Located in Nashtifan, a small town in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province, the ancient vertical-axis windmills are a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship from over a millennium ago. Built in a region renowned for its fierce winds, these windmills are not just functional tools but also cultural and historical symbols of the area.
Nashtifan’s Unique Setting
Nashtifan, whose name means “storm’s sting,” experiences wind speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph). These powerful winds have shaped the geography and deeply influenced the lifestyle and work of the local population. On the town’s southern outskirts stands a 20-meter-high (65-foot) earthen wall that shields residents from the wind’s intensity. It is here that about 30 unique windmills were constructed, perfectly harnessing nature’s power to grind grain into flour for bread.
Distinctive Design and Operation
Unlike the horizontal-axis windmills commonly found in Europe, the Nashtifan windmills feature a vertical-axis design. Each windmill’s rotor consists of six wooden blades, approximately 5 meters (16 feet) tall, connected to a vertical shaft that leads to a clay grinding chamber. When the wind blows, the rotor spins, driving the grinding stones inside to crush grains into flour.
Although only one side of the rotor catches the wind due to its rotational direction, the region’s strong winds compensate for this limitation. The system can produce up to 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of flour daily without constant supervision, thanks to its ability to regulate grain flow using wind pressure.
Materials and Remarkable Durability
The windmills are made entirely of clay, straw, and wood—natural materials that have proven incredibly durable. Despite being over 1,000 years old, many of these windmills remain functional, showcasing the advanced construction techniques of ancient Persian engineers.
Cultural Heritage and Modern Challenges
Today, the windmills are still in use, although most have been replaced by modern technology. In 2002, the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization designated the windmills as a national heritage site, emphasizing their historical and cultural significance.
However, the windmills face numerous challenges, including the impacts of climate change, which has reduced wind speeds, and the pressing need for preservation. Ali Muhammed Etebari, the caretaker of the windmills, diligently tends to them without compensation, driven solely by a desire to protect this heritage from decay.
From Past to Present: A Timeless Symbol
The Nashtifan windmills are not merely engineering tools but enduring symbols of human adaptability and creativity. They tell the story of ancient Persians who ingeniously harnessed the boundless energy of the wind, paving the way for future technological innovations.
Today, these windmills continue to inspire and attract visitors, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
