Paradise garden
The paradise garden is a form of garden of Old Iranian origin, specifically Achaemenid which is formal, symmetrical and most often, enclosed. The most traditional form is a rectangular garden split into four quarters with a pond in the center, a four-fold design called chahar bagh (“four gardens”).[1] One of the most important elements of paradise gardens is water, with ponds, canals, rills, and fountains all being common features. Scent is an essential element with fruit-bearing trees and flowers selected for their fragrance.
It is also often referred to as an
Etymology
Originally denominated by a single noun denoting "a walled-in compound or garden", from "pairi" ("around") and "daeza" or "diz" ("wall", "brick", or "shape"), philosopher and historian Xenophon of Athens borrowed the Old Iranian *paridaiza(h), Late Old Iranian *pardēz (Avestan pairidaēza, Old Persian *paridaida, Late Old Persian pardēd) into Greek as paradeisos.[2]: 8 This term is used for the Garden of Eden in Greek translations of the Old Testament.[2]: 8
In Persian, the word pardis means both paradise and garden.[2]: 8
History
The oldest
It is believed that the
In the 5th century, at the time of the invasion of
The four-fold layout was later reinterpreted in Islamic terms by
By the 13th century the gardens had spread with Islam throughout
Features
The essential plan of a paradise garden is a four-fold layout (charbagh) with a pond or fountain in the centre. Later designs incorporated a pavilion or mausoleum when they began to develop into elaborate status symbols. The rectangular or rectilinear design is typically quartered by water channels made using the ancient qanat system.
An important and common feature is the elaborate use of water, often in canals, ponds, or rills, sometimes in fountains, and less often in waterfalls. This created the soothing sound of running water and also had the practical purpose of cooling the air.
Aromatic flowers and fruit-bearing trees are quintessential elements. The ground where the
They are typically enclosed by high walls providing shade and protection, especially desirable in the harsh, arid climate where this type of garden flourished.
Interpretation
Much of the use and symbolism of the paradise garden is thought to have derived from the Garden of Eden, despite most elements of the design predating the Abrahamic religions. In the Book of Genesis, the Garden of Eden is described as having a design similar to the four-fold design, with a central spring that feeds four rivers, each flowing out into the world beyond. In the Quran, the Jannah is described as being abundant with material delights including delicious foods and constantly flowing water.
Having emerged in the desert, the thirst and gratitude for water are abundant in Islamic traditions. In the Quran, rivers are the primary constituents of the paradise, and references to rain and fountains abound. In the Quran 21:30: "Did the disbelievers not observe that the heavens and the earth were closed, then We opened them? And We created from water every living thing. Would they still not believe?'." Water is associated with the virtues of purity and obedience: "Then the water was told, 'Be still'. And it was still, awaiting God's command. This is implied water, which contains neither impurity nor foam" (Tales of the Prophets, al-Kisa').
Although the concept of chahar bagh gardens representing 'paradise on earth' predates the Islamic adoption of the style, the paradisical retreats of the Persians became known as "the embodiment of the celestial paradise promised to a practicing Muslim".[2]: 11 Gardens representing paradise on earth or paradise gardens spread throughout the Muslim-conquered world and developed into different, grander and more elaborate styles.
Influence
The paradise garden is one of the few original and fundamental kinds of garden from which all gardens in history derive, sometimes in combinations.[citation needed] In its simplest form, the paradise garden consists of a formal, rectangular pool, having a flow just sufficient to give it movement, and a dais from which to observe it. However, a pavilion provides more permanent shelter than the original tent. Strictly aligned, formally arranged trees, especially the chenar or Platanus, provide shade.[citation needed]
An example of this style are the
Examples
- Pasargadae
- Bagh-e Doulatabad in Yazd, created in the 18th century by the governor Mohammad Taqi Khan[2]: 26
- Cheshmeh-e'Ali
- Gardens of the Taj Mahal
- Al-Azhar Park, a modern interpretation located in Cairo, Egypt
See also
- History of gardening
- List of garden types
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- Spanish garden
- Sensory garden
- Pari
- A Village Romeo and Juliet
References
- ^ "Episode 1". Monty Don's Paradise Gardens. BBC.
- ^ ISBN 9780967007663.
- ^ "Pasargadae". Retrieved 2019-10-23.
- ^ "Genesis 2:10". Bible Hub. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
- ^ "The Description of Paradise". Retrieved 2019-10-23.
- ^ "Episode 2". Monty Don's Paradise Gardens. BBC.
- ISBN 9781473666504.
- ^ Yael Hammerman: Distinctive Design of the Bahá’í Gardens. Archived 2011-07-21 at the Wayback Machine
Further reading
- Lehrman, Jonas Benzion (1980). Earthly paradise: garden and courtyard in Islam. University of California Press. ISBN 0520043634.
- Villiers-Stuart, C. M. (1913). The Gardens of the Great Mughals. Adam and Charles Black, London. Online text of history of Indian gardens.
External links
- Monty Don's Paradise Gardens (BBC documentary)