El Goli Complex of Tabriz

Every city usually has one or two sites that are referred to as its symbol or symbols. One of the main historical sites of Tabriz, which can be considered the symbol of this city, is “El Goli”; a building that is located in the middle of an artificial lake with the same name.

The story of El Goli

The history of El Goli dates back to the era of the Aq Qoyunlu dynasty that ruled parts of Iran, Iraq, Anatolia, Armenia, and today’ Azerbaijan in the middle of the 14th century AD during which El Goli was the biggest source of fresh water in Tabriz. In addition to drinking, the water of this lake was also used for irrigation purposes in the past.

Due to the importance of the city of Tabriz for the Safavid rulers, extensive construction operations were carried out in El Goli during their era (16th century AD). During this period, the trash around the lake was cleaned and a stone wall was built around it. Several years later, during the Qajar era (19th century), streets were created for easier traffic to this area, and extensive tree planting was done on both sides of these streets.

During the Pahlavi era (20th century), El Goli was handed over to Tabriz municipality to become a public park. In the past, El Goli was located outside the urban area of Tabriz, but with the expansion of the city’s borders, it is now located on the southeast edge of this city.

Features of El Goli Lake and Mansion

El Goli Complex has an area of nearly 55 thousand square meters. The lake gets filled by one of the branches of the Liqvan River and can hold about 720 thousand cubic meters of water. The water of the Liqvan River enters the lake in the form of a small stream from the southeast. Artificial waterfalls have been created in the hills situated to the south of the lake, the water of which also flows into the lake.

El Goli mansion looks like a peninsula. This mansion is an octagonal structure that was built by Tabriz Municipality in 1967 AD, replacing the old El Goli building, which was built on one floor using clay and mud and was almost destroyed. Haj Ali Akbar Naderulvojud, who was one of the famous architecture professors of that period, designed and administered the construction of this building. The current building has two floors and is used as a reception hall.

Where is El Goli Located and What Facilities Does It Have?

In the Azari language, “El” means clan or tribe, and “El Goli” means “Tribe’s Lake”. This spectacular attraction is located in the southeast of Tabriz, seven kilometers from the city center. There are some relatively high hills located to the south of the lake that have created pleasant scenery for tourists. Since the El Goli complex is considered one of Tabriz’s recreational areas, many recreational facilities such as cycling, boating, minigolf, camping, sled riding, skating, and walking trails have been arranged for visitors. A street has been made between the southern side of the lake to the mansion to make accessing it easier.

Due to the existence of numerous accommodation places around El Goli and its easy access by subway, this complex can be one of the main destinations for tourists.

El Goli Complex (comprising the lake and the mansion) was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 2000.