Physical and Functional Aspects of Boshrūyeh Mills

Water can be considered to be the reason for existence and the main factor in formation of some of the traditional Iranian architectural structures. Innovative technologies such as [water] mills and water reservoirs etc. can be placed in this category. These structures are the result of the interaction of the previous generations with nature and utilising its various elements. The human of the past has managed to provide one of his main food staples by using water in mills and grinding grains into flour. The mills and other water related structures can be considered as physical manifestations of the interaction between man and nature. Therefore, these structures, as an existing element, possess remarkable physical aspects. The [water] mills in Boshrūyeh are no exception. Examination and studying their physical and functional aspects will result in greater knowledge of this technology. Becoming familiar with these mills can be considered as the first step in their preservation. Introducing these structures can bring about more activity, attention and interest in these structures. As evidence of the ingenuity of the ancients, these structures have values which justifies more detailed study. In fact, by introducing these structures, the human of today will understand the interaction between the ancient man and nature. Examining the studies conducted in this subject shows that the researchers have chosen three study approaches, namely historical, physical and functional. With respect to Boshrūyeh mills there are no detailed studies conducted and only one article has given a brief explanation about the water circulation through these mills and the rest of the explanation is related to the milling profession. The present article examines the mills, including the study of micro spaces, building materials, and their location in the Boshrūyeh region, and tries to gain knowledge in their architecture as well as their technical functions. The primary information is gathered using a literature review and then a field study has been conducted that includes photography, interviewing the millers, and visiting the mills to complete the information gathered. Finally, the gathered data has been assessed using descriptive-analytical approach. To that end, first the location of the mills has been examined, and then the Boshrūyeh qanat has been introduced. The final step is the examination of physical and functional aspects, and the building materials. The findings are that these buildings have a lot of similarity in physical and functional aspects. Physically, all the mills have complementary spaces for the mill and the main spaces are the turret, entrance, corridor and hall. Since the mills all have turrets, their technical functions are also similar. The water enters the turret via the entry channel and after turning the paddles, leaves the mill and enters the next mill. This is repeated seven times. The building materials used for these mills are also very similar. The use of stones, bricks, mud bricks, cob, lime mortar and plaster is seen in all the mills.