For centuries, the monumental complex of Qaṣr-e Šīrīn, located in the province of Kermanshah, Iran, has been the subject of study by historians and archaeologists. However, one of its most fascinating elements, the Royal Garden, has received relatively little attention until recent times. A meticulous analysis of archaeological excavations and aerial imagery reveals that this enclave was not only a place of leisure but also a multifunctional space with political, religious, and social connotations.
Located on the western plain of the Zagros mountain range, Qaṣr-e Šīrīn extends approximately 20 kilometers from east to west, with a width of between 5 and 7 kilometers. This territory has been inhabited since prehistoric times, thanks to the presence of the Quraitu and Alwand rivers, which provided water for life and agriculture in the region.
The modern city of Qaṣr-e Šīrīn, situated at the western end of the plain, has grown over the ruins of the ancient enclave, leading to the disappearance of some of its architectural elements.
The Royal Garden, known in Persian as “bāḥ”, covered an area of approximately 147 hectares and was surrounded by a system of aqueducts and finely carved stone walls. Within this space, two monumental buildings stood out: the Palace of Khosrow and the fire temple of Čahār Qāpū. Both structures reflected the site’s importance as a center of power and worship during the reign of the Sasanian king Khosrow II Parvīz (590–628 CE).
The layout of the Royal Garden suggests that it was not merely a space for recreation but rather a site designed to project the image of royal power. Archaeological studies have revealed that the garden was irrigated by a sophisticated system of canals and aqueducts, allowing for the maintenance of vegetation and the animals that inhabited it.
Within the garden, the Palace of Khosrow stood as the epicenter of political power. Designed on two levels, the palace featured reception halls, a massive ayvān (a vaulted hall with columns), and columned courtyards. Inside, archaeologists have discovered traces of a brick platform, which, according to medieval chronicles, may have served as the monarch’s throne. This finding reinforces the idea that the palace’s ayvān was an audience space where official ceremonies were held, and foreign dignitaries were received.
On the other hand, the fire temple of Čahār Qāpū, located in the southern part of the garden, symbolized the relationship between royal power and the Zoroastrian religion. The proximity of this temple to the palace was no coincidence: the Sasanian dynasty presented itself as the protector of Zoroastrianism, and the construction of the temple within the royal complex underscored the close link between the monarchy and religion.
Historical sources describe the Royal Garden as a Bađ-e naḵjīrān, or hunting garden. It is said that King Khosrow II ordered the propagation of various species of wild animals within the garden to create an ideal setting for royal hunts. Hunting was not only a recreational activity but also a demonstration of strength and military prowess.
Sasanian gardens also played a role in the administration of justice and the celebration of festivities. Medieval chronicles mention that monarchs received their subjects in these spaces to resolve legal disputes and administer justice. Additionally, Zoroastrian festivals such as Nowrūz, Sadeh, and Mehragān may have been celebrated within the garden, reinforcing its function as a center of social and spiritual integration.
The garden model developed at Qaṣr-e Šīrīn influenced later designs in the Islamic and Persian worlds. Elements such as the chahar bagh (a garden divided into four sections by water channels) appear in Timurid, Mughal, and even Andalusian gardens in Spain.
However, modern urban expansion has destroyed much of this historical treasure. Recent excavations have attempted to reconstruct its original layout using digital techniques and 3D modeling, allowing for a visualization of what this earthly paradise might have looked like.
The Royal Garden of Qaṣr-e Šīrīn was a reflection of the splendor of Sasanian civilization—a space where politics, religion, and nature converged in a carefully designed harmony meant to showcase the greatness of the empire.
SOURCES
Yousef Moradi, Paradise on Earth: The Sasanian Royal Garden at Qaṣr-e Šīrīn, Western Iran. Archaeological Research in Asia. Volume 41, March 2025, 100591. doi.org/10.1016/j.ara.2025.100591
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