Bagh Zaghan and its functions in the Timurid era

Khazaei, Yaghoub

doi:10.30465/shc.2026.54119.2680

Bagh Zaghan and its functions in the Timurid era

Document Type : Research Article

Author

Yaghoub khazaei

Associate Professor of History, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30465/shc.2026.54119.2680

Abstract

The garden has, since ancient times, held considerable importance in the cultural and civilizational structure of the Iranian people. Based on a common classification, gardens may be categorized into two types: garden-tombs and garden-pavilions. In the present article, one of Iran’s medieval garden-pavilion complexes, namely Bagh-e Zaghan of Herat, is examined from a historical perspective. Accordingly, the main research question is as follows: what was the structure of Bagh-e Zaghan, and what functions did it serve in the medieval period? It appears that with the construction and establishment of Bagh-e Zaghan by the rulers of the Kartid dynasty, this site was transformed into the seat of the Kartid–Timurid rulers. The findings of the study indicate that Zaghan served as a residence for Timurid rulers, a place for receiving envoys, and a venue for various ceremonies, including coronation celebrations of Timurid princes, royal marriages, as well as birthday and circumcision festivities of the princes. These ceremonies, particularly coronations, were held with the participation of various social groups, including nobles, religious leaders and sayyids, scholars, judges, painters, singers, and other segments of society. The organization of Timurid coronation ceremonies in Bagh-e Zaghan was intended to introduce and legitimize the new Timurid ruler to the public. In fact, Bagh-e Zaghan functioned as an intermediary space facilitating relations between different social strata and the Timurid rulers and princes.

Keywords

Bagh-e Zaghan

pavilion

Herat

Timurids

Kartids

Subjects

Social history

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