What is a Wind Towers in Iran?

Wind towers are structures that have been common in Iran since ancient times. Each of Wind Towers in Iran is designed according to the local climate, altitude, and wind direction. Typically, these structures are found in central and southern Iran and are present in religious, service, residential buildings, and large old houses.

These remarkable structures can be found in warm and humid climates like Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Qeshm, and Bandar Lengeh, as well as in warm and dry climates such as Isfahan, Tabas, Yazd, Kashan, and other cities. It is worth noting that wind towers in Iran historically functioned as modern air conditioners, keeping the intended space cool. They were used on rooftops of houses, in historical structures like qanats, and at the entrances of mines. By channeling air through the wind towers, cool air would enter the ground floor and basement, providing effective ventilation and alleviating heat.

Types of Wind Towers in Iran

Wind towers in Iran are recognized as architectural symbols and are used in Middle Eastern countries. In Iran, wind towers are categorized into three types: Ardakani, Kermani, and Yazdi.

Ardakani Wind Towers in Iran

Ardakani wind towers are simpler and more cost-effective compared to other types and are predominantly found in the Ardakan region.

Kermani Wind Towers in Iran

Most Kermani wind towers are constructed from mud bricks and have a more refined and unique structure compared to Ardakani wind towers. They are typically found in middle and lower-class homes. These wind towers facilitate the expulsion of warm, stagnant air and the introduction of fresh air through their design. Therefore, other wind towers are often built similar to Kermani models.

Yazdi Wind Towers in Iran

Yazdi wind towers are larger than other types and are known for their four-sided or eight-sided designs. They are typically constructed with this distinctive shape.

The history of wind towers dates back approximately 700 years. As temperatures rose, these unique structures naturally introduced cool air into homes without the need for electricity. Wind towers in Iran are four-sided structures designed to capture wind from any direction, providing effective ventilation and reducing indoor temperatures by up to ten degrees. Positioned at the highest point of buildings, these towers show no signs of deterioration and can be easily visited up close.

Wind Towers by Orientation

Single-Sided Wind Towers

The simplest type of wind towers are single-sided. These towers are designed to capture cool winds and pleasant breezes and are generally small. Some single-sided wind towers are built to expel warm air by facing away from strong winds.

Double-Sided Wind Towers

Double-sided wind towers feature two adjacent faces and are characterized by narrow, tall windows. These towers are found in the city of Sirjan. They have wooden supports that extend outward, enhancing their resistance and durability against strong winds.

Three-Sided Wind Towers

Three-sided Wind towers in Iran known as “Shikam-Darideh,” are less common. These towers have three facets, with the larger side oriented toward the wind, allowing for the entry of desirable air from both sides.

Four-Sided Wind Towers

Four-sided Wind towers in Iran typically have internal channels with partitions made from plaster, wood, or brick, divided into several categories. A notable feature of these wind towers is the presence of pools at the bottom of the wind channels. These pools filter dust from the air using cool water, replacing it with clean air. In the absence of pools, qanats were used for this purpose. In the summer, the cool and clean space around the pools was a gathering spot for families.

Multi-Faceted Wind Towers

This type of Wind towers in Iran is observed in some Iranian cities such as Yazd, Kerman, and Bushehr. Multi-faceted wind towers, which are constructed with eight faces, belong to the fifth category of Wind towers in Iran.

Chapi Wind Towers

The Chapi wind tower, classified as the sixth type, features curved tubes in its external structure. This type of wind tower is found only in Sirjan and is known for its unique design and facade, characterized by the use of brick and plaster.

Placement of Wind Towers

Generally, Wind towers in Iran are most commonly found in water reservoirs and houses.

Wind Towers in Water Reservoirs

In water reservoirs, wind towers are positioned to face the appropriate wind direction. These wind towers usually function as both suction and expulsion devices.

Wind Towers in Houses

Wind towers in houses are designed according to the sunlight exposure and are constructed in the summer areas of homes. Most of these wind towers are located on the southern sides of houses and buildings, particularly in Yazd, and are usually tall and four-sided.

How does Wind Towers Work?

Wind towers in Iran operate by harnessing wind. These structures capture the desired wind and direct it into the main rooms of buildings or water reservoirs. In some buildings, such as mosques in desert areas, the wind tower’s opening is typically located above the prayer niche, allowing cool air to enter various sections of the mosque.

In other buildings, air first passes through a stone basin or fountain with cool water before being distributed to other parts of the building and rooms. This stone basin acts as a filter, removing dust from the air and replacing it with clean air, thereby ensuring a pleasant environment in the rooms.

These explanations cover only some of the operational methods of Wind towers in Iran, and there are other methods not mentioned here.

Wind Towers in Iran – Wind Towers in Kashan

Regarding theWind towers in Iran, with limited studies available, it should be noted that out of sixteen buildings examined, only one features a wind tower. This wind tower belongs to the Boroujerdi House, which is listed as a national heritage site. The wind towers of this house are symmetrically and crescent-shaped, located on the roof of the hall and the Kola-Faranghi, showcasing Iranian architectural beauty.

Final Words

Wind towers in Iran are recognized as symbols of Iranian civilization. Although the exact date of the first wind towers in Iran is unknown, their use in the past was widespread and common. Wind towers were constructed in various forms, particularly in central and southern Iran, and remain an important aspect of traditional Iranian architecture.

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