2-66. Ferdowsi Cultural Halls Garden | Tus | 2020
Commissioned by the Mashhad City Council and Mayor, the “Ferdowsi Cultural Complex” was designed and approved to be located at the closest possible proximity to the tomb of this great poet. The project was developed in full compliance with heritage protection regulations—including the prohibition of construction within and around the historical walls of the ancient city of Tus.
The complex spans a 21-hectare site and features seven interconnected gardens. (For more information, see project number 3-15).
One of these gardens, titled the Garden of Cultural Halls, includes four interconnected halls covering a total area of 12,000 square meters. Located below the elevation of the Ferdowsi Tomb, their green roofs—aligned with the tomb’s level—are planted with flowers and plants mentioned in the Shahnameh.
The four halls and their respective functions are as follows:
Hall I – The Life of Ferdowsi: From childhood to death, this hall explores Ferdowsi’s intentions behind composing the Shahnameh, the process of its creation, and the history and location of existing manuscripts worldwide.
Hall II – The Three Cities: Introducing the historical significance of the three cities of Ancient Tus, Historic Neyshabur, and Spiritual Mashhad—highlighting their contributions to Iranian and global culture through figures such as Khwaja Nasir al-Din Tusi, Omar Khayyam, and Imam Mohammad Ghazali.
Hall III – Shahnameh, Children and Youth: Focusing on the roles of children and youth in the Shahnameh, and its impact on the moral and cultural education of future generations.
Hall IV – Hall of Nations’ Friendship: A cultural platform for showcasing the heritage of neighboring and Asian countries through dedicated friendship days or themed weeks.
Access to these halls is provided via a pathway along the axis of Ferdowsi’s mausoleum, lined with tall cypress trees and flowing water. The space between the four halls is designed to accommodate outdoor gatherings, theater performances, and traditional storytelling (Naqqāli). The roofs of the halls are supported by slanted columns shaped like interlocked hands—a symbol of unity among the peoples of Iran. The interior design of the halls will be based on the most advanced audio-visual technologies. The exterior walls, made of angled glass and mirrors, will reflect the diversity and solidarity of Iranian ethnic groups—offering visitors not only a view of the garden’s beauty, but also a mirrored image of themselves within it.
