Home Tourism Watermills of Shushtar: the oldest engineering structure in the world

Watermills of Shushtar: the oldest engineering structure in the world

by Alireza Bahrekhazan
11 minutes read
The watermills of Shushtar

The watermills of Shushtar are remarkable historical and unique buildings in Iran. These structures, each representing distinct architectural styles over various periods, are located in Shushtar, Khuzestan province. This place is well-known for its stunning waterfall and impressive water structures, attracting tons of tourists each year. In this article from Eligasht, we take a closer look at this magnificent site—join us on this journey.

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Know more about Watermills of Shushtar

Historians suggest that Shushtar was built after the destruction of the nearby city of Shush, with its name meaning “better city.” Interestingly, Shush was the capital of Khuzestan province until the early Pahlavi era. Shushtar’s water structures include a collection of bridges, waterfalls, canals, large water conduits, mills, and dams, all interconnected. This historical complex was established during the Achaemenid era and utilized during the Sasanian period to improve water management. These structures allowed the water from the Karun River to reach all areas of Shushtar and other cities, serving not only industrial purposes but also providing drinking water for the city.Originally designed to maximize water usage, only a portion of this beautiful complex remains today. Watermills of Shushtar stand out as one of the largest industrial complexes before the Industrial Revolution, making it a unique gem not just in Iran but globally, and it’s proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The watermills of Shushtar

Importance of The watermills

The significance of these structures is heightened when we learn that a renowned archaeologist has deemed them the largest industrial complex before the Industrial Revolution. Engineers living during the Sasanian era operated industrial mills powered by water. In total, there were 40 mills in the area, used for wheat production. Most of these mills have been lost over the years, and today only the Rezagolab Mill remains active after restoration.

The watermills of Shushtar

Main Sections of the Complex

The buildings in this area are divided into three main sections:

 

  • Eastern Area: This section contains about 10 mills, including the mills of the Two Brothers, Darab Khan, Haj Mandal, Rateq, and the city entrance. Each of these mills has two grinding stones, with water supplied from both the city entrance tunnel and the Beliti tunnel.

 

  • Western Area: This section has 21 mills, with water sourced from the Three Furnace tunnel. The mills here are classified as either sloped or vertical.

 

  • Northern Area: The structures in this area are relatively newer. This section includes the Khodai Mill, Razagolab Mill, Rezwan Mills, power plant facilities, and a pump house. The water for the mills comes from the Three Furnace tunnel, while the power plant water is sourced from the city entrance tunnel.

 

  • Southern area: Here, you’ll find stunning waterfalls cascading over rocks for centuries, along with 200 steps. What’s fascinating about these stairs is their ancient history and the structures surrounding them. This staircase connects the waterfalls to the nearby residential area, featuring rooms along the way. Herodotus climbed these stairs and wrote about them 2,500 years ago.

The watermills of Shushtar

Different sections of Shushtar watermills

Some sections of the Shushtar water structures include:

 

Bridges in the Area

There are two bridges at the mill site. One is the “Band-e Gorgor” bridge, dating back to the Sasanian period. The second is the “Do Polun” bridge, a structure from the Achaemenid era, serving as a connection to the western area.

 

Entrances

The entrances are crucial parts of this complex, providing access to the site. The collection of mills is situated at a lower level than other areas, and can only be reached by stairs.

 

Salasel Castle

The oldest section of Shushtar’s waterworks is Salasel Castle. When you see it, its purpose becomes pretty clear. This fortress was once a military stronghold, built to defend the city.

Another role of the castle was to manage the flow of the Darion River. It had various components, including the main hall, a tower, a bell tower, soldiers’ quarters, a surrounding wall, a courtyard, and a moat. Sadly, not much of the castle remains today; only the tunnels of the Darion creek and a few underground chambers are left.

 

Sabaat

Sabaats are passageways characterized by archways and decorative brickwork. In the waterfall area, there are two existing sabaats. One is the entrance sabaat, known as the Sabaat-e Zabetun, and the other is located on the western side of the area, within the m

ill complex. Visitors who went to the mills used this sabaat as a resting place, but it was lost during the destruction of the mills.

 

Darion Creek Dam

The Karun River flows through the last mountain pass near Dokhtar Castle, a section known as the girl’s section. The Dokhtar Dam at Darion Creek gets its name from Dokhtar Castle. Some archaeologists think this area was linked to Anahita, the goddess of water and fertility, which is why it’s referred to as the girl’s band.

The watermills of Shushtar

Kolah Farangi Tower

Before the Mizan dam was constructed, there was a tower known as Kolah Farangi within Shushtar’s water system. This octagonal tower stands on 4-meter-long foundations and features intricate stone carvings, though only 7 meters of it are still standing.

