ICQHS - Water museum of Yazd

» 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.

Water museum

Inauguration of the water museum of Yazd which coincided with the international qanat symposium of Yazd in May, 2000, was a reminder of all the endeavors our diligent elders made in bygone ages so that our historic hydraulic structures as our highly invaluable cultural heritage can be protected and conveyed through the coming generations Qanat digging equipment

in view at the museum:
• Qanat water gauging tools.
• Qanat gallery illumination devices.
• Qanat documentation and deeds of endowment.
• Ancient water utensils and a lot more. The museum is an old mansion enjoying more than a century of age nicknamed khane-ie-kolahduzha.

The building is in 3 stories two of which are downstairs. Two qanats were once running under the museum by the names of zarch and Rahim Abbad. The qanat of zarch is still active. The constructive materials of the building are mainly brick and mortar. The roof well of this house is very attractive, too. The rooms, basements and its vestibule on the qanat passage are catching views of the building. The construction of the house was completed in 1891AD.