Kushk-e Aliabad

Kushk-e Aliabad is one of the most notable historical and cultural attractions of Bojnord. It stands in the village of Aliabad, about three to four kilometres northeast of the city. The mansion was built in the middle of a large garden and is regarded as one of the most important examples of the Persian garden layout in North Khorasan. The pavilion dates from the era of the Shadloo family's rule. In the time of Sardar Mofakham, the governor of Bojnord, it served as a retreat where he relaxed and went hunting. Over the centuries it has kept its place as a symbol of Iranian architecture, and it is listed on Iran's National Heritage list.

The architecture of Kushk-e Aliabad is a clear expression of the Persian garden-pavilion design. The building has four entrances facing the four cardinal directions. On the ground floor, a domed pool hall (howzkhaneh) stands at the centre and is the most striking part of the mansion. On the east and west sides of this hall there are rooms for living and resting. The materials used include brick and stone piers and ceilings with wooden beams. Under the ceiling of the pool hall you can see plaster rasmi-bandi and karbandi (muqarnas-style vaulting), which show the refinement and precision of Iranian architecture. The garden around the mansion is more than 250 years old, and its name is even mentioned in the travel accounts of Naser al-Din Shah. However, much of its original greenery and layout has been lost, and today a large part of it has been turned into farmland.

To visit Kushk-e Aliabad, head northeast from Bojnord and after a few kilometres you will reach the village of Aliabad. You can get there by private car or local transport, and the route is easy and short. The best times to visit are spring and early autumn, when the weather is more pleasant and the village scenery is at its most attractive. During your visit, please practise responsible heritage tourism and ecotourism: keep the historic setting peaceful, avoid damaging the structure and its decoration, and respect the villagers' living environment, so that this valuable monument survives for future generations.