The reflection of Timurid Chaharbagh of Mashhad in history

This article attempts to study the descriptions of Mashhad’s Chaharbagh and the events in historical texts from its construction in Shahrukh’s Timurid era until it’s destruction in the early Qajar era. In this regard, an introduction will be presented about the concept and the history of Mashhad’s Chaharbagh; and then the issues cited in Timurid, Safavid, Afsharid and Qajar eras historical texts will be studied. The historical dimensions and the most important events that have occurred in Chaharbagh which are affected the destiny of Iran, would be revealed and evaluated. One of the most important historical periods of Chaharbagh is late Safavid and Afsharid eras when, Mashhad as the capital of Iran and Chaharbagh as the court occupies an important place in history of Iran. Distressed situation of Iran after Afghans’ attack and the quick replacement of power in the late Safavid era has affected the events that occurred in Chaharbagh. The findings of this research, on the one hand suggest that although today’s Chaharbagh such as Safavid Chaharbagh of Esfahan is known as a street, in the Timurid era Chaharbagh was constructed like heavenly gardens that engulfed the palace. But because of the evolutions started from the Safavid era, the environment and the concept of this monumental place changed; the changes include the settlement of the city governor, Nader shah’s court and his successors. On the other hand، a review on the events occurred in Mashhad’s Chaharbagh from the late Safavid era until the establishment of Qajar dynasty, indicate the unique situation of Mashhad in this region in that difficult historical passage which deserves more study.