El-Gölü



El Goli (, ائل گؤلۆ), also called Shah Goli (, شاه گؤلۆ) is a large historic park (or garden) in the south east region of Tabriz, Iran. One of its main features is its large artificial lake, measuring approximately 55.000 m2/592.015 ft square.

History and characteristics
Tradition dates the construction of the park to the late 18th century. However, it may have been built earlier as well; some sources suggest as far back as the 14th century. In the Qajar period the park was restored and high terraces were added.

The northern side of the lake was built up, which, according to Penelope Hobhouse, makes the lake "appear to float over the valley". A causeway leads out to a pavilion, today the site of a restaurant. The pavilion was once crowned with a dome. From the west hillside, a spring feeds the lake, a cascade descending in five terraces. The sight is flanked by poplar trees and willows.

Etymology
The park was first named Shah Goli (Shah Gölü), the "Royal Lake" or the "Royal Pond". After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the park and the surrounding were renamed as El Gölü, "lake of the people".