2. ISLAM
The great unifying force of the prophet Mohammed and Islam underlay the establishment of
the powerful and expansive Islamic empire in the seventh centaury cantered in Damascus and
Baghdad.
With expansions to north India, north Africa, Sicily and southern Spain, the world off Islam
dominated a large part of the known for eight centuries.
The strength of the Islamic prototype lay in its religious connotations and traditions combined
with the development of art and the definitions of pleasures and use of a garden which
immense wealth and power made possible.
First and foremost, the concept of the Islamic garden was based on an image of paradise,
the well-watered land of milk and honey described in the Koran.
Water was the essential ingredient of the gardens for practical and symbolic purposes.
PARADISE – CONCEPT OF AN ISLAMIC
GARDEN
What is an Islamic Garden?
A landscape which is designed:
o ‰
With specific intentions in mind.
o Applying certain ideological Principles and
objectives rooted in the Islamic faith and the
Muslim culture.
o Using distinct design elements.
3. What are the typical design elements of an Islamic garden?
o ‰
Courtyards
o Water features
o Trees‰
o Flowers
o Calligraphy on Walls
Where can one find examples of the Islamic garden?
o ‰
Western Asia: Iran, Turkey, and the Arabian Peninsula
o ‰
South-Eastern Asia: India, Pakistan, Kashmir, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
o The Middle East: Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.
o ‰
Europe: Spain (Granada, Cordova, Seville and Toledo)
SHALIMAR GARDENS, PAKISTAN :
4. WATER FEATURES :
Water flowed by gravity in underground pipes and flooded the channels and tanks around which
the garden was organized and served as n the irrigation system for the trees and plants in space
between.
The water would then flow out of the garden and then agricultural and domestic needs of the
village or community.
The system was completely gravity fed and the gardens ideally and conceptually flat, were, in
fact, made on a slight slope.
The water channels were contrived to quarter the garden into 4 major rectangular portions,
symbolizing the cosmos and 4 rivers of life.
The organization was axial and geometric, but the growth of plants was profuse and natural,
providing an attractive contrast.
Trees were planted in rows parallel to the water channels.
For what purpose did the designer of the Islamic garden
use water?
To emphasize architectural elements
To add dynamic quality
To mask outdoor noises
To provide pleasing
To irrigate plants
To moisturize the dry environment
To sooth the dusty environment
6. At the centre of the garden, associated with the meeting of water channels and large
geometrical pool, there would typically be a raised pavilion, house , or even a palace with
an open form of architecture providing a free flow of air and an intimate relationship
between indoors and out.
Finally , the whole garden would be surrounded by a protective wall with small towers of
pavilions at the corners and gates located in each side.
The paradise garden of Islam was essentially an oasis, a secluded retreat protected from
the desert winds and dust.
BABUR GARDENS, KABUL(AFGANISTAN)
7. Many were fruit trees including those of local origin such as pomegranates, dates, and plums,
and other imports such as peaches and oranges from china.
Certain plants were included for symbolism – the cypress, symbol of death contrasting with
almond, for life and hope.
Flowers abounded especially roses.
Roaming in the gardens we would find animals such as gazelles and exotic birds.
Trees provided colour and scent.
Water helped to cool the air.
These pleasure gardens were favourite resorts of the ruling classes and royal families. They
used them as settings for indulgence in poetry and music, horticultural pursuits, and for
festivals and receptions.
LANDSCAPE FEATURES :
The gardens generalife in the alhambra, GRANADA. NISHAT GARDENS, KASHMIR
