Persian Qanat, Ancient water management system in Isfahan Province, Iran.
The Persian Qanat is an underground water system of tunnels and vertical shafts stretching for many kilometers, transporting groundwater by natural gravity flow to villages and farmland. The network is designed so water constantly moves from deeper wells to the surface without needing pumps.
The qanat system was developed by Persian engineers more than 2000 years ago and later spread as a solution for water supply in dry landscapes. Its construction technique influenced similar systems in many parts of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The qanat system was essential for building villages in dry regions, as it brought water from deep underground to the surface and helped people settle in harsh environments.
Most of these systems are located in remote areas or below modern cities, so they are not always easy to access or see. Some can be visited on guided tours, but many are only visible from above through their air shafts.
Specialized workers called muqannis buried themselves in these tunnels during construction, relying only on hand tools to create long piping systems. This traditional knowledge was passed down through generations and remains practiced in some areas today.
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