The word “Chahar Bagh” also seen as “Chaharbagh” and “Charbagh” is a Farsi / Persian-derived term used in garden design and architecture to describe a specific type of formal garden layout. The word “Charbagh” is composed of two Persian words: “char” meaning “four” and “bagh” meaning “garden.”
A Charbagh garden is typically divided into four quadrants or sections by pathways or water channels that intersect at the center of the garden. These pathways and water channels create a symmetrical and geometric layout, often in the shape of a square or rectangle. The four quadrants are usually planted with flowers, trees, and other vegetation, and they may be further subdivided into smaller geometric patterns.
Charbagh gardens have historical roots in Persian and Islamic garden design and are often associated with Mughal architecture in the Indian subcontinent. They were used to create visually stunning and spiritually symbolic spaces. The layout of Charbagh gardens is intended to represent the Islamic concept of paradise on Earth, with the central intersection symbolizing the meeting point between the earthly and the divine.
Famous examples of Charbagh gardens include the gardens at the Taj Mahal in India and the Generalife Gardens in the Alhambra palace complex in Spain. These gardens are known for their exquisite design, symmetry, and integration of natural elements with human-made structures.