One of the sightseeing places of Khorramabad city, the capital Lorestan province, is “Golestan Garden”. This garden and its historical structure are still a sight for tourists, significantly since it has been transformed into a more productive one. This garden has been transformed from its former military form into a tourist attraction.
Golestan Garden is built in the center of Khorram Abad city and next to the famous Shapur Khast (Falak-ol-aflak) Castle. Those who go to Falak-ol-aflak and visit its spectacular architecture, will not forget to visit the Golestan garden, sit under its shady trees, and enjoy its beautiful structure.
In all written documents, the construction of Golestan Garden is mentioned to have been in the Qajar period, without mentioning in what year and time it was built during the one hundred and twenty-year-old Qajar kingdom! It is believed that this garden and its structure were founded in the second half of the Qajar kingdom. Golestan Garden and its structure was a place for the rulers of Lorestan during the Qajar period, but during Reza Shah’s time, it underwent the first change of use and became a place for the military. It was then known as the Officers’ Club or the Army Guest House. It took many years until 1390, when the garden was made into a place for tourists and visitors to Khorramabad city and its sight-seeing places. In Azar 1399, the work of reviving and restoring the garden and its structure began, and the floor of the area and the construction of a bazaar in the western part of the garden were completed. More trees were planted and a piping system and canals for water supply were among other works done.
Historically, the gardens of Khorramabad, especially in the center of the city, were more and denser than today. We find this from the historical writings and photos left over from the Qajar period. The three gardens of Eram, Sarvestan, and Golestan were also seen around the Flak-A-Flak Castle and are still tourist places. The three gardens, namely, Eram, Sarvestan and Golestan, were around the Falak-ol-aflak castle and are still considered as tourist attraction. Inside that ancient site is a spring called Golestan, which was the motivation for constructing the Golestan Historical Garden. This spring made circulation of water throughout the garden possible and made it a very spectacular place; In addition, it has also caused the garden trees to be watered. The garden’s sky-high trees and beautiful ponds and streams, which are a joy to see, are among the characteristics of the Golestan Garden. Especially the fact that the Falak-ol-aflak Castle and its spectacular view are in the sight of the garden, and it is considered to be the cause of its beauty.
In the north-west part of the garden, a historical structure can be seen that was built during the time of Reza Shah. As we mentioned, it was the club of officers and soldier’s resident in Khorram Abad. This structure is still standing, more or less intact, and has not lost its stability. It is said that in the future, a bronze museum will be built in this place, and a part of it will be dedicated to the administrative work of the garden and its management.
In the Qajar period, Golestan Garden was divided into two parts: private area and external area, and one corner of it was a place to store cannons and military weapons. In the other corner was a hot spring bath, and also a mosque. In those days this garden was known by another name, and Golestan is its new name. In Azar 1399, a part of the old brick pavement of this garden was exposed during the restoration work (Amordad website) and created an opportunity to obtain a pattern of landscaping and flooring of the garden.
Golestan Garden is sometimes used as a place for celebrations and cultural festivals. An example of those gatherings was the “Festival of Iranian Ethnicities” held in this garden in May this year. It should be mentioned that the structure of Golestan Garden in Khorramabad, a very spectacular building, has been registered in the list of national monuments of the country.
