Mohammad Gharipour: Gardens of Medieval Persia: From Patronage to Evolution

Persian gardens are often cited in contemporary literature as places for pleasure and joy, although in reality, they functioned as dynamic parts of cities and empires. Historical accounts and chronicles as well as the Europeans' travelogues, written between the 11th and 15th centuries, indicate that Persian gardens played a crucial role as the main context for social and political events. The fragmented but frequent references to gardens in these documents indicate that medieval gardens were usually conceived as flexible territories that could accommodate various functions or modify over time. They served as vibrant settings not only for restoration but also for social and political affairs. This phenomenon originated from the nomadic lifestyle of the majority of rulers in this region who rarely settled down in one area. This lecture addresses the patronage behind gardens of medieval Persia as well as their dynamic functionality as sites for pilgrimage, encampment and administrative affairs.