The Shushtar watermills are a collection of water structures located on the Dez River, which were historically used as dams and mills. Today, this site serves as one of the tourist attractions in Shushtar. Stay with Saad News to learn more about this historical monument.
The historical watermills of Shushtar were built around 1700 years ago during the Sassanid era, coinciding with the early construction of the city of Shushtar. These water structures have been described by French archaeologist Roman Ghirshman as one of the oldest irrigation systems in the world. The number of these mills ranged from 50 to 60, with some located beneath the old bridge, others beneath the new bridge, and some in the "Ali Kalleh" area of Shushtar. Although these mills are located in three parts of the Dez River, some date back to the Safavid and Qajar periods, during which time they contributed significantly to the economy of Shushtar.
Over time, some of these mills were destroyed due to river flooding and their position along the coastal road, leaving only around 20 of them today.The Shushtar watermills were registered as a national heritage site in 2001, and due to their historical significance, studies on these structures and other ancient waterworks in Shushtar have begun with the aim of registering them as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The first watermills on the Dez River were constructed during the Sassanid era, about 1700 years ago, to grind wheat. They continued to operate during the Qajar and Pahlavi periods and played an important role in boosting the economy of Shushtar. Some of these watermills, which are located in three parts of the river, date back to the Safavid and Qajar periods.
The number of mills ranged from 50 to 60, with some situated beneath the old bridge, others beneath the new bridge, and some in the Ali Kalleh area. However, due to flooding and rising water levels, some have been destroyed, leaving only about 20 mills today.
Shushtar's watermills were registered as a historical monument in Iran's National Heritage List in 2001. In 2011, when the Shushtar water structures were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they were reopened to the public.
Roman Ghirshman referred to this system as the oldest irrigation system in the world, with its origins dating back approximately 1400 to 1500 years ago. In the middle of the river, on one of the mill's openings, there are massive arches resembling the ivans of the Sassanid era, which, based on the interest of the Sassanid kings, may have served as ceremonial spaces in the past. These structures were originally part of a dam system that was later adapted into mills with minor modifications.
The Shushtar water structures are iconic symbols of the Sassanid era that have retained their functionality to this day. Well-developed landscaping has been done around them, and a teahouse has been established near the structures. Due to the operation of one of the watermills, the area has earned the nickname "Water Museum," which has attracted many tourists.
Located along the river, near the coastal road, Ra'na Park, and the old bridge of Shushtar, this area has become one of the city's main tourist attractions. If you're interested in seeing these watermills, you can purchase tickets through a reputable site like Mr. Bilit.
The mills are built from sarooj mortar, bricks, and pebbles. The mills' foundations are made of a mixture of gypsum, ash, and brick in three successive rows. In the past, the mills were positioned like a dam to direct water to the desired location. This advanced Sassanid system allowed the river's water flow to be cut off.
The stones inside the mills are fixed at the lower part, and the mill's wheel moves according to the force of the river's water. Each mill had five workers, each responsible for a specific task.
In the past, when the river's water level decreased, people used stone-filled wicker baskets, stacked on top of each other, to create a diversion dam that raised the water level.
The mills were built like boats to regulate the water pressure. The Shushtar watermills had private owners, known as "Abyaban Looyeh."
When preparing for a trip, you might consider the attractions of the region. Many people are interested in historical sites, so they can visit the Shushtar watermills without any entrance fees, and they can visit the area at any time.
Many people use personal cars while traveling, so when heading to Shushtar, you need to find the Dez River area where the watermills are located. Others might use buses for their travels.
This article aimed to introduce you to the 1700-year-old water structures of Shushtar. If you have more information, please feel free to share it in the comments section.
