SAEDNEWS: Archaeologists have uncovered a sophisticated water network at Alamut Castle, from rock-carved reservoirs to terracotta pipes called “Tanbousheh.” This ingenious system kept water and food flowing even during sieges, highlighting Iran’s ancient hydraulic mastery.
According to the History and Culture section of Saed News, the historic Alamut Fortress—emblematic of resistance, advanced engineering, and Ismaili governance—is now on the threshold of being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This milestone is not only a national honor but also a strategic gateway to introducing Iran’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage to the world.
With its unique defensive architecture and sophisticated water management systems, the fortress stands as a living testament to the engineering brilliance of its era.
Hamideh Choubak, head of the Alamut Cultural Heritage Base, told Fars News Agency that the Alamut fortress complex and its associated fortifications form a unified structure whose historical and cultural significance can only be fully appreciated as an integrated whole.
She explained that Ismaili rulers governed this stronghold for over two centuries, overseeing territories that spanned Iran, Syria, and Yemen. Fortresses like Lambsar and five others acted as defensive shields and gateways, protecting sensitive areas from potential invasions. The networked layout of these fortifications is considered one of the key criteria for their global recognition.
Regarding the fortress’s water engineering, Choubak said, “One of the most remarkable aspects of this architecture is its precise system for storing and distributing water—a network that reflects millennia of Iranian and global water engineering expertise. This intricate system ensured the fortress’s inhabitants could access water and provisions even during prolonged sieges.”
Water collection was managed through a combination of dams, trenches—serving both defensive and irrigation purposes—and massive rock-hewn reservoirs. Inside the fortress, water was transported via terracotta pipes known as tanbusheh. Excess water was channeled through outlets to irrigate surrounding lands, illustrating the Ismaili engineers’ mastery of resource management.
Choubak emphasized, “Beyond their military significance, Alamut’s fortresses are recognized as centers of scientific and cultural achievement due to their advanced defensive engineering and intelligent water management, making them deserving candidates for UNESCO World Heritage status.”
Studies show that the fortress’s water came from an interconnected system of dams, trenches, and large reservoirs carved into the cliffs. The trenches served dual purposes—defense and irrigation. Collected water was transported via tanbusheh pipes into the fortress and stored. Surplus water flowed outward through outlets to sustain agriculture and other needs around the fortress.
Excavations around Alamut revealed workshops containing multiple kilns—some damaged, others well-preserved. Archaeologists also found terracotta pipes, confirming that water was sourced from higher mountain springs.
Qazvin researcher Sayed Zahra Taghavi believes that Alamut’s intricate water supply network and hidden storage vaults for food and water inspired many legends and stories. Archaeological findings largely support these claims.
Choubak added that Alamut, already renowned for its defensive engineering and complex irrigation systems, has now cemented its position as a hub of scientific and architectural achievement in Iranian history—a reputation recognized in historical texts and Western orientalists’ accounts.
She noted that the fortress’s fame extends beyond its strategic location; its architectural grandeur represents the artistry of its era. Texts such as Jahangosha-ye Juvayni also reference it. Alamut’s architecture not only matched contemporary standards in Baghdad, Syria, and Egypt but also harmonized with Seljuk architectural styles, leaving behind valuable artifacts uncovered during excavations.
Choubak expressed hope that the upcoming Alamut Museum would showcase these discoveries in a worthy setting, offering a fuller picture of Alamut’s historical grandeur, and that the fortress could be prepared for a UNESCO celebration next year. She stressed that such cultural and historical treasures deserve a central place in national planning, and support from both authorities and the public is essential to ensure their sustainable future.
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