Shokatabad Garden

Shokatabad Garden is located in Shokatabad village, in Birjand County, South Khorasan Province, on the Birjand–Zahedan road. The garden was registered as one of Iran's national monuments on 23 Mordad 1378 under registration number 2363. Because of the region's mountainous setting and its link to the Qajar period, the garden is of particular importance for its architectural heritage and its greenery.

The Shokatabad garden and mansion complex includes the main building, which is laid out along an east–west axis, a pool house (hoozkhaneh), the private quarters (andaruni), guard towers, a stable, an ice house and service areas. The architecture features arches and vaulting (tavizeh), barrel-vaulted ceilings, decorative stucco work and a regular facade, all of which point to a deliberate design and the typical architectural style of the Qajar period. The garden is planted with fruit and shade trees, including plane, pine, cypress, pistachio, peach, pomegranate, mulberry and apricot trees, as well as grapevines. The orderly greenery is combined with pathways, irrigation channels and chessboard-like intersections, which make a visit purposeful and pleasant.

To reach Shokatabad Garden, head east from the city of Birjand. The road from the centre of Birjand to the garden can be driven by car, and most sources give the distance from Birjand as roughly 5 to 10 kilometres. The best time to visit is spring and early autumn, when the fruit trees are blossoming or being harvested and the weather is more pleasant for strolling. While visiting, it is very important to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism: protect the vegetation, do not pick flowers or break off tree branches, and do not enter areas closed off for protection or restoration. We recommend bringing water and suitable gear for sun and shade, and choosing morning or late-afternoon hours to make the most of your visit.