Recognition of Historical Place of Bagh-e Shah in Behshahr from Safavid Period up to Now: A Review

Bagh-e Shah (King’s Garden) was built, originally functioning as Divan-Khaneh (a royal visiting place) in Safavid period. This edifice located in Ashraf al-Belad (today known as Behshahr, one of the northern cities of Iran) has undergone major changes from the time of its establishment. The extent of changes in the neighboring surroundings, however, has been much more than those of the interior. Serving once as the most famous landmark of the city, the royal garden now has been entangled among the local houses and alleys devoid of slightest glory which it used to be proud of. Bagh-e Shah is in fact, one of the surviving prime examples of the Persian gardens in humid climate, unique in its kind; it vividly represents the traditional function of a royal garden in a distinct city like Behshahr- the summer capital of the country in Safavid period. Therefore, an appreciation of the interaction governing between the Bagh and its surroundings and of destructive factors threatening its identity seems unavoidable. This study aims to investigate the available historical records of Bagh-e-shah garden on its situation, position and function at the time of establishment in the town of Ashraf al-Belad and the damages imposed to its originality.