Yazd, a city located in central Iran, is known for its unique architecture and water management systems. The city’s traditional water management systems, including the underground aqueducts known as qanats, have been used for centuries to bring water from the nearby mountains to the city. One of the best places to learn about these systems is the Water Museum, which is housed in an old mansion called Khaneh Kolahduz.

 

The Water Museum

The Water Museum is a fascinating attraction that provides a glimpse into the traditional water management systems of Yazd. The museum is located in the historic Fahadan neighborhood of Yazd, which is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture and winding alleys. The museum has three main sections, each of which showcases a different aspect of the traditional water management system in Yazd.

The Qanat Section

The first section of the museum is dedicated to the qanats. Here, visitors can see a model of a qanat, which shows how water was transported from the mountains to the city. There are also displays of the tools that were used to build the qanats, as well as photographs that illustrate the construction process.

The Water Distribution System Section

The second section of the museum is dedicated to the water distribution system. Here, visitors can see how the water from the qanats was distributed throughout the city using a network of underground channels. There are also displays of the different types of water tanks that were used to store and distribute the water.

The Traditional Bath Section

The third section of the museum is dedicated to the traditional bathhouses, which were an important part of the water management system in Yazd. Here, visitors can see a traditional bathhouse, complete with the different rooms and facilities that were used for bathing.

Exploring Khaneh Kolahduz

Khaneh Kolahduz, the historic mansion that houses the Water Museum, was built during the Qajar era by a wealthy merchant named Kolahduz. The mansion has a traditional Persian architectural style, with a central courtyard and several rooms surrounding it. The rooms are decorated with intricate tilework and plasterwork, which are characteristic of Persian architecture. The mansion also has several windcatchers, which are traditional Persian structures used for natural ventilation and cooling.

After the Kolahduz family, the mansion was owned by several other families before it was eventually purchased by the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization. The organization restored the mansion and converted it into the Water Museum, which opened to the public in 2000.

Today, visitors to the Water Museum can explore the historic rooms of Khaneh Kolahduz and learn about the traditional water management systems that have been used in Yazd for centuries. The museum is a popular attraction in Yazd and provides a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the city.

Take part in our guided tours to the Yazd Water Museum, providing you a nice visit with a deeper understanding of this old mansion’s history and architecture and water management systems in the middle of a desert.

Last word

The Water Museum in Yazd, housed in the historic Khaneh Kolahduz mansion, is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history and engineering marvels of traditional Persian architecture. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the traditional water management systems of Yazd and learn about the cultural significance of these systems to the people of the city.

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