TEHRAN – All the wind towers in Laft have been lit up for the sake of tourism in the ancient port city, which is situated on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf.

“There are 99 wind catchers in the port city of Laft, none of which resemble each other; each has its own unique geometry and decorations,” Mehr quoted the port city’s mayor as saying on Wednesday.

“Our team of experts has illuminated all wind catchers to display their significant historical beauty even during the night,” Mohammad Atashinmah said.

Wind towers, also known as wind catchers or “badgirs” in Persian, are traditional architectural elements found predominantly in Iran. These towers have been ingeniously designed to capture and channel natural breezes to cool and ventilate buildings, particularly in hot and arid climates.

The official said the wind catchers were illuminated after years of dormancy, adding: “Laft is often referred to as the port of wind catchers.”

“Laft’s wind catchers are considered among the symbols of Iranian civilization when it comes to the architecture of warm and humid regions.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Atashinmah said there is a vantage point in Laft where people, enthusiasts, and tourists can gather to simultaneously view the 99 wind catchers aligned on the horizon, creating a delightful experience.

Wind towers have been an integral part of Iranian architecture for centuries. They typically consist of tall, chimney-like structures positioned on the roofs of buildings. Their design includes multiple openings or vents positioned to capture prevailing winds at different angles and direct them down into the living spaces below.

The captured wind passes through a series of ducts or shafts within the building, creating a natural cooling effect through evaporative cooling and ventilation. This ingenious passive cooling system helps to regulate indoor temperatures, providing comfort during the scorching heat of Iranian summers.

In addition to their functional aspects, wind towers also hold cultural and architectural significance, reflecting the creativity and understanding of natural elements by ancient Iranian builders. Their presence in traditional Iranian architecture showcases an environmentally sustainable approach to cooling and ventilation that remains relevant even in modern times.

AFM