El Goli (; ), also called Shah Goli (; ) is a large historic park (or garden) in the south east region of Tabriz, Iran. One of its main features is its large artificial lake, measuring approximately .
History and characteristics
Tradition dates the construction of the park to the late 18th century. However, it may have been built earlier with some sources suggesting a date in as far back as the 14th century. In the Qajar era, the park was restored and high terraces were added.
The northern side of the lake was built up, which, according to Penelope Hobhouse, makes the lake "appear to float over the valley". A causeway leads out to a pavilion, today the site of a restaurant. The pavilion was once crowned with a dome. From the west hillside, a spring feeds the lake, a cascade descending in five terraces. The sight is flanked by poplar trees and willows.
Etymology The park was first named Shah Goli, the "Royal Lake" or the "Royal Pond". After the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the park and its surrounding area were renamed El Goli, "lake of the people".
Photo gallery
See also Khaqani Park Golestan Park
References
Sources
External links
City of Tabriz on Iran Chamber Society (www.iranchamber.com) Editorial Board, East Azarbaijan Geography, Iranian Ministry of Education, 2000 (High School Text Book in Persian) https://web.archive.org/web/20070216155119/http://www.tabrizcity.org/ Tishineh