Rasht is the capital of Gilan province. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Iran. This city is the largest and the most populous city on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. The sea is about 25 kilometers away from the city. If you are planning to travel to this vibrant city, one of the places you should visit is the Mohtasham Garden of Rasht. Join us to learn more about the oldest park in Rasht.

Table of Contents show

Mohtasham Garden, The City Park

Mohtasham Garden, also known as the “City Park”, is the oldest park in Rasht. This park is located on Hafez Street in the south of Rasht, next to the beautiful Gohar River. In the past, people went fishing in this river. Mohtasham Garden is the main park and the major recreation center for the residence. It was built during the Qajar period (1794-1925).

The History Of Mohtasham Garden in Rasht

The park dates back to the Qajar dynasty and the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar. Akbar Khan Biglarbegi (who died in 1901) was one of the richest and first-class people of Iran during Nasser al-Din Shah’s reign. He was the one who launched the primary project of the park. The small and thin seedlings that were planted at that time by his order, have turned into gorgeous large trees now. At the same time, they paved the inside of the garden and built a magnificent summer mansion in the center. They called it Kolah Farangi Mansion. Akbar Khan was the supervisor of whatever his people carried out to construct the garden.

After Akbar Khan Bigler Beygi passed away, the garden and the summer mansion inside it passed to his only child, his daughter. She was married to her cousin Sadegh Khan Akbar Mohtasham al-Mulk. So from then on, they called the garden, Mohtasham Garden. With the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty, during Reza Khan’s reign, the government seized the garden in exchange for exorbitant tax debts. From that date on, this garden became the City Park of Rasht, which was open for the public.

Long ago, this park was so large that if you set foot in it without a guide, you would get lost. Gradually, with the expansion of Rasht, with the exceeding need for new streets, they had to reduce the size of the park. After the Islamic Revolution of Iran, an amusement Park and the Gilan governor’s office were built inside the park, which made the interior space even smaller.

Kolah Farangi Mansion

One of the most beautiful parts of this stunning garden is its Kolah Farangi Mansion. It is a relic from the Qajar period. The mansion with the outstanding view around it is one of the most important tourist attractions in Rasht. This mansion is a four-story building. The unique feature of this building is that it looks like a three-floor structure from the outside. The first and second floors each have two rooms. On the upper floor, there is a large octagonal room with windows on each side. These numerous windows provide proper lighting and ventilation in the hot seasons of the year.

They used brick and wood as the main materials for the constructions. This great summer building has a 360-degree balcony. You can see a great view everywhere you turn. The building was once the residence of government officials and dignitaries of the country. But throughout history, it has had many other uses. For example, Kolah Farangi Mansion has been used as a chess house, a restaurant, and also as a traditional arts training center.

The decorations of this building, despite their simplicity, have given it splendor and beauty. The wooden lion heads, carved columns, the beautiful balcony railings, and so on are its delicate decorations.

Facilities In Mohtasham Garden

In Mohtasham Garden, you can see all the facilities that a large park needs to have. This garden is the main park in Rasht, so you should not worry about the facilities in this place. Kolah Farangi Mansion, several suitable sports fields, playgrounds for children and teenagers, a proper toilet, prayer hall, wooden chairs, public sports equipment, and fountains are the facilities and beauties you can enjoy.

The Best Time To Visit Mohtasham Garden

This park is located inside Rasht city. Therefore, it is possible to pay a visit in all seasons of the year. Each season has its own beauty. However, Rasht is popular as the “Rain City”, so it rains a lot, especially in the cold seasons of the year. That’s why we recommend you to check the weather in advance.

Final Words

Mohtasham Garden is the oldest park in Rasht, which has been a recreation center for the people of this city since ever. By visiting this prominent tourist attraction, you will hit two birds with one stone. Because it provides you the chance to enjoy nature and at the same time you can visit a historical-cultural attraction, the Kolah Farangi Mansion.

Rasht, The Rain City, has a lot that you can enjoy. It’s not only the breathtaking nature or the historical attractions but the food is a must-try. The closest attractions are Shahrdari Square, Rasht Grand Bazaar, and Gilan Rural Heritage Museum.

Thank you for joining us on this short trip to Rasht. If you have liked the article please leave us a comment and let us know. For further information or to book a tour, you can contact us via the contact information at the end of this page.