El Goli

El Goli is a beautiful recreational area and one of the most significant leisure spots in Tabriz. Before the Islamic Revolution, this location was referred to as Shah Goli, which means " King's Lake " in Azerbaijani Turkish. After the revolution, the name was changed to El Goli, meaning "People's Lake." Situated in the southeast of Tabriz, about seven kilometers from the city center, the original structure was built during the Ak Koyunlu dynasty and expanded during the Safavid era. Later, Qahraman Mirza, the eighth son of Abbas Mirza, enhanced the beauty of this site, turning it into a royal retreat for the descendants of the Qajar dynasty. The lake at El Goli has a depth of 12 meters and is so expansive that it offers recreational boating. Within the complex, visitors can find various cafes and restaurants, as well as hotels and tourist offices to provide necessary services.

History of El Goli

El Goli was established during the Ak Koyunlu dynasty and saw significant expansion during the Safavid period. Eventually, Qahraman Mirza completed the site for use as a royal getaway. It's important to note that the suffix "Mirza" means "prince," and Qahraman Mirza is considered a descendant of the Qajar royal family. Before the Safavid era, El Goli served as the largest water reservoir for the eastern regions of Tabriz, irrigating the royal lands. During the Safavid period, large stones at the bottom of the lake were removed, and after dredging, a wall was constructed around it, transforming it into a large artificial pool. In the Qajar era, as urban development expanded around the lake, roads and streets were built to facilitate transportation. During this time, various trees, including poplars and weeping willows, along with seasonal flowers like petunias, were planted to beautify the area. During the Pahlavi era, the entire lake and surrounding lands were handed over to the municipality, turning it into a recreational area for the public. Later, Seyyed Baqer Kazemi (Mohtazd al-Dowleh), the governor of East Azerbaijan, oversaw a complete renovation, transforming it into a leisure spot for citizens.

El Goli Lake

El Goli Lake has a capacity of around 720,000 cubic meters, which leads some to believe that the term "Shah" in Shah Goli does not refer to a king but rather signifies greatness and magnificence. In Persian, "Shah" can imply grandeur and quality, as seen in phrases like "Shahrah" (main road) and "Shahmiveh" (king fruit). The water of the lake is supplied by a branch of the Lighvan River, which flows near the village of Chavan. On the southern side of the lake, there is a hill that has been landscaped with trees and several artificial waterfalls, with water cascading down into the lake. From the southern part to the center of the lake, where the octagonal building known as the "Kolah Farangi" (European Hat) is located, El Goli stands out like a gem on an island in the center of the lake. In winter, the view of the building, surrounded by ice and water, is particularly stunning. Various fish inhabit the lake, and when it freezes, their growth slows down, leading them into a state of relative dormancy.

Shah Goli Building

The Kolah Farangi building is an octagonal structure known as the Shah Goli Palace. Today, this building has been converted into a restaurant and banquet hall for public use. Initially, the structure resembled a dilapidated adobe building until it was demolished in 1967 by architect Haj Ali Akbar Naderalvaz, who designed and constructed a new, sturdy two-story building. What you see today is the very building created by architect Haj Ali Akbar, a legacy that has been passed down to us.
If you ever travel to Tabriz in any season, it’s worth spending an afternoon at the El Goli recreational complex. This lively and picturesque area attracts many Tabriz citizens, who communicate in Turkish, providing an opportunity to connect with the culture of this province. We hope to host you at Sana Persian soon and share the expertise of our specialized team with you. Looking forward to seeing you in Iran, East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, and El Goli!