Shazdeh Garden, a stunning green oasis in the Middle of Iran’s desert

2 min read

Iran’s Shazdeh Mahan Garden, meaning “the Prince`s Garden in Mahan”, is a surprisingly lush garden full of greenery and water fountains surrounded by arid desert, that defies anything you know about a desert.
Located 6 kilometers from the city of Mahan, in Kerman Province, it is a historical Persian garden built by the Qajar Dynasty, at the end of the 19th century.
The rectangular complex is surrounded by stone walls that shield the green paradise inside from the harsh desert surrounding it.
Seen from the air, Shazdeh Garden looks like a welcoming oasis in the middle of an arid sea, and features five impressive water fountains supplied through the Qanat technique of transporting water from a well through an underground aqueduct.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, it is every year a popular destination for thousands of visitors from all over the globe.
Covering an area of 5.5 hectares, it consists of lush greenery, inviting water fountains and ponds, as well as stunning architecture.
It has been described literally as a diamond shining in the middle of the desert.