The Yazd Water Museum, renowned for its ancient subterranean aqueducts called qanats, offers a fascinating insight into the ingenuity of Persian water management in the desert over centuries.
Established in 2000 within a historic Qajar-era residence, the Yazd Water Museum highlights the critical role of water in desert regions. At its heart lies a 2,000-year-old qanat, demonstrating how water has sustained Yazd through generations.
The museum is housed in the Kolahduz House, a five-story Qajar-era mansion. Its subterranean third floor allows visitors to explore the intricate water tunnels of two key qanats, including the Zarch Qanat, a UNESCO-listed aqueduct that stretches 75 kilometers and continues to supply water to farmlands and urban centers.
The mansion features:
An octagonal underground room 10 meters below ground, historically used for food storage, kept cool at around 14°C thanks to qanat water flowing through its pool.
Multiple upper floors with rooms and corridors designed for summer respite.
A ground floor with decorated rooms and a kitchen.
A top floor with a water-lifting wheel mechanism and a 150-year-old water pipe.
The museum also exhibits historical tools, artifacts, and illustrations related to qanats and water management, showcasing the skill and innovation of Persian engineers. The qanat system remains a remarkable testament to sustainable water distribution in arid regions.
The museum welcomes visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering a deep dive into Yazd’s rich water history.
For additional historical context and visitor perspectives on the Yazd Water Museum, see this Tehran Times overview.
