ICQHS - Mr. Mohammad Reza Fayaz

» Inauguration of the water museum coincided with the international symposium on Qanat in Yazd [May2000] brought about a situation in which qanat digging equipment could exhibit our cultural legacy partially to remind every individual of the diligence and sustainability of the people once lived here.

History Of Qanat

» Henry Gubler believes that around 800 BC. coal miners in north eastern Iran improvised some canals in order to extract the water from the coal mines. The technology was gradually applied by farmers and spread all over the plateau of Iran. About 525 BC. it reached Oman and Saudi Arabia by Iranians and Persian campaigns conveyed this technology through Egypt about 500 BC.
Qanat was introduced to Africans by Muslims and Yafuga (a Qanat) was created in Madrid by Muslims about 750 BC. The Spanish initiated qanats in Mexico in 1520 AD. From there, it was taken to Los Angeles in 1520 AD. This Hydraulic system was spotted in Chile , too. Creation of qanats in Asia enjoys great antiquity as well.

A chat with the qanat practitioner Mr. Mohammad Reza Fayaz

Mr. Mohammad Reza Fayaz (a traditional expert in qanat know-how) born in 1932 in Yazd. He is still involved in qanat affairs. One of his sons named Masud (30 years old in 2002) is fortunately Pursuing his fathers ideal. Mr. Reza Fayaz commenced aiding his father & uncle Mr. Mohammad Ali Fayaz in qanats when he was Just seven years old. He knows the details of this traditional hydraulic technology which exceed 800. He has made every endeavors to create qanats in some Provinces such as Sistan-Bluchistan, Khorasan and Fars since bygone years. He has trained 50 well diggers some of whom have passed away.