One of the historical and picturesque cities of Iran in Khuzestan Province is Dezful, which is famous for its ancient architectural fabric and is known as the “Brick City of Iran.” This city houses various tourist attractions, among which is the Qomesh Dezful. If you’d like to learn more about the Qanats of Dezful, stay with us in this article presented by Eligasht.
Book Iran Air flights from London to Tehran and Tehran to London with Eligasht UK:
Introduction to Dezful, the Brick City of Iran
However, it may be better to learn a little about this historical city before diving into the discussion of the Qomesh Dezful. Dezful is a city in Khuzestan Province and serves as the center of Dezful County.
This city is located on the banks of the Dez River and is considered the second-largest city in the province in terms of area and population, and the largest city in northern Khuzestan.
The history of Dezful dates back to the Sasanian era. Previously, it was counted as part of the territories of the Elamite and Achaemenid empires. For this reason, the culture of the people of Dezful can be seen as a combination of the ancient cultures of Khuzestan.
Dezful has a Mediterranean winter and autumn climate, and its ecosystem is very lush from late winter to early spring. This touristic city, with its lowland, foothill, and mountainous nature, attracts many tourists throughout the year. If you are interested in traveling to this city, we recommend reading the article on the attractions of Dezful.
What is a Qanat?
Now that we have become somewhat acquainted with Dezful, it is time to address the main topic of this article, which is getting to know the Qanats of Dezful. But first, we need to understand what a Qanat is.
In response to this question, it should be noted that in the past, finding fresh water was very difficult for the inhabitants of the southern and central cities of Iran. The scarcity of water led them to consider digging qanats to utilize underground water tables.
Qanats are considered one of the innovations of the Iranians for utilizing water, characterized by their complex systems. In their time, they were one of the most unique water supply systems. This system, which has also been utilized in Qomesh Dezful, continues to be fascinating and interesting to people worldwide.
Introduction to the History of Qanats in Dezful
You may want to learn a bit about the history of the qanats of the city of Dezful, also known as Qomesh Dezful. The construction of qanats in Iran has a long history, dating back to the Sasanian period, with an origin of more than two thousand years.
Interestingly, this method of water supply was common in Iran until about sixty years ago, and one of the most important trades in every city was qanat digging. A qanat digger, known as a “moqani,” was someone who would locate the underground water sources and dig channels based on that.
The qanats of Dezful, are associated with the Dez River. It’s important to note that the qanats of Dezful differ from those in central cities of Iran. In central cities like Yazd and Isfahan, qanat workers would dig into the ground to access underground water sources. However, in the qanats of Dezful, the ground was excavated to channel river water through canals toward the city. The qanats were constructed to optimize the use of river water.
The water of the Dez River is sweet and to increase the efficiency of water usage, underground canals were dug within the qanats to properly distribute the water across various neighborhoods in Dezful. Ultimately, the water from the qanats would reach the date palms and agricultural lands of Dezful, where it was used for irrigation.
The water obtained from these underground aquifers would reach the houses of the town’s elite, while part of the water was directed to important urban centers and beneficial buildings, such as mosques and caravanserais. Another portion was used for agricultural lands.
The History of Qomesh Dezful
Regarding the age of Qomesh Dezful, some historians attribute its construction to the Safavid era, while others suggest it dates back to the Sasanian period. However, many experts believe that there have been even older qanats in the city of Dezful.
Unfortunately, these qanats have disappeared due to destruction, construction, and the blockage of pathways in the last century. It is noteworthy that historical books from the 3rd and 4th centuries AH reference the qanats of Dezful, indicating the significant importance of these qanats and Qomesh Dezful.
What is Qomesh?
Before introducing Qomesh Dezful, it’s better to address the question: what is Qomesh? In answer to this question, it should be stated that in Dezful, qanats and underground water tunnels are referred to as “Qomesh,” while in Shushtar, they are called “Softeh,” with their origins dating back to historical periods such as the Sasanian era.
Although the qanats of the city of Dezful, such as Qomesh Dezful, serve the same purpose as water supply pipes, they are, in fact, different. The difference lies in that a qanat collects underground water, while Qomesh utilizes surface water, such as from rivers and streams.
It should also be added that the role of Qomesh and qanats in the city of Dezful has not been limited to just water supply; during the eight years of the Iran-Iraq war, they served as shelters for the people of Dezful, as residents would take refuge in them to stay safe from the rockets of the Ba’ath regime.
The Sources of Qanats and Qomesh in Dezful
You may wonder where the qanats of Dezful and Qomesh Dezful originate. The source of Qomesh Dezful or the qanats of Dezful is the Dez River. Additionally, it should be noted that the type of Qomesh in Dezful differs from other qanats in central Iranian cities.
In central cities of Iran, such as Yazd and Isfahan, qanat diggers would excavate the ground to reach the underground water sources. In contrast, in Dezful’s Qomesh, the land is dug to direct the river water through channels towards the city.
