El Goli, also known as Shah Goli, is a large historical park in the south-eastern region of Tabriz. One of its main features is its large artificial lake of 210 square metres.
Tradition dates the park's construction to the late 18th century. However, it may have been built earlier; some sources suggest as early as the 14th century. During the Qajar period, the park was restored and tall terraces were added.
The north side of the lake was cultivated, making it "seem to float over the valley" according to Penelope Hobhouse. An elevated road leads to a pavilion, now the location of a restaurant. The pavilion was once topped by a dome. From the western hill, a spring feeds the lake, a waterfall descending into five terraces. The view is flanked by poplars and willows.
The park was first called Shah Goli (Shah Gölü), the "Royal Lake" or the "Royal Pond". After the 1979 Islamic revolution, the park and its surroundings were renamed El Gölü, "lake of the people".
I am Maarten Verhees. The focus of my photographs is on the variation of architecture, animals and people. I try to capture the essence of local places in photographs... Read more…