Nestled within the desert landscape of Nain, the Rigareh Underground Water Mill stands as a remarkable testament to ancient Persian engineering. Powered by the steady flow of a qanat, this subterranean mill showcases one of Iran’s most impressive examples of traditional water-management technology.
The origins of this exceptional underground water mill date back to the centuries before the Arab invasion. Functioning entirely on qanat water, the mill relied on an intricate network of hand-carved tunnels beneath the harsh deserts of Nain. These qanats—crafted with remarkable accuracy—reflect the advanced understanding early Persian engineers had of hydraulic systems and sustainable water usage in arid climates.
The Rigareh Underground Water Mill is considered one of the most unique historical sites in Nain due to its rare architectural form, strategic placement, and engineering purpose. Constructing such a mill required specific environmental factors, including:
Proper distance from qanat tunnels
A naturally sloped terrain
Durable soil composition
Long-term structural stability
Located more than 28 meters below ground, the mill is accessible through a 133-meter hand-dug corridor, built entirely without modern or ancient construction materials. The system is powered by the Keykhosrow Qanat, where water gathers until enough pressure is created to rotate a wooden turbine. Once the turbine moves, the water exits through a channel and merges again with the main qanat.
Inside the underground chambers, specialized rooms were dedicated to the grinding of wheat, providing a steady supply of flour to nearby villages and cities. This traditional milling technique remained in use for centuries, until the introduction of electricity and modern technologies rendered it obsolete.
Today, Rigareh remains the only accessible qanat-powered water mill in Iran, allowing visitors to walk through narrow underground tunnels and witness the impressive engineering behind its ancient water channels.
Although the site does not follow strict visiting hours, exploring the mill during daylight is highly recommended. Touring the structure with a local expert guide enhances the experience, providing valuable insights into the history, construction, and cultural importance of the Rigareh Underground Water Mill in Nain.
For additional travel details about Nain and its historical attractions, you may refer to the related page on Wikivoyage.