The exact reason for its construction is still a mystery, but some speculate it was where Sassanid Shapur oversaw Roman soldiers and laborers. You can catch a good view of Kolah Farangi Tower from 17 Shahrivar Square.

 

Mizan Dam

The dam is a crucial element of Shushtar’s waterworks. It has multiple outlets that split the river’s flow into two channels, Shatit and Gorgor. Essentially, if the water level in the shower exceeds one-third, the extra water is redirected to Gorgor, and it can do the reverse as well. It’s a remarkable piece of engineering.

Since the dam evenly divides the water, it’s referred to as the Mizan dam. It also goes by other names like Qaiser, Shapuri, Dolatshah, Taraz, Khaqan, and Mohammad Ali Shah. The structure is made from stone and Saroj and is located at the base of the Kolah Farangi tower.

It would be ten. The Sharabdar Dam is nestled between two other significant structures, Lashkar Dam and Khoda Afarin Dam.

 

The Gorgor River

The Gorgor River, situated to the north of Shushtar, serves as a tributary to the Karun River, which is separated from it by the Mizan Dam. The river traverses the city, supplying essential water for various canals and tunnels. Subsequently, Gorgor merges with the Shatit branch at the Qir Dam, which then flows into the Karun River alongside the Dez River. This river was constructed under the directive of Ardeshir, a king of the Sassanid dynasty. Its bed is lined with paving and secured with metal fasteners to prevent deepening.

 

Gorgor Bridge

The Gorgor Bridge designed to maintain a specific water level, was constructed on solid rock, with the tunnels excavated within the rock itself to provide the necessary water for operating the mill wheel. Even today, despite the mills being non-operational, water continues to cascade from the tunnels, creating a waterfall effect.

 

Sika

the watermills of Shushtar were essentially a collection of dams and mills. This area was known as Sika, which housed 32 mills that harnessed water power to operate. Sika was also a spot for leisure and was designed with a roofed area for relaxation.

In the Sika wall, there’s a striking water fountain that stands out architecturally. The river flows into an octagonal pond, creating a captivating environment.

The watermills of Shushtar

When to Visit the Watermills of Shushtar

The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to April, allowing you to fully appreciate the serene beauty and the historical significance of these ancient watermills while enjoying the vibrant local culture.

The watermills of Shushtar

Access route to Watermills of Shushtar

To get there, begin your journey in the city of Ahvaz, which is the closest major city and well-connected by air and road. From Ahvaz, you can hire a taxi or take a bus towards Shushtar, which is approximately 95 kilometers away and offers a scenic drive through the lush landscapes of the region. Once in Shushtar, follow the signs to the historical district where the watermills are located, exploring a network of canals, bridges, and waterfalls that reflect the ingenuity of Persian engineering.

 

Final words

The watermills of Shushtar are a brilliant example of how ancient civilizations combined creativity and engineering skills, working in sync with nature. These impressive structures were essential for irrigation and farming, and they significantly influenced the local economy and community life. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the watermills still draw in visitors with their stunning designs and the soothing sounds of flowing water. As we think about their historical importance and the sustainable methods they represent, it’s important to value these wonders not just for what they did in the past but also for the insights they provide on modern water management and environmental care. The lasting impact of Shushtar’s watermills serves as a reminder of the careful balance we need to strike with our natural resources, encouraging us to protect and cherish these incredible sites for future generations.

FAQ

What is the Watermill of Shushtar?

The Watermill of Shushtar is an ancient complex located in Shushtar, Iran, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of a series of watermills, canals, and tunnels dating back to the Sassanid era, showcasing advanced engineering and hydraulic systems.

How were the watermills of Shushtar powered?

The watermills of Shushtar were powered by the natural flow of the Karun River. Water diverted from the river through a system of canals and tunnels provided the necessary force to turn the millstones and operate various industrial processes in the complex.

What was the purpose of the Watermill of Shushtar?

The Watermill of Shushtar served multiple purposes, including grinding grain, pressing oil from seeds, and other industrial activities. It was a vital center for agricultural and economic activities in the region, contributing to the prosperity of Shushtar and its people.

How was water managed in the Watermill of Shushtar?

Water management in the Watermill of Shushtar was achieved through an intricate system of canals, dams, and gates that regulated the flow of water to different parts of the complex. This system allowed for efficient use of water resources and controlled distribution for various operational needs.

Is the Watermill of Shushtar open to visitors?

Yes, the Watermill of Shushtar is open to visitors who can explore the ancient site, learn about its history and engineering marvels, and appreciate the ingenuity of the Sassanid engineers. Guided tours are available to provide insights into the functioning and significance of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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