BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT

ABOUT :
SITE AREA : 11.5 HECTARES

1528 AD The garden are thought to have been developed around when Babur gave orders for the
construction of an ‘Avenue Garden’ in Kabul.
1530AD Death of Babur.
1638 AD The marble screen built around tombs by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Mughal ruler Babur had requested that
he be buried in Bagh-e Babur 1832 AD The only hint of the design lies in an 1832 sketch and short description by Charles
Masson, a British soldier, which was published in 1842, the year the tomb was destroyed Emperor Babur
by an earthquake.

The mosque of Shah Jahan in the
Gardens of Babur
1880 AD Amir Abdur Rahman Khan constructed a pavilion for his wife, Bibi Halima.
1890s AD The Queen’s Palace, built by Amir Abdur Rahman Khan
1933 AD The space was converted into a public recreation space with pools and fountains becoming the central focal point.
1970s AD A modern greenhouse and swimming pool were added.
1990s AD The 20 year civil war that preceded 2002, destroyed Bagh e Babur.
With rival commanders positioned at the top and bottom and the water pumps stolen, no vegetation survived.
2002 -
2004 AD The Perimeter walling repaired or rebuilt.

2000s AD Restoration of whole Garden by Aga Khan Trust of Culture.

The covering of the Emperor Babur’s tomb

erected during the reign of Nadir Shah

Sketch by Charles Masson

BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT

IMAGES OF BAGH E BABUR DURING

1850s-1950s.

Copyright.
Fine Arts Library, Harvard College Library
Source.
https://archnet.org
BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT

LANDSCAPING :

The detailed accounts in Babur’s memoirs which describe the trees that he had laid out during his life provided the basis for the landscape design and a programme of
replanting in Bagh-e Babur.

As irrigation had been interrupted during the conflict, few mature trees survived.

Following extensive regrading to restore appropriate levels – a process that entailed moving some 30,000 metres of earth – more than 4,000 indigenous saplings were
planted over the 15 terraces, where a partially piped system of irrigation was installed.

An important aspect of the landscaping has been the reconstruction of a central axis that seems to date from Babur’s original layout.

Following extensive archaeological excavations in this area, a series of 8 pools have been reconstructed along the course of a water channel that runs 240 metres
down the site.

Sixteen species of plants mentioned in the original Babarnama have been replanted in the Bagh-e-Babar—planes, apricot, apples, peaches, quince, pomegranate,
hawthorn, cherry and argowan (judas) trees.

The reconstruction of the central axis with a marble-lined water channel, cascades and basins with fountains is based upon the archaeological findings, although
slight modifications of the width of the water channel were required in order to control the water flow.

Babur’s memoirs describe how in his garden in Kabul he had "a spring surrounded by stonework into a ten by ten pool, such that
the four sides would form benches overlooking the grove of Judas trees. When the trees blossom, no place in the world equals it".

Afghan Rose bush Apricot tree in March Apricot tree in early April Judas trees
BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT

15 TERRACES
A Mughal-era octagonal water tank
BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT

QUEEN’S PALACE THE PAVILION

SHAH JAHAN MOSQUE

PERIMETER WALLING 15TH LEVEL TERRACE
BABUR’S TOMB

CARAVANSERAI
BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT

IMAGES OF BAGH E BABUR RESTORATION

DURING 2002-2008

Copyright.
Aga Khan Trust for Culture
Source.
https://archnet.org
BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT
BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT
BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT

Shaheer proposed a specific policy for the landscape restoration which was -

“to follow in spirit the geometry of the garden as it exists, intervening significantly only to restore the landscape where visible
remnants or historical records of its former state were evident..... the major idea of the approach was to restore the shape of
the terraces and slopes with sensitive grading and then implement large-scale planting with species appropriate to Mughal
preferences as well as local tradition”. He planned to “bring the garden back to the state of a flourishing orchard
Mohammad Shaheer
Restoration by Aga Khan Trust for Culture led to:

The restored 11.5 hectare garden not only re-establishes the historic character of the site with its water channels, planted terraces and pavilions, but it also pro-
vides the population of Kabul with a space for recreation and cultural events.

Since 2007, various facilities - including a swimming pool, playground, garden pavilion, caravanserai and Queen’s Palace complex have been in public use.

IMPORTANT TERMS:

Parterre : A parterre is a formal garden constructed on a level substrate, consisting of plant beds, typically in symmetrical patterns, which are separated and
connected by paths.

Cascade : A small waterfall, typically one of several that fall in stages down a steep rocky slope.

Water Chute : A Chute usually with flowing water that is equipped with boats which slide down into a pool or lake.

Caravanserai : An inn with a central courtyard for travellers in the desert regions of Asia or North Africa.

Orchard : A piece of enclosed land planted with fruit trees

Terrace Garden : Terrace agriculture is often the best way to utilize steep land, and some very ancient examples of terrace gardens can be
found in South America and Asia.

Grading : Grading in landscape architectural construction is the work of ensuring a level base, or one with a specified slope, for a landscape and garden improvements,
or surface drainage. The earthworks created for such a purpose are often called the sub-grade or finished contouring
BAGH-E BABUR, KABUL, AFGANISTHAN GARDENS OF BABUR RESTORATION PROJECT

INFERENCE :

Terrace Gardening is often the best way to utilize steep land .

Use of Parterre along the particular axis or pathways provides

Great Grace, especially when seen from an elevated position.
Providing a Cascade on rocky steep land