GHANAT TRANSITIONS, TECHNOLOGY AND CIVILIZATION FROM PAST UP TO NOW

Iranian plateau is a vast desert and annual rainfall in most parts of Iran, except for northwest regions and southern border of Caspian Sea, is about 15 to 25mm. Therefore, Iran is a barren country considering agricultural activities in compare to other parts of the world. Iranians have invented an interesting technique to overcome drought; this technique can transfer water from high lands and mountains to low-altitude areas and deserts. Documents show that Iranians have created Ghanat system and it can be said that lead miners were the first to use this system in northwest of Iran. In addition to supply the drinking and agricultural water, Ghanat can provide a good atmosphere for good correlation and social cooperation to improve the culture and to establish the society. Two fifth of water used in east of Iran is supplied by Ghanats which are located in this part. Lack of water in these areas and making use of Ghanat has caused maximum utilization of water and traditional collective agriculture. This is why irrigation systems in eastern parts are better than those in western parts and their traditional products are much more than those of western areas. Ghanat is a civilization and a culture; it exists in Iran culture and is integral part of it.

GHANAT TRANSITIONS, TECHNOLOGY AND CIVILIZATION FROM PAST UP TO NOW Keywords:

irrigation , Ghanat , watering , well , spring , pond , desert