SAEDNEWS: El Goli Park is one of the most attractive parks in Tabriz and among the most famous tourist attractions in Iran.
According to Saednews, El Goli, also known as Shah Goli, is located in the city of Tabriz. Beyond its historical significance, the site is considered one of the city's main landmarks because of its remarkable beauty and the centuries of history reflected in its architecture and surroundings. It is one of Tabriz's most historic complexes and attracts many tourists and travelers every year. Today, we take a closer look at this fascinating destination and explore its history, attractions, and unique features.
Tabriz generally enjoys cool, pleasant weather during much of the year, although autumn and winter can be extremely cold. The city receives around 310 millimeters of rainfall annually, and freezing conditions occur on approximately 104 days of the year.
El Goli is located roughly seven kilometers from the city center and is one of Tabriz's popular recreational destinations. In the local Turkish language, the word göl or gül refers to a pond or pool. Therefore, Shah Goli can be translated as "the King's Pool," while El Goli means "the People's Pool." The site was originally known as Shah Goli, but after the Iranian Revolution, its name was changed to El Goli.
As mentioned, El Goli is relatively close to the center of Tabriz, making it easy to reach. After visiting the complex, travelers can conveniently continue toward the historic Tabriz Bazaar or visit Maqbarat al-Sho'ara, the Poets' Mausoleum.
El Goli can be reached by both public transportation and private car. A metro station is located a short distance from the southern side of the park, while bus services also provide access to the complex. The metro station is near the entrance, and a short walk will take visitors to the site.
Those traveling to Tabriz by private car can take Bakri Expressway toward Golestan Street and continue toward Ferdowsi Square and El Goli.
As noted earlier, El Goli means "the King's Pool." The site originally consisted of a large reservoir constructed during the Aq Qoyunlu period. It was later expanded during the Safavid era.
Before the Safavids, the reservoir served as a water-storage facility for irrigating gardens in the eastern part of the city. During the Safavid period, accumulated sand, gravel, and debris were removed, and a wall was constructed around the reservoir. At that time, the pool was approximately 12 meters deep.
During the Qajar period, pathways were created around the reservoir and trees such as weeping willows and poplars were planted, gradually transforming the site into something closer to the recreational complex seen today.
During the Pahlavi period, El Goli was transformed into a public recreational area and underwent extensive renovations.
Today, the pool measures approximately 200 by 200 meters. Its depth varies, reaching from around 3 meters in the eastern section to nearly 9 meters near some of the openings.
The pool was considerably larger in the past, and its bottom originally had a natural shape. Over time, landscaping around the water, along with flower beds and planted areas, changed the appearance and reduced the effective size of the pool.
The lake is the most important feature of El Goli and one of the main reasons for its popularity. Its water is supplied by streams associated with the Liqvan River system, passing through the village of Chavan before eventually entering the lake from the southeast in the form of a stream.
During winter, the lake can freeze completely, creating a striking seasonal landscape. When the surface freezes, fish remain beneath the ice and live in the deeper parts of the water, where their growth slows down.
A tree-covered hill rises opposite the lake. In spring and summer, the greenery, flowering gardens, and surrounding trees create an impressive view of the historic building and its reflection across the water.
The main El Goli building was designed with an octagonal layout and two floors. Today, it is used as a restaurant. However, the present structure is very different from the original building.
The first structure was constructed using mud brick, but it was demolished in 1967 and replaced by a new building. Abbas Mirza expanded the site and transformed it into a beautiful royal recreational destination for Qajar-era officials and members of the court.
A pathway was also constructed through the middle of the pool, connecting the shore to the building. As a result, the building appears to stand in the middle of the lake, creating the impression of a peninsula surrounded by water.
During the Iranian Revolution, the building was damaged by fire. It was later rebuilt and given its current name.
Among the facilities and activities available around El Goli are restaurants, nearby hotels, boating, mini-golf, retail stalls, cycling areas, and traditional carriage rides.
The complex also includes a hall suitable for cultural and scientific programs, conferences, and other events. A zoo bearing the same name is located within the broader complex as well.
Other facilities have included playground equipment, a sledding area, parking, a prayer room, public restrooms, sports equipment, and an amusement park. The amusement park was completely sealed in 2020.
Several hotels have also been constructed around the complex, including the 17-story Pars Hotel. The development of high-rise hotels around the site has been cited as one of the reasons El Goli was not added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
El Goli has something different to offer in every season.
Spring brings blossoming trees, colorful flowers, and fresh greenery, giving the park a vibrant atmosphere. Summer offers lush vegetation and pleasant outdoor surroundings. In autumn, the changing colors of the trees create a dramatic landscape around the lake.
Winter presents an entirely different scene, with snow and the possibility of a frozen lake transforming El Goli into a quiet and striking landscape.
Whatever season you choose to visit, El Goli offers a distinctive combination of history, architecture, water, gardens, and natural scenery—making it one of the most memorable landmarks in Tabriz.
