The answer is: East

Gen 2:8

The Garden of Eden, according to Genesis 2:8, was planted by God in "the east." This specification hasn't just sparked curiosity through the ages; it's also inspired generations of explorers and theologians. Just imagine wandering those ancient lands and picturing a paradise teeming with vibrant life, all before humanity took a fateful turn!

The accounts in Genesis tell that Eden was home to four rivers: the Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates, intriguing names that trace back to a rich history of civilizations. One really interesting tidbit? The Tigris and Euphrates run through modern-day Iraq, marking a significant overlap with ancient Mesopotamia—a cradle of early human culture. Still, with echoes of various interpretations, many believe Eden isn't merely a place, but represents an innocence worth striving for and a state of harmony with creation.

In art and literature, Eden often symbolizes a lost paradise. Works like Milton’s "Paradise Lost" delve into the themes of human choice and divine grace through the lens of this lush garden. What’s fascinating is, beyond just the tangible descriptions, Eden ultimately becomes a powerful metaphor for humanity’s yearning for connection with both each other and the divine—talk about a timeless theme! So even if we're still debating its precise geographic location, its lessons on love, loss, and legacy resonate universally.