On the windswept plains of northeastern Iran, near the Afghan border, lies the village of Nashtifan, home to some of the oldest windmills in the world. Locally known as Asbad, these remarkable structures have stood for centuries, harnessing the powerful “120-day winds” of Sistan to grind grain and sustain local communities. Today, the Nashtifan windmills represent not only a living piece of history but also a testament to early sustainable architecture and human ingenuity.
The exact origins of the Nashtifan windmills remain debated. Some historians trace their construction back to as early as 1700 BC, while others attribute them to the Safavid period (16th–17th century). What is clear is that the windmills have been continuously repaired and rebuilt over the centuries due to the fragile nature of their materials—mud, clay, straw, and wood.
Historical sources suggest that the first vertical-axis windmills may have originated in Sistan, where strong and continuous winds provided ideal conditions. According to the historian Robert Forbes, these Iranian windmills spread across the Islamic world by the 12th century and eventually reached China, Egypt, Spain, and Portugal, influencing global technology.
In 2002, the Nashtifan windmills were inscribed on Iran’s National Heritage List and are currently on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for their outstanding cultural and technological value.
The Nashtifan Asbads are vertical-axis windmills, built primarily of mud-brick, clay, and wooden blades. Their unique horizontal design allows them to capture the region’s fierce winds without obstruction.
Two-story structure: The upper level houses the wooden blades and mechanism, while the lower level contains the millstones for grinding grain.
Clustered layout: Over 40 windmills stand side by side on elevated ground, maximizing wind exposure and providing a defensive barrier against sandstorms.
Local materials: All construction materials were sourced locally, emphasizing the windmills’ ecological sustainability.
This ingenious design demonstrates how Iranian architects turned an environmental challenge—relentless winds—into a valuable opportunity to support community life.
The Asbads harness the 120-day winds of Sistan, which can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. The wind passes through large openings, rotating wooden sails connected to vertical shafts. These, in turn, drive heavy millstones to grind wheat and other grains into flour, ensuring the community’s food supply.
During seasons with weaker winds, the locals cleverly used river water to operate the mills, showing remarkable adaptability in their use of natural resources.
The Nashtifan windmills are not merely machines—they are living heritage. They embody:
Sustainable architecture: Designed in harmony with natural forces.
Local innovation: Entirely built and maintained with regional resources and labor.
Historical influence: The birthplace of vertical-axis windmills, later adapted worldwide.
This combination of ecological adaptation, cultural identity, and technological innovation gives the Asbads their Outstanding Universal Value, supporting their candidacy for full UNESCO World Heritage recognition.
Located about 30 miles from the Afghan border in Razavi Khorasan Province, Nashtifan is accessible from the city of Khaf. Visitors can explore the ancient windmills, learn about traditional milling techniques, and witness a rare example of living industrial heritage still functioning today.
For more information, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Centre entry for the Asbads of Iran, as well as the National Geographic article featuring the Nashtifan windmills.
