Garden of Ridván, Historical garden in Rusafa district, Baghdad, Iraq
The Garden of Ridván, also called the Najibiyyih Garden, lay on the eastern bank of the Tigris in Baghdad's Rusafa District, about 450 metres from the northern Mu'azzam gate. An 1850s plan by Indian Navy officers shows four avenues meeting at a circular centre, with a building, possibly a garden palace, near the riverbank. Four flower-bordered avenues were lined with roses.
Muhammad Najib Pasha, governor of Baghdad from 1842 to 1847, built the garden and an attached palace outside the city walls; it was first called the Najibiyyih Garden. The government bought it in 1870 and lodged Nasruddin-Shah there during his 1870 Iraq visit. Midhat Pasha (1869–1872) levelled the approach road and built another about 400–500 metres long. It was cleared in the early 20th century for the Royal Hospital, now Baghdad Medical City.
The name Ridván means paradise, and this garden held deep spiritual meaning for Baháʼí followers as a place of gathering and witness. The site remains symbolic of a pivotal religious declaration that shaped the beliefs and practices of this faith community across the world.
The original garden site has been converted into Baghdad Medical City, a hospital complex located in the Rusafa district. Visitors should be aware that the location is now a working medical facility and may not be accessible as a historic garden site.
The garden was never owned by the Baháʼís. The government bought it in 1870 and lodged Nasruddin-Shah there during his Iraq visit that year, the same ruler held responsible for Baháʼu'lláh's imprisonment and exile. Midhat Pasha later levelled the approach road and built another roughly 400–500 metres long.
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