The sage Ferdowsi of Tus is the most distinguished wise epic poet of Iran and the world. For eleven centuries after his passing, his unparalleled masterpiece, the Shahnameh, has safeguarded Iran’s language and culture. One of his principal aims was to draw Iranians toward wisdom, peace, and friendship and away from hostility and war. Throughout his life, with his righteous thoughts, words and deeds, Ferdowsi can be seen as the true representative of the benevolent nature of Iranians. At the behest of the City Council and the Mayor of Mashhad, a complex called “Farhang-e Ferdowsi” (Ferdowsi's Culture) has been designed and approved, located close to and in direct connection with this great man’s tomb, while adhering to cultural heritage regulations (prohibiting construction inside and within the citadel walls of Tus).
This complex, forming a 21-hectare paradise seven interconnected gardens:
1. The Garden of Cultural Halls, situated below the tomb’s level, includes:
(a) The Hall of Ferdowsi’s Life, the Composition of the Shahnameh, and His Objectives; (b) The Hall of the Three Cities—Tus, Nishapur, and Mashhad—and each city’s role and its people’s contribution to the history of Iran and Asia; (c) The Hall of the Shahnameh and Children; (d) The Hall of Friendship Among Nations. On the roofs of these halls, at the level of Ferdowsi’s tomb, a garden of Shahnameh flowers will be created.
2. The Garden of Legends (Myths of the Iranian Land)
3. The Garden of Literary Greats (Illustrious Poets)
4. The Garden of Gatherings (for congresses, theater, storytelling performances, martial and Pahlavani sports)
5. The Garden of Automobiles
6. The Garden of Leisure (Khurgasht) The Entrance Garden.
It is hoped that by implementing this plan, a portion of the Iranian nation’s debt to this great figure of their history will be repaid.