ISLAMIC GARDEN IN

HISTORY

Presented by-
E.POORNIMA - 31710610008
• The Prophet Mohammedand and Islam - establishement of powerful and expansive Islamic
empire in 17th century in Damascus and Baghdad.
• The islam dominated a large part of known world for 8 centuries, by extending to north india,
north Africa, sicily, and southern spain.
• Origin ofbasic form in Persia and middle east is discussed.
• Strength of islam – lay religious connotations and traditions combined with development of art,
pleasure and uses of garden – gained power and wealth.
• Concept of islam garden- image of paradise, the well watered land of milk and honey described in
koran.
• Water – essential ingredient for practical and symbolic purpose.
• In Persia, water was brought by QANAT – aquifers located at base of snow covered mountain
ranges.
• Water flow – gravity in UG pipes and flooded the channels tanks, around which gardens was
organised – served as irrigation system for trees and plants between spaces.
• Later flowed out to agricultural and domestic purposes.
 • The water channels were contrived to quarter the garden into four
major rectangular portions- symbolizing the cosmos and four rivers of
life.
• Axial and geometric organisation.
• Natural and abundant growth of plants – attractive contrast.
• Trees planted parallel to water channels.
• Many were fruit trees – pomegranates, dates, imports like peaches and
oranges.
• Some plants were included for symbolism – the cypress, the symbol of
death contarsting with almond, for life and hope.
• Abundant flowers – mainly roses
• While roaming in gardens we find animals like gazelles and exotic birds.
• Garden covered by protective wall with small towers or pavilions at
corners.
plan of Humayun tomb garden, Delhi • Gates located in each side.
• Center of garden – meeting of water channels and large geometric pool – typically raised pavilion, houses, or a palace
(depending on scale) – open form of architecture providing free flow of air and relation between indoors and out.
• The paradise garden of islam essentially an oasis, a private retreat protected from desert winds and dust.
• Tress provide fruit and shade from sun, flowers provide color and scent, water helps to cool air.
• These pleasure gardens were favorite resorts of ruling classes and royal families used them as settings for indulgence
in poetry and music, horticultural pursuits and for festivals, receptions.
 View of Humayun tomb garden, Delhi

View of Taj mahal garden, Delhi

The concept of Persian palace included an open relationship

between garden and architecture with ever present basins of
water.