Fin Garden

Fin Garden – A Masterpiece of Persian Landscaping

Fin Garden ("Bagh-e Fin") was once one of the favourite resting places of Iranian rulers. According to one widely accepted version, the garden dates back to the 13th century, although its main design was established during the reign of Shah Abbas. It was created for the reception of kings, ministers, and other senior officials.

Architecture of Fin Garden

The architecture of the garden was originally based on the "chaharbagh" principle, established during the reign of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. "Chaharbagh" translates to "four gardens" in Persian. The complex is divided into four sections, with a pool at its centre. The water in the pool originates from the natural spring Cheshmeh-e Suleiman. Streams from the Karkas Mountains flow into the reservoir via specially constructed underground qanats – a water supply and irrigation system that has been used in Iran since ancient times. From there, the water is distributed along the perimeter through above-ground channels lined with decorative azure tiles. The height difference between the reservoir and the channels creates pressure, powering the small fountains within the garden.

In the 16th century, the Shah commissioned the redesign of the exterior of Fin Garden. The project was undertaken by the renowned mathematician and astronomer Ghiaseddin Jamshid Kashani, who was the first to systematically present the theory of decimals and calculate "pi" to an accuracy of 16 decimal places.

At that time, the Safavid summer house was constructed. It is a small pavilion, modestly adorned with Persian ornaments, featuring a miniature pool situated beneath the dome of the building.

Fin Garden during the 17th and 18th centuries

In the 1700s, a series of strong earthquakes struck Kashan. As a result, part of the garden was destroyed and later restored during the Qajar dynasty. A few new buildings were added to the complex under the reign of Shah Fath Ali Shah, including the Qajar pavilion (Kushk), situated at the end of the garden.

The ceilings of the pavilion are adorned with geometric patterns, painted with flowers in shades of blue, red, and yellow, as well as scenes depicting hunting, the harem, and circus performances. The walls are decorated with frescoes featuring portraits of the royal dynasty. Unfortunately, the frescoes have not survived in their original condition and now require restoration.

After the Shah's death, Fin Garden fell into disrepair, and many plants were irretrievably lost. It was only under the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty that order and proper maintenance of the garden were re-established. During this period, the Kashan National Museum and Library were built within the garden's grounds.

Fin Garden in modern times

Today, the Kashan National Museum showcases exquisite examples of textiles, the renowned Kashan pottery, and calligraphy. One of the highlights of Fin Garden is its cypress trees, some of which are over 100 years old, alongside fruit trees such as almond, apple, cherry, and plum, which provide shade and coolness on hot days. The garden is also adorned with beautiful lilies, irises, rose bushes, jasmine, daffodils, violets, and tulips, whose fragrance fills the air. Fountains further enhance the atmosphere, adding moisture and a refreshing coolness.

Fin Garden and Grand Vizier of Persia

An integral part of the design of Fin Garden is the hammam, renowned as the site of the execution of the great Iranian vizier, Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Nezam, also known as Amir Kabir. He helped the young Nasser al-Din Shah to ascend to the throne. Thanks to his efforts, the administration was reorganised, and a series of reforms were implemented, marking the beginning of the country's modernisation. As a result of palace intrigue, Amir Kabir was exiled to Kashan. The embassy of a foreign country offered him asylum, but convinced of his righteousness, he declined the offer. In 1852, he was executed by having his veins opened in the hammam of Fin Garden. The street on which the garden is located is named after this great statesman, one of the most significant reformers in Iranian history.

Fin Garden as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The carefully planned design of the garden, its layout, and its technical features reflect the application of accumulated knowledge in engineering, technology, botany, and agriculture.

The architecture of Fin Garden reflects the exchange of skills across generations and stands as a testament to Iran's centuries-old cultural traditions. In 2012, the garden was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.