El-Gölü

El Gölü (Azerbaijani: ائل گؤلو; Persian:ائل گلی), also called Shah Goli[1] (Persian: شاه گلی‎, Azerbaijani: Şah Gölü) is a large historic park (or garden) in the south east region of Tabriz, Iran.[1] One of its main features is its large artificial lake, measuring 210 meters/700 ft square.[1]

History and characteristics
Pars El-Gölü Hotel back of the El-Gölü

Tradition dates the construction of the park to the late 18th century.[1] However, it may have been built earlier as well; some sources suggest as far back as the 14th century.[1] In the Qajar period the park was restored and high terraces were added.[1]

The northern side of the lake was built up, which, according to Penelope Hobhouse, makes the lake "appear to float over the valley".[1] A causeway leads out to a pavilion, today the site of a restaurant.[1] The pavilion was once crowned with a dome.[1] From the west hillside, a spring feeds the lake, a cascade descending in five terraces.[1] The sight is flanked by poplar trees and willows.[1]

Etymology

The park was first named Shah Goli (Shah Gölü), the "Royal Lake" or the "Royal Pond".[1] After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the park and the surrounding were renamed as El Gölü, "lake of the people".

Panoramic view of Tabriz from El Gölü.
Panoramic view of El Gölü.
  • El Gölü lake and Hotel Pars in top of the hills.
  • El Gölü lake from hills.
  • Night view of El Gölü.

See also

References
  1. Hobhouse 2006.

Sources
  • Hobhouse, Penelope (2006). "Shah-Goli". The Oxford Companion to the Garden. Oxford University Press.


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