TEHRAN – Modelled on Tuesday, the new tourist attraction, modeled on the core principles of UNESCO-recognised Persian gardens, was officially launched in Sharkord, the capital of Chaharmahal Bakhtiari province in western Iran.
Built on an investment of 220 billion rial (approximately $260,000), the “Baguelani” (Persian Garden) project has been opened in Shareck’s Melato Park area, which aims to promote cultural heritage tourism and local economic development.
According to city officials, the site is designed to not only reflect the aesthetics of traditional Iranian gardens, but also serve as a modern recreational space for both tourists and residents.
The garden, spanning 7,000 square meters, incorporates classic features of Persian garden design (to harmonize nature and architecture) while integrating modern facilities. The site features a two-storey restaurant with separate kitchen areas, traditional outdoor seating, a family-friendly zone, a dedicated gazebo to host guests, an artificial lake surrounded by lush landscaping, a morning walk, private parking and sanitary amenities.
Shahrekord Mayor Mehdi Vahidian emphasized that the garden architecture pays homage to Iran’s ancient heritage while meeting the needs of today’s travelers. “Our goal is to provide a unique and engaging environment for short stays, extend the duration of visitors in the city and improve the overall quality of Sharek’s tourism services,” he said.
He also noted that the successful implementation of the project through public-private partnerships indicates the potential for urban tourism development in small Iranian cities.
The concept of Persian gardens, which prompted the landscape as far away as India and Spain, is deeply rooted in Iran’s cultural and spiritual values. Persian gardens, recognized by UNESCO in 2011, include nine historically important gardens from Iran. These gardens reflect a lasting tradition dating back to the 6th century BC and are characterized by layouts around the quarter, symbolic representations of Eden, the use of water in both utilities and decoration, and the integration of architecture with nature.
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