Gulzar Houz

Gulzar Houz is a historical octagonal fountain located in the heart of Hyderabad's Old City, near the Charminar monument. Constructed around 1592 during the Qutb Shahi dynasty, it served as a water reservoir for soldiers and travelers. The fountain sits at the center of the Charkaman (Four Arches) area and was recently restored and reopened in 2023. It represents an important piece of Hyderabad's architectural heritage and urban planning history.

Visitors can see an octagonal-shaped historical fountain with a central five-feet fountain structure featuring three saucers on a four-feet pedestal. The fountain is located in the middle of the road between Charminar and Madina building, surrounded by the four Qutb Shahi arches known as Charkaman. The area is bustling with markets, shops, and street vendors, offering a glimpse into Hyderabad's historic Old City atmosphere. The fountain has been restored with lighting features and serves as a landmark in this busy commercial and cultural hub.

Gulzar Houz was constructed around 1592 by Mir Momin Astarabadi, the first prime minister under Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the 5th Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Originally called Char-Su-Ka-Hauz (cistern of four cardinal points), it was built as a water reservoir to quench the thirst of the Nizam's soldiers. The fountain was positioned 350 feet equidistant from the four surrounding kamaans (arches) of Charkaman. Initially 12-sided, it evolved into an octagonal shape and now appears almost circular. It served as the centerpiece of Jilu Khana (Guard's Square) and had four streams flowing from it, dividing each radial road into two halves.

Gulzar Houz represents an important element of Qutb Shahi urban planning and architecture in Hyderabad. As part of the Charkaman ensemble, it symbolizes the historical water management systems and public infrastructure of medieval Hyderabad. The fountain has witnessed over 400 years of the city's evolution and remains a living memory of Hyderabad's founding vision. It continues to serve as a popular meeting point for both tourists and locals in the bustling Old City.