Uses of Water from the Qanats of Dezful
Since the water of the Dez River is sweet, the most significant use of this water has been for agricultural purposes. In fact, the channels of the qanats in Dezful and Qomesh Dezful were appropriately divided across different neighborhoods to maximize the use of this water.
Ultimately, the water from these Qomesh systems reaches the palm groves and agricultural lands of Dezful, being used for the irrigation of farmland.
Introduction to the Qanats of Dezful
As mentioned earlier, the city of Dezful has had many qanats. Among the qanats of the city, we should mention Qomesh ChoghaBafan, Qomesh Ameli, Qomesh Jeihoun, Qomesh Sarkandeh, Qomesh Aghamir, and Qomesh Boala. Today, the only Qomesh that is accessible for visits is Qomesh ChoghaBafan.
Introduction to Qomesh Dezful, Qomesh Choghabafan, or Qomesh Mo’menan
As mentioned, the only Qomesh in Dezful that is open to visitors is Qomesh Choghabafan, which is also referred to as Qomesh Mo’menan. There are two reasons cited for the naming of Choghabafan for this qanat.
One reason is that there is a mosque near this qanat that was hit by a missile during the imposed war, resulting in the martyrdom of some individuals. The caretaker of this mosque was a man named Sadeq Qoli Choghabafan, and his name has currently been given to this qanat.
Another narrative states that the name is attributed to the presence of weaving workshops for Chogha (a type of textile) that existed around the qanat. Currently, this qanat is also known by the names Qomesh Choghabafan or Ababafaan, Sarbatagh Choghabafan, and Qanat Mo’menan.
Familiarity with the Architecture of Qomesh Dezful, the Rainbow Qanat
If you want to get acquainted with the architecture of Qomesh Dezful, this qanat in the city of Dezful, you should know that to see it, you need to pass through the entrance referred to as “Sarbatagh.”
In the local dialect of Dezful, the path leading to the water is called Sarbatagh, the entrance of which is at ground level and then slants down at a 45-degree angle with steps leading deep into the ground and to the water of the qanat.
After passing through the Sarbatagh and making your way down 74 steps, you will reach Qomesh Choghabafan and witness a breathtaking space that shines among a rainbow of colors, renewing your spirit with its cool and pleasant air.
A Bit More about Qomesh Choghabafan
This qanat in the city of Dezful is one of the main qanats in the region, with a depth of more than 50 meters from the surface and a length of 8,100 meters to the Dez River. So far, 300 meters of it have been excavated and opened for tourist visits.
Interestingly, this qanat has historically provided drinking water and irrigation for 1,200 hectares of agricultural land in the region for the past 400 years.
Statues of Pot-Bearers in Qomesh Dezful
One of the attractions of Qomesh Dezful or Qomesh Mo’menan is the presence of statues of men and women holding pots scattered throughout this qanat. These statues transport you to the ancient Dezful, making you feel as if you are part of a cinematic experience.
Moreover, old objects such as bowls, plates, lamps, and pots can be found in various parts of this qanat, which the locals have gifted to contribute, even if only minimally, to preserving the heritage of their ancestors.
Where is the Qomesh Dezful?
To reach the Qomesh Dezful, when you arrive in Dezful, you need to go to Taleghani Street to see the Qomesh of Choghabaafan. This Qomesh is located behind the Seyyed Mahmoud shrine and next to the Imam Reza Mosque. Next to the mosque in this neighborhood, you will find a traditional wooden door that serves as the entrance to the Qomesh.
Final words
In this article from Eligasht, we discussed the qanats of Dezful and introduced the most important Qomesh in Dezful, which is the only qanat open for visitation in this city; namely, the Qomesh of Choghabaafan. We talked about the unique features of this qanat and its role in the city’s water supply system. If you plan to travel to Dezful, do not miss visiting this historical qanat.
Related post :
- The Sib Castle in Sistan and Baluchestan, the tallest adobe building in Iran
- Shevi Waterfall: a lost paradise in the heart of Zagros
- The Hermitage Museum, the Largest Museum in the World in Russia
FAQ
What are the qanats of Dezful?
Among the qanats of Dezful, we should mention the Qomesh of Choghabaafan, Qomesh of Ameli, Qomesh of Jeihoun, Qomesh of Sarkandeh, Qomesh of Aghamir, and Qomesh of Bouala.
Which Qomesh in Dezful is open for visitation?
The Qomesh of Choghabaafan or Qomesh of Mo’menan is currently the only Qomesh in Dezful that is open for visitation.
Where is the Qomesh in Dezful?
This Qomesh is located in Dezful, Talaghani Street, behind the Seyyed Mahmoud shrine, and next to the Imam Reza Mosque.
Why is it called the Qomesh of Choghabaafan in Dezful?
The name of this Qomesh is attributed to the nearby mosque, the name of its trustee, and the presence of weaving workshops that used to exist around it.
What historical period does the Qomesh in Dezful date back to?
The age of this qanat is attributed to the Sassanid era.