The Timeless Wonders: Millenary Persian Windmills of Iran
Nestled in the rugged desert landscape of Iran’s Nehbandan region, there are these windmills that have been harnessing the power of the wind for an astonishing millennium. These intriguing structures, unlike the horizontal axis windmills found in Europe, feature vertical axes. This unique design results in an intricate fusion of architecture and mechanics, transforming the raw power of the wind into useful energy for grinding grains and pumping water.
A Unique Design: Vertical Axis Windmills
Here’s a mental snapshot for you: imagine a sturdy, towering two-story structure with a robust cylindrical central axis known as a Tirpol. This axis is the backbone of the windmill, surrounded by rectangular blades, collectively known as the Charkhbad. As the wind picks up, it interacts with the Charkhbad, setting the Tirpol in motion. The real magic lies in how this kinetic energy of the wind gets converted into mechanical force, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and sustainability, even by today’s standards.
Sustainable Construction: Locally-Sourced Materials
Constructed using locally-sourced materials such as adobe, wood, and stone, these windmills use a principle that we highly value in the 21st century – sustainability. Long before the term “green energy” was coined, Persian engineers had recognized the potential of the wind as an ever present, non-polluting energy source and used it to their advantage. Infact, these windmills still work and could be used to grind grain into flour.
The Two-Story Structure: Parkhaneh and Askhaneh
Each windmill is divided into two sections: an upper level or Parkhaneh and a lower one called Askhaneh. In the Parkhaneh, the wind is guided through a purposefully created opening in one of the surrounding walls, known as the Darvazeh. This directed wind drives the rotation of the Charkhbad. This rotation is ingeniously transferred to the Askhaneh below, where it sets a millstone in motion. As the millstone turns, it grinds grains into flour, relieving the locals from the tiring manual labor.
Architectural Design Meets Mechanical Components
These windmills are not just impressive for their functionality; they also show connection between architectural design and mechanical components. The carefully built walls of the Parkhaneh channel and intensify the wind’s kinetic energy. This offered the necessary force to drive the mechanical components. The surrounding walls are designed in a stepped form to protect the mechanical components from erosion. This highlights the ancient Persians’ attention to detail and their understanding of material science.
​Furthermore, the structure incorporates an opening in the roof of the Askhaneh. It’s a feature that has more than just eye catching appeal. This opening is specifically designed to allow the passage of the Tirpol. It connects the mechanisms of the two stories and facilitates the seamless transmission of energy.
The Last Standing Sentinel: A Solitary Windmill in Nehbandan
While most of these windmills are no longer in operation, one solitary windmill still stands in Nehbandan. It’s a silent sentinel of an era gone by. It continues to bear witness to the phenomenal intelligence and remarkable environmental sensibility of ancient Persian engineers.
Modern Interest: 3D Models and Cutting-Edge Technologies
Today, scientists and historians are taking a renewed interest in these ancient machines. By creating 3D models and use cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality, they are diving deeper into understanding the mechanics and architecture of these windmills. This exploration not only enhances our appreciation for the technical prowess of our ancestors, but it also offers valuable insights that could potentially improve modern windmill designs.
Key Accessories: Doshakh and Navdani
To further highlight the importance of this historical marvel, let’s discuss some key accessories that accompany the structure. Tools like the Doshakh, a pine wood-made, long-handled tool, play a critical role in the functioning of the windmill. They do this by stopping or starting the rotation of the Tirpol. Then there’s the Navdani, a metal or wooden gutter, instrumental in moving the wheat from storage to the millstone for grinding. These tools, although simple, demonstrate the sophistication of this thousand-year-old technology.
Transcending Time: Advanced and Sustainable Technology
All these facets of the Persian windmills – from their innovative use of locally available materials to the intricate blending of architecture and mechanics – are clear examples of how advanced and sustainable technology can transcend time. It also shows that sustainability isn’t a novel idea. Our ancestors used what was available to them. They created systems that were in harmony with nature and served their communities for centuries.
Lessons from the Past: Ingenuity, Resourcefulness, and Respect for Nature
In conclusion, these millenary Persian windmills exemplify the creative genius of humanity and our timeless quest for sustainability. They are silent teachers, reminding us that the past holds valuable lessons for our future. These windmills are a testament to a thousand years of wind harnessed, grains ground, and water pumped. They stand proof of human ingenuity, resourcefulness, and respect for nature. It shows we can create sustainable solutions that stand the test of time.
While we race towards a future powered by clean and renewable energy, it’s worth taking a moment to look back and appreciate the centuries-old windmills of Persia. These giants of the past continue to whisper to us, carrying tales of ingenuity and reminding us that indeed, sustainability has deep roots in our history.
