Ancient Iran, the Origin Land of Wind Catcher in the World

Abstract

In this study, wind catcher originality has been investigated and their ancient kinds in Iran were characterized. Iranian vernacular architecture is full of creativity and innovation which indicate the intelligence and ability. Unbearable heat, especially in the central plateau of Iran, is one of the factors which sometimes can be unbearable and create serious threats for most of the individuals' life in the absence of necessary arrangements. Wind catcher is an engineering architectural masterpiece of earth to deal with this unbearable heat. Wind catcher is among the manifestations and symbols of Persian civilization. It is not exactly obvious that in which city the first wind catcher is built, but medieval travel writers have frequently talked about desert wind catchers in Yazd. History and background of using the wind catcher is unknown due to its position at the highest level of structure and because is the first place at the risk of damage. The wind catcher, belonged to the eighth century AH is the oldest wind catcher which has kept safe from the harmful events in Iran. Architects and designers of this architectural element have applied this element in their designs with understanding the principles of thermodynamics, aerodynamics, heat transfer, material strength and thermal human comfort. However, the historical evidence certainly indicates the use of wind catcher in Iran before the Arabs and the Persian Gulf area. This study seeks to answer the questions such as the identity and origin of wind catcher, the construction technology and its types, as well as proving the Iranian identity of wind catcher and providing the appropriate and scientific responses for the researchers such as Hassan Fathy (famous Egyptian architect) and Abdel Moneim EL Shorbagy (UAE researcher), each of whom have attributed the background of wind catcher to the locations except Iran, by the study of available historical resources and exploring the history of wind catcher in Iran.