SAEDNEWS: One of the first places and promenades which were built in the beginning of 17th century, was a wonderfully planned boulevard called Chahar Bagh Ave. (The four orchards).
Stretching nearly six kilometers, the original Chahar Bagh Avenue was more than just a street—it was a masterpiece of urban design and nature. A wide thoroughfare with a central canal of flowing water, flanked by two rows of towering plane trees, Chahar Bagh was a serene promenade framed by lush orchards, offering a perfect blend of architecture, greenery, and elegance.
The avenue was divided into three distinct sections:
Central Chahar Bagh ran from today’s Municipality building to the Allah Verdi Khan Bridge.
Upper Chahar Bagh stretched from the bridge toward Sofeh Mountain.
Lower Chahar Bagh extended from the Municipality to Shohada Square.
During the Safavid era, the west side of Chahar Bagh boasted magnificent orchards, while royal palaces lined the avenue all the way to Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square. Residential areas began on the eastern edge of the square. Every detail—from the avenue itself to the gardens and palaces set within them—was meticulously planned. Travelers of the time marveled, describing Chahar Bagh as one of the most beautiful streets in the world.
A unique cultural custom was observed: one day each week was dedicated to women, allowing them exclusive access to stroll, shop, and socialize along the avenue.
Unfortunately, the beauty of Chahar Bagh faded over time. During the Qajar dynasty, many of its trees were cut, sold, and replanted elsewhere. The avenue gradually lost its grandeur. The 20th century saw careless urban expansion, destroying historic gardens and replacing them with shops and homes. Today, only fragments remain, such as the Chehel Sotoun and Hasht Behesht (Bolbol) gardens.
Though the avenue now serves as a bustling shopping area, the memory of its Safavid-era glory lingers in travelers’ accounts and history books. Once a symbol of elegance, harmony, and urban sophistication, Chahar Bagh Avenue today stands as a reminder of the treasures of Isfahan that time and neglect could not entirely erase.
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