The exhibition, titled “The Garden as a Place of Refuge,” complements the main event Iran: Five Millennia of Art and Culture, which will open on Saturday in Berlin.

“From garden parties to romantic strolls, the desire to retreat into spaces filled with cherished memories is timeless,” the organizers shared.

“Gardens and parks have always held a special allure. They offer spaces to enjoy a barbecue with friends, find respite from city life, or simply relax under trees or a gazebo, surrounded by lush landscapes,” they noted.

“In dry regions like Iran, gardens with flowing water channels and tree-shaded paths serve as ideal sanctuaries. This social role of gardens, along with the unique significance of gardening as an art, is richly reflected in Persian poetry and illuminated manuscripts,” the statement continued.

This special exhibition in the book art cabinet of the Museum für Islamische Kunst intertwines Iran’s garden culture with modern urbanites’ yearning for nature. Persian illustrated manuscripts, with their vivid colors and intricate details, capture the magic of gardens.

The exhibit contrasts this enchantment with the contemporary appeal of urban garden plots, holiday cabins, and the evolving meaning of parks and gardens in the pandemic era, according to the museum.

The Garden as a Place of Refuge will be on view until February 20, 2022. Meanwhile, Iran: Five Millennia of Art and Culture runs until March 20, 2022, featuring around 360 objects that highlight Iran’s role as an innovative and culturally influential hub, connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Photo: A Persian painting from the Divan of Hafez (1655-60 – The Sarikhani Collection, London).