SAEDNEWS: El Goli Park, Tabriz, is one of the most attractive parks in Tabriz and is among the most famous tourist attractions in Iran.
According to Saednews, El Goli Park, also known as Shah Goli Mansion or El Goli Complex, is located in the city of Tabriz. In addition to its historical significance, it is considered one of the main symbols of Tabriz due to its extraordinary beauty and the passage of time reflected in its structure. It is one of the oldest historical buildings in the city and attracts many tourists and travelers every year. Today, we take a closer look at this landmark.
The climate of Tabriz is mostly cool and spring-like throughout the year, except for autumn and winter, which are extremely cold and harsh. The annual rainfall in Tabriz is about 310 millimeters, and out of 365 days of the year, approximately 104 days are freezing.
The El Goli structure is located about 7 kilometers from the city center and serves as a recreational and leisure destination. In Turkish, the word “Göl” or “Gol” means “pond,” so Shah Goli or El Goli means “Royal Pond” or “People’s Pond.” Initially, it was called Shah Goli, but after the revolution, its name was changed to El Goli.
As mentioned, this site is located relatively close to the city center, making access and visits very easy. After visiting El Goli, you can easily continue your trip to the old Tabriz Bazaar and also visit the Tomb of Poets.
You can reach El Goli by both public transportation and private car. A metro station is located very close to the southern side of the park, and buses also provide access to the area. From the metro station, it is just a short walk to the complex.
If traveling by private car in Tabriz, you can take Bakeri Highway to Golestan Street, then proceed to Ferdowsi Square and the El Goli complex.
As mentioned earlier, “El Goli” means “Royal Pond.” The site was originally a reservoir built during the Aq Qoyunlu era and later expanded during the Safavid period. Before the Safavids, it also served as a water storage reservoir for irrigating gardens in the eastern part of the city.
During the Safavid era, accumulated sand, mud, and debris were removed, and a wall was constructed around it. The pond had a depth of about 12 meters. In the Qajar period, pathways were built around it, and trees such as weeping willows and poplars were planted, transforming it into its current recreational form.
During the Pahlavi era, the site was turned into a public recreational park and underwent major renovations.
The lake is the most important and defining feature of the complex. Its water is supplied by rivers originating from the Liqvan River basin and passes through Chavan village before entering the lake from the southeast as a stream.
In winter, the lake freezes completely, creating a unique and striking view. Fish remain in deeper waters during this period, and their growth slows down.
In front of the lake is a hill covered with trees, which becomes especially beautiful in spring and summer alongside flower gardens, offering a stunning natural view of the mansion.
The El Goli building is designed in an octagonal shape with two floors and currently functions as a restaurant. The present structure is not the original one; the original building was made of adobe and was demolished in 1967 (1346 SH), after which a new structure was built.
Historically, Abbas Mirza expanded the site and turned it into a royal recreational area for Qajar elites. A pathway also connects the center of the pond directly to the building, making it appear like a small peninsula in the middle of the water.
After the revolution, the building was damaged by fire, renamed, and rebuilt.
Today, the complex includes various recreational facilities such as restaurants, nearby hotels, mini-golf, boating, shops, cycling paths, horse carriage rides, and more.
The hall inside the complex is also used for cultural, scientific, and conference events. There is even a small zoo within the complex. Other amenities include playgrounds, a cable ride (toboggan), parking, prayer rooms, restrooms, sports facilities, and an amusement park (luna park), although the amusement park was completely closed in 2020.
El Goli is designed in such a way that each season offers a unique beauty. Spring brings blossoms and flowers, summer offers lush greenery, autumn displays vibrant colors, and winter covers the park in snow and silence.
No matter the season, visitors are greeted with one of the most beautiful natural and historical landscapes in Tabriz.
El Goli Park is one of the most iconic attractions of Tabriz, combining history, nature, and recreation in a single destination. It is easily accessible, rich in history, and suitable for visitors in all seasons.
