Baha’i Gardens viewpoint

From this vantage point, the Baha’i Gardens viewpoint unveils a tapestry of history and beauty. The Baha’i Gardens, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, cascade down Mount Carmel. They present a stunning spectacle. Nineteen terraces, connected by over 1,500 steps, descend towards the vibrant port city of Haifa. Completed in 2001, the Baha’i Gardens are a relatively recent addition to Haifa’s landscape. Yet, they have quickly become one of Israel’s most popular tourist destinations. At the heart of this verdant spectacle lies the Shrine of the Báb. This golden-domed structure marks the resting place of Siyyad Ali Muhammed. He was the Báb, a prophet-herald of the Baha’i Faith. The terraces themselves hold symbolic meaning. They represent the Báb’s first eighteen disciples, known as “Letters of the Living.” Although no specific terrace is dedicated to a particular individual, the symbolism adds a layer of spiritual depth to the gardens. Designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, the Baha’i Gardens draw inspiration from various traditions. Persian gardens of Shiraz, the Nishat Bagh gardens of Jammu and Kashmir, and even English gardens influenced the design. This fusion of styles creates a unique aesthetic. It isolates the gardens from the surrounding city’s noise while connecting the various Baha’i buildings on Mount Carmel. The gardens extend almost a kilometer up Mount Carmel. They cover approximately 200,000 square meters. Twin streams of water cascade down the mountainside. They flow alongside the stairs and across terrace bridges. This adds a dynamic element to the gardens’ visual harmony. An advanced irrigation system manages the water usage in the Baha’i Gardens. A computer, using meteorological data, controls hundreds of valves. This distributes water throughout the gardens through sprinkling and dripping, primarily at night. This minimizes water waste through evaporation. The water flowing alongside the stairs circulates in a closed system within each terrace. This further conserves this precious resource. The Baha’i Gardens are not only a place of beauty but also a testament to ecological consciousness. In 2013, the gardens attracted almost a million tourists and thousands of Baha’i pilgrims. Haifa’s Mayor Amram Mitzna even dubbed them the “eighth wonder of the world.” From the Baha’i Gardens viewpoint, you can appreciate the full grandeur of this remarkable creation. You can see how it blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape while offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city below.