Historical Gardens at Risk of the Destruction by Visitors, Case Study of El-Goli Garden (Iran)

Abstract

This study, which was conducted on the only surviving garden of the historic gardens in the city of Tabriz in Iran (i.e. the garden of El-Goli), closely examines its importance and place in the Iranian art of gardening. El-Goli garden is considered as an important place in the city by foreign and local tourists. However, in recent years, with the development of Tabriz and consequently the increased need for green space and recreational areas for citizens, this historic garden has become a public promenade and park. This paper examines the risks and threats posed by the change in land use. Since visitors are the main threats, a questionnaire was developed to identify their reasons for visiting the garden, their behaviour in the garden and how they use this historic garden. The questionnaire was completed by 100 visitors who were randomly selected. The table of frequency for each variable was prepared using SPSS software. Finally, the results show that most visitors not only are unaware of the historical value, but also come to the garden for other purposes such as recreation, leisure and use of facilities and so on. Thus, their attitudes and behaviours will pave the way for the destruction of the garden.