See the 1,000-Year-Old Windmills Still in Use Today | National Geographic

There are ancient windmills in Nashtifan Village, which is located in the northeast part of Iran. What makes Nashtifan's ancient windmills unique is that they are still operational. One of the main characteristics of the area is the strong winds that blow across it. As a result of the natural elements in the area, windmills have been a part of the region's landscape and have been used for many centuries.

These windmills, as it can be seen, are built on top of the hill overlooking the village. They are not only carefully designed to protect the village from the devastating winds, but they also utilize wind power as a source of energy. The windmills, believed to have been erected at least 1,000 years ago, are generally made of natural elements such as clay, straw, and wood. This technology has most probably been transferred to the west from this region.

Despite the long history of this technology in Iran, today Mavari is the last remaining person residing in Nashtifan from a generation of those who kept the secret of these ancient structures and passed it on to the next generation. As the custodian of the windmills, he has devoted his life to them and visits them every day in all conditions, whether windy or calm. He has tirelessly protected them.

Unfortunately, none of his children or local people have shown a desire to take up the job from him. Also, he has no apprentice to whom he can pass on this historic legacy.