Terenah, Ancient aqueduct and archaeological site in Kukherd District, Iran
Terenah is an ancient water management system in Kukherd District featuring vertical shafts connected by sloping underground tunnels. The network transports water from subsurface sources to the surface using gravity alone.
The system was built during the Sassanid period and demonstrates advanced engineering knowledge for water transport across the Iranian landscape. These construction methods allowed communities to reliably deliver water over considerable distances.
The water supply shaped where people chose to build their homes and form communities. Access to fresh water from this system became inseparable from the social fabric of the region.
The system operates without mechanical pumps, relying entirely on natural gravity, which keeps it maintainable today. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and exercise caution, as access to underground sections may be restricted or difficult.
The upper sections produce water at cooler temperatures, which inspired the design of underground cooling rooms in traditional Iranian houses. This natural cooling was a clever adaptation to the region's hot climate.
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