Iran is seeking the inclusion of ancient windmills present in its territory in UNESCO World List that includes landmarks and areas of outstanding value to humanity, selected for their cultural, historical, or scientific significance, sites which are judged to have universal value and must meet at least one of ten criteria set by UNESCO.
Known as “asbads” these Iranian vertical windmills, may receive this UNESCO World heritage status according to information reported by Teheran Times, the most important daily newspaper in the country founded in 1979.
The asbad, a type of vertical axis windmill is known for their innovative design and use of local materials like mud - brick, clay and durable wood to grind grains and pump water, especially in regions with consistent 120 - day winds.
These ancient structures, which housed millstones on the ground floor and sails on the first, are among the oldest windmills in the world, technology historians suggest the invention of the asbad was an Iranian innovation, with references to windmills in Persia dating back to the 7th century CE, and they have been preserved through community respect and historical recognition, with some being added to Iran’s national cultural heritage list.
Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran, Ali Darabi, called on local authorities to assist in the prompt completion of the nomination application stating that these windmills are a significant cultural asset.
South Khorasan, a province located in the eastern part of the country holds the majority of them. In this land 310 asbads are preserved, which is 79% of the total number in Iran, with some sites such as the Nashtifan Windmill Complex, being of interest to world heritage conservation.
In October, one of these asbads is scheduled to be launched for grinding wheat to demonstrate the uniqueness of this ancient technology to UNESCO Experts.
UNESCO recognition will not only confirm the relevanrt value of asbads, but may also contribute the development of tourism in this area and in the country and the protection of these emblematic monuments.
Link
https://tvbrics.com/en/news/iran-seeks-inclusion-of-ancient-windmills-in-unesco-world-heritage-list/
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