Bâq-e-Ferdows Mansion
Author: Mahtab Aghaei
Chief Editor: Eskandar Mokhtari
Translator: Nassim Ghiassi
Publisher: Cultural Research Bureau
Subject: Iranian Studies (Tehran city)
Date of Publication: 2017 (1st edition)
No. of Pages: 40
Size: 19 × 12 cm
ISBN: 9789643791797
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◙Sample English text is available.
◙ Copyright is available in all languages in all countries.
◙ This book is covered by the Grant Program of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
About the Book:
The Persian garden is a manifestation of culture and nature interwoven together; an instance of man’s efforts to adapt the nature to his needs.
During the Qâjâr and Pahlavi eras, Shemirân Region, in the north of Tehran, made significant progress due to its favorable climate. Many courtiers and wealthy families started building scenic gardens and luxurious pavilions in this area to benefit from the natural summer resort.
Ferdows Garden (Bâq-e-Ferdows), built on steep ground, covers an area of twenty thousand square meters. The slope of the land causes the first floor of the mansion to be at the same level as the southern part of the garden and the second floor to be at level with the northern part. Therefore the building looks two-storied from the north and three-storied from the south.
The book offers a brief review of Shemirân County and Tajrish District, gives a timeline of the events that resulted in the construction of Bâq-e-Ferdows Mansion and Garden, introduces its founders and the craftsmen and artists involved in its construction, and finally discusses several elements of this Persian garden, namely its plane trees and qanâts. The garden and its mansion are mentioned in the travel notes and memoirs of many Orientalists and travelers, including Jeanne Dieulafoy and Samuel Greene Benjamin.
The book in hand is the 5th volume of a twenty-title series published as an output of Tehran Studies Project at Cultural Research Bureau. The series was designed to provide both authentic and interesting reading material on the historical, architectural and cultural aspects of Tehran’s prominent monuments and urban spaces. The series was recently translated into English for English-speakers willing to expand their knowledge about the history of the present Iranian capital.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Tajrish District
Shemirân County and the northward expansion of Tehran
History of Bâq-e-Ferdows (Ferdows Garden)
Mohammadieh Palace
Ferdows Garden
Architecture of Bâq-e-Ferdows Mansion
Subsequent modifications
Founders and craftsmen involved
Current boundaries and area
Ferdows Persian Garden
The plane trees of Bâq-e-Ferdows
Qanâts of Bâq-e-Ferdows
Ferdows Garden in travelogues
References
Pronunciation Guide
About the Author:
Mahtâb Aghâyi (1976/ Ahwaz) holds an MSc in Architecture and another MSc in Restoration of Historic Monuments, both from Azad University of Tehran. She has been a professor of architecture at Azad University of Tehran since 1986, and has been involved in several design and construction projects as well as restoration work. Her publications include two titles of the book series in hand, namely Moqaddam Mansion and Bâq-e-Ferdows Mansion.