The Impact of Timurid Gardens in Samarkand on Safavid Gardens in Isfahan (Chaharbagh)

Throughout history, "creation of garden" has been one of the most spectacular human activities. Art of gardening is considered as one of the ancient Iranian arts that has valuable traditions and spiritual power. Stepping into an Iranian garden compels us to think about this idea that what mysteries have been concealed behind its adorned appearance. It has not gotten old over the centuries. Also invites modern human being for a visit with its tempting perspective. Surrounding environment and the amount of water cause the appearances of gardens in Iran. Since the information about the gardens of Samarkand are limited to reports of Clavijo and a number of articles, and most gardens of Samarkand and Isfahan don’t exist now, the physical structures of gardens in Samarkand and Isfahan are the main issue of this paper so that the present contents in this study will be a step for further studies in this field. Accordingl this study by a descriptive – historical approach, intends to identify the elements that have formed Timurid gardens and Safavid gardens and the similarities and differences between these gardens in two different eras. Indeed, the descriptions that represented in these two periods have more detailed than previous periods and these have helped to recognize the gardens in these periods. Also the question will be responded that how much Timurid gardens and especially the gardens which had built in Samarkand by Timur, affected on the subsequent gardens. We consider gardens in these two eras i.e., Timurid and Safavid eras, by the aid of historical descriptions, itineraries and documents and comparison them with each other as well as studies which done by contemporary researchers, it is concluded that Safavid style landscape gardening, especially the Chaharbagh avenue, roots in Timurid era.