Babur's Garden: A Mughal Oasis in Kabul

Bagh-e Babur, also known as Babur's Garden, is a significant historical site in Kabul, Afghanistan, established by the founder of the Mughal dynasty, Emperor Babur, in the 16th century [2, 5, 9]. The garden is not only a place of natural beauty but also Babur's final resting place, adding to its historical and cultural importance [4, 7]. Located on the slopes of the Kuh-e Sher Darwaza mountain, southwest of Kabul's old city, the garden spans approximately 11.5 hectares across 15 terraced levels [3, 5, 7]. This terraced design, inspired by the Timurid charbagh tradition, provides a visually stunning landscape with panoramic views of Kabul [7, 20]. The garden's layout includes terraced lawns, water channels, fountains, and a variety of trees and plants, creating a peaceful retreat within the bustling city [4, 21]. Throughout history, Bagh-e Babur has undergone several transformations. Babur himself designed the garden in the early 1500s, and it continued to be a significant site for his successors [3, 5]. Mughal emperors like Jahangir and Shah Jahan sponsored building programs to preserve and enhance the garden [3, 5]. In the late 19th century, Amir Abdur Rahman Khan renovated the gardens, adding a pavilion and a residence for his wife [2, 3, 7]. In 1933, the area was converted into a public recreation space [3, 7]. After suffering damage during the wars of the 1990s, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and other organizations led extensive restoration efforts, which began in 2002 [2, 7, 9]. Today, visitors to Bagh-e Babur can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, visit Babur's tomb, and appreciate the historical architecture [21]. The garden also features a small mosque built by Shah Jahan and a caravanserai that serves as a visitor center [3, 5, 20]. Bagh-e Babur is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a space for leisure, cultural events, and artistic festivals [2, 6].