{"id":88350,"date":"2025-02-25T22:34:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T18:04:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orienttrips.com\/mag\/?p=88350"},"modified":"2025-12-12T16:00:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T11:30:03","slug":"afif-abad-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orienttrips.com\/mag\/afif-abad-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Afif Abad Garden: A Historic Oasis in Shiraz"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Afif Abad Garden<\/strong> ranks as one of the most beautiful historic gardens in Shiraz.<\/strong> During the Safavid period<\/strong>, it served as an important retreat and leisure destination for kings. The garden perfectly demonstrates Iranian floral artistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mirza Ali Mohammad Khan Qavam al-Mulk II built the garden complex. It sits in one of Shiraz\u2019s upscale neighborhoods and features a royal palace, an antique arms museum, and an Iranian garden\u2014all open to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Architecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This garden stands among the oldest in Shiraz and preserves its timeless simplicity. The main gate displays four simple gypsum columns whose capitals draw inspiration from those at Persepolis<\/strong>. The gate\u2019s facade features two lion motifs that seem to grip the door with their paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After passing through the door, a corridor connects visitors to the main garden area. On the opposite side of the door and above the corridor\u2019s entrance, one notices design elements reminiscent of a Sasanian king\u2019s coronation hall.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Shahname\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
A captivating Shahnameh scene decorates the tea room at Afif-Abad Garden, blending Persian literary heritage with the historic charm of this iconic Shiraz landmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The building\u2019s fa\u00e7ade displays a mosaic of a Sasanian king\u2019s coronation, decorated with tiles. The main section lies on the north side and becomes accessible via a stone staircase leading to a covered hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The east fa\u00e7ade features a large, beautiful iwan<\/strong> that stretches along the entire structure. The west fa\u00e7ade remains very simple. The south iwan follows the same decorative style as its northern counterpart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In front of the mansion\u2019s grand iwan, four tall columns stand, and the roof is covered with wooden panels. The capitals of these columns showcase gypsum ornamentation inspired by Persepolis designs. A large pool sits at the front of the building, marking the start of the garden\u2019s main pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The History of Afif-Abad Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Covering 127,000 square meters, Afif Abad Garden is among Iran\u2019s most cherished historical gardens. Originally constructed as a royal estate for Safavid rulers, it was later acquired and restored by Mirza Ali Khan Qavam al-Molk<\/a><\/strong> during the Qajar period. In 1867, a magnificent two-story mansion replaced the former Golshan Fortress at the garden’s core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the Pahlavi era, the estate was gifted to Farah Pahlavi before being acquired by the Iranian military in 1961. Over the course of seven years, it was meticulously restored with influences from Versailles Palace. Since April 18, 1991, Afif Abad has functioned as Iran\u2019s Military Museum, welcoming public visitors. Officially registered as a national heritage site in 1972, the garden remains a well-preserved landmark, drawing both local and international tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Afif\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
This Lively Snapshot At Afif-Abad Garden In Shiraz Captures A Group Of Girls Enjoying The Historic Site. The Garden\u2019s Architecture And Design Draw Inspiration From Iconic Landmarks Like The Vakil Bathhouse.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Highlights of Afif-Abad Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Grand Mansion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two-story palace at the heart of Afif Abad Garden features an architectural fusion of Achaemenid, Sassanid, and Qajar styles. It consists of 30 intricately designed rooms, connected through elegant hallways that reflect Iran\u2019s rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main Entrance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The northern entrance is framed by Persian-style columns, reminiscent of Persepolis<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ceiling Artwork<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wooden ceilings are adorned with exquisite oil paintings showcasing Persian themes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balconies & Terraces<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eastern facade features a spacious balcony, while two smaller terraces with eight classical columns each add to the grandeur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior Hallways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The corridors, lined with Persian carpets<\/a> and ornate chandeliers, evoke a sense of royal splendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Afif\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Explore Centuries Of Persian Military History At Afif-Abad Garden’S Museum, Showcasing Weapons And Artifacts From The Safavid, Qajar, And Pahlavi Eras In Shiraz, Iran.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Military Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In this museum, a diverse collection of cold and hot weapons is preserved. It includes automatic and semi-automatic arms, various swords, armors, spears, helmets, shields, different types of matchlock guns, mace stones, hunting rifles, pistols, and several types of machine guns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the museum\u2019s prized pieces are the personal firearms of Fath-Ali Shah, Nasser al-Din Shah, Mozafar al-Din Shah, Reza Shah, and Mohammad Reza Shah. The collection also features the arms of the Jungle Movement fighters and the water reservoir machine gun of Raees Ali Delavari.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Afif\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Discover The Elegance Of Royal Life At Afif-Abad Palace’S Museum Of Royal Artifacts, Featuring Persian Carpets, Antique Furniture, And Farah Pahlavi\u2019s Grand Piano In Shiraz, Iran.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Museum of Royal Artifacts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The second floor, known as the Museum of Royal Artifacts, preserves the personal belongings of the Pahlavi dynasty, offering a glimpse into royal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n