis on the route from the city to Fathabad Garden, if you do not have a private car, you must arrange transportation with a closed-door vehicle or through an agency to reach this area.
It is preferable to postpone your visit to this beautiful mansion until dusk and night when it becomes doubly attractive due to the lighting.
FAQs:
Where is Fathabad Garden located in Kerman?
Fathabad Garden is located in the Akhtiyar Abad area of Kerman, 25 kilometers from the city center.
Who built Fathabad Garden in Kerman?
Fathabad Garden, also known as Biglarbegi Garden, was built by Fadl Ali Khan Biglarbegi, one of the rulers of Kerman.
What facilities does Fathabad Garden offer?
Fathabad Garden offers a restaurant, syrup house, and tea house, wooden pergolas for relaxation, craft stalls, and medicinal plant shops.
What is the best time to visit Fathabad Garden?
Spring, especially from early April to late June, offers the best weather in Kerman and Fathabad Garden.
