Persian Gardens: Ancient Pattern of Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Development of Cities and Settlements, Environment, and Optimal Life

Abstract

The Iranian garden, with its brilliant history as one of the best landscape models, is a result of the productive
interaction of the Iranian man with nature. The Persian garden is enclosed by a rectangular fence with vertical
axes that are parallel to the sides of the fence. The plant, the earth, the water, and the architectural components
are four elements forming the body of the garden. The Persian garden is both a physical and spiritual experience.
The aroma of succulent plants, the melody of water and birds, the smooth tiled texture and taste of wet earth
and the sun, the fruits, the flowers, and the colorful mosaics that are reflected in a calm catchment, are all
outstanding. Considering the existing environmental potential as well as Iran’s ancient history of gardening,
it is hoped that environmental and landscape designers keep with the principles of sustainability in planning
and designing. The rehabilitation of Persian gardens, along with respect for the principles of sustainability and
consistent with sustainable urban planning, can play an important role in the development of urban green spaces
and, consequently, sustainable urban development. The concept of the Persian garden is known as one of the
symbols of civilization and architectural patterns of the Iranian region, from Transoxiana to Mesopotamia, due to
its continuity and widespread presence in the geography of Iran. A closer examination of documents, travelogues,
and the analysis of the evolution of the physical aspect of this phenomenon reveals that social, cultural, political,
agricultural, and economic conditions have had a slight influence on the symbolic system of the Persian garden
in each period. a Persian garden is a phenomenon derived from the interaction between the Iranian mind and
nature on a specific path to interpret the environment; therefore, this phenomenon underwent some physical
changes from pre-Islam to the present, which was accompanied by the entry of Western colonizers. In Iranian
culture and art, a garden is an integral part of Iran’s identity, reflecting how human beings have interacted with
nature. In fact, the Persian garden creates a pure, calm space. It is a space without any tension and an environment
of great thinking. It can be said that the quality of comfort and relaxation, and its quality as a place for thought,
contemplation, meditation, and creativity are created by structural elements, such as number, geometry, color, and
material. In this article, the author discusses and states the most important aspects of Persian gardens in desert
areas of Iran and their indigenous knowledge for sustainable development plus elements in ancient pattern of
Iranian gardens for optimal utilization of scarce water resources, etc., and introducing UNESCO World Heritage
Sites of historical Persian Gardens in Tabas and Birjand cities, namely, Golshan and Akbarieh gardens in South
Khorasan province, Iran. plus state Persian gardens’ importance and capacities for sustainable development of
cities and settlements, environment safety and health, their ancient patterns for tranquility, healing, beautiful, safe,
ecological, and an optimal life