The underground river of the Persians (ancient Iran)

Introduction

Persian underground tunnel

 

The Persian Empire played an important role in drawing the map of the countries of the East and the West in ancient times, as it seized many lands around it, and entered into conflicts and wars with the countries neighboring it, and many different and diverse peoples were subjected to its dominance. It was inevitable for it to seek to provide food for those peoples and its people first and to achieve prosperity for them, so it was interested in agriculture and what followed from that of interest in irrigation projects.

The ancient Persian civilization was renowned for its significant advances in engineering and agriculture, particularly in light of the geographical challenges it faced, including water scarcity in many regions. One of the most notable innovations the Persians used to overcome this problem was the underground river, also known as the Qanat (canal), a unique system for bringing groundwater from the earth's interior to the surface for use in irrigation and drinking.

The concept of underground river (canal)

An underground river, or karez, is an artificial waterway dug below the ground to transport water from its underground source (often from mountains or distant springs) to agricultural or residential areas. This is accomplished by means of a long inclined tunnel, or a network of inclined underground tunnels supported by vertical shafts known as "stem wells," which allow access to the tunnel for inspection and maintenance. Using only gravity, it provides water to the arid regions of Persia. This technology is crucial for providing water for agriculture and drinking in desert and mountainous regions.

Origin and development of the idea

The Persians are believed to have been the first to develop this system around the 7th century BC, in regions such as Persia and Khorasan. Over time, the canal system spread to other civilizations, such as the Romans and Arabs, and even reached North Africa and Spain.

The importance of the underground river to the Persians

Providing water in arid areas:

Canals enabled the Persians to cultivate dry lands and turn them into green oases.

Continuity and sustainability:

The system did not rely on pumps or external power sources, but rather on gravity alone, making it sustainable in the long term.

Water conservation:

The canals kept the water from evaporating, unlike surface rivers.

Transporting water over long distances:

The Persians were able to transport water from the mountains to cities and villages dozens of kilometers away through underground canals.

Mechanism of action:

The tunnels are dug at an angle through layers of soil and rock, reaching the groundwater level. The water then flows through the tunnels to the ground surface and exits through wells or designated openings. 

Importance:

Kahariz contributed to the development of civilizations in Persia by providing irrigation water for crops, drinking water for communities, and supporting life in arid desert areas. 

distribution:

 Karez is widespread in various regions of Iran, especially in desert and mountainous areas, where it is a vital source of water.

Historical importance:

The use of karez dates back thousands of years, and it played an important role in the development of agriculture and urban life in ancient Persia.

The legacy of the Persian system

Some ancient Persian qanats still operate today, especially in Iran, and are considered part of the world heritage. UNESCO listed some of these qanats as World Heritage Sites in 2016.

Fin channel in Kashan:

It is believed to be the oldest aqueduct in Iran, serving the Tappe Sialk area.

Niavaran Canal in Tehran:

  The Kahariz in the Gonabad region:

It is considered one of the longest and most complex kahariz in Iran.

conclusion

The Persian underground river provides a remarkable example of human ingenuity in adapting to the environment and harnessing it to serve its needs. It is a testament to the ability of ancient civilizations to devise engineering solutions that continue to inspire the world today.