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Nikbar M, Motamedmanesh M, Kiani K. (2024). From Description to Reality: Analyzing the Technology and Physical Representation of the First Sistani Windmill Described by Shams al-Din al-Ansari al-Dimashqi. Athar. 45(105), 31-59. doi:10.22034/45.105.2
URL: http://athar.richt.ir/article-2-1687-en.html

Abstract
One of the earliest and most significant historical records of wind-powered structures is provided by the 13th-century geographer and historian Shams al-Din al-Dimashqi in Nukhbat al-Dahr fi Aja'ib al-Barr wa al-Bahr (The Choice of Times in the Wonders of Land and Sea). His description and illustration of a windmill from the Sistan region serve as invaluable documentation, particularly in the absence of physical remains of such structures. This study critically examines the architectural and technological features of al-Dimashqi’s Sistani windmill, employing a qualitative and interpretative methodology grounded in logical reasoning. By analyzing the only surviving historical image and textual description, this research enhances our understanding of early Iranian windmill technology. Findings indicate that this windmill differs fundamentally from known Iranian examples in terms of architecture and wind utilization. Unlike later vertical-axis windmills, the Sistani windmill features unique adaptations, including funnel-shaped wind guides, animal skin applications, and intricate mechanical connections, suggesting an advanced grasp of fluid dynamics and engineering. Furthermore, its placement on an elevated site, smaller scale, and strategic reconfiguration of grinding and storage areas demonstrate a sophisticated response to environmental and functional needs. Given the perishable nature of these structures, significant historical gaps remain, particularly regarding the technological lineage linking al-Dimashqi’s windmill to later Iranian windmills. Addressing these gaps through field research in Sistan could provide crucial insights into the evolution of wind-powered technology and Iran’s role in its development. Ultimately, this study highlights the historical significance of renewable energy technologies in Iran and their potential to inspire contemporary innovations in sustainable design and energy efficiency.
Keywords: Asbad, Shams al-Din al-Ansari al-Dimashqi, Sistan, History of Building Technology, Climate-responsive Architecture.

Introduction
The utilization of wind energy has been an integral part of architectural and technological advancements in various civilizations, with Iran being a pioneering region in windmill development. Wind-powered structures, particularly windmills, have played a crucial role in the built environment, especially in areas with limited conventional energy sources. Among the earliest known records of a windmill is the account provided by the 13th-century geographer and historian, Shams al-Din al-Ansari al-Dimashqi, in his work Nukhbat al-Dahr fi Aja'ib al-Barr wa al-Bahr (The Choice of Times in the Wonders of Land and Sea). His description and illustration of a windmill from the Sistan region serve as invaluable documentation, particularly given the absence of physical remains of such structures. This historical record provides a rare opportunity to reconstruct and analyze the technological and architectural aspects of early windmills in the Iranian plateau.
This study critically examines the architectural configuration and mechanical functionality of the Sistani windmill described by al-Dimashqi, employing a qualitative and interpretative methodology based on historical textual analysis, comparative studies, and logical reasoning. Through the only surviving historical image and textual description, this research reconstructs the windmill’s structural and operational principles. The findings indicate that the Sistani windmill diverges from later Iranian windmills in several key aspects, including its spatial organization, use of funnel-shaped wind guides, application of animal skins in mechanical components, and wind-channeling mechanisms. These features reflect a sophisticated understanding of aerodynamics and mechanical efficiency that challenges prevailing assumptions about early windmill technology.
Furthermore, this study positions the Sistani windmill within the broader historical context of wind energy applications, exploring its potential links to later developments in Iranian wind-powered architecture. The structure’s elevated placement, compact scale, and unique spatial configuration suggest an advanced adaptation to environmental conditions. By comparing this windmill to later Iranian windmills, this study aims to clarify its role in the evolution of wind-powered technology and bridge existing research gaps.
Ultimately, this research highlights the historical significance of renewable energy solutions in medieval Iran, demonstrating how engineers of the time leveraged natural forces to develop efficient and adaptive architectural solutions. By contextualizing al-Dimashqi’s observations within the broader trajectory of windmill evolution, this study contributes to the historiography of ancient technology and underscores the relevance of historical engineering knowledge in contemporary sustainability discussions.

Discussion
The analysis of al-Dimashqi’s windmill reveals architectural and technological attributes that differentiate it from other known historical windmills. Unlike the vertical-axis windmills commonly found in later Iranian and Central Asian contexts, this structure appears to have a distinct two-tiered spatial organization. It was likely positioned on an elevated site, such as a hill or fortress, to optimize wind capture from the persistent 120-day winds of the Sistan region. The upper chamber housed the millstone, while the lower chamber contained the wind-catching and mechanical mechanisms.
One of the most significant architectural innovations of this windmill is its funnel-shaped wind guides, which directed wind towards the rotor. Additionally, animal skins were used in certain mechanical components, possibly covering wind-catching vanes to enhance aerodynamics and durability. These features suggest a sophisticated understanding of fluid dynamics, emphasizing efficiency in wind energy utilization. Unlike conventional Iranian windmills, which rely on rectangular wind tunnels, this windmill’s design appears to incorporate curved aerodynamic elements to enhance airflow.
Another notable aspect of the Sistani windmill is its adaptation to local environmental constraints. The structure’s compact scale and strategic placement reflect deliberate efforts to maximize wind energy capture while minimizing structural vulnerability. Constructed primarily of mudbrick and wood, the materials chosen for the windmill ensured sustainability and compatibility with the region’s harsh climate. The strategic reconfiguration of grinding and storage areas also suggests a highly functional design tailored to the social and economic needs of the time.
Despite the absence of surviving physical evidence, a comprehensive reconstruction based on textual sources, comparative studies, and engineering interpretations provides a plausible representation of the windmill’s operation. The placement of wind-catching mechanisms in the lower chamber, the integration of curved wind-guiding elements, and the use of lightweight but durable materials distinguish this structure from later Iranian windmills.
This study also highlights important research gaps in the history of windmill technology. While al-Dimashqi’s description provides a rare insight into early wind-powered structures, further field investigations in Sistan are necessary to determine whether remnants of similar windmills can be found. Additionally, comparing the technological lineage of this windmill to later Iranian windmills remains a challenge due to the limited number of historical records. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate historical research, architectural analysis, and engineering principles to reconstruct lost technologies and better understand the role of wind energy in early sustainable architectural practices.

Conclusion
The findings of this research underscore the advanced level of technological and environmental knowledge possessed by medieval Iranian engineers. Al-Dimashqi’s description, though brief, offers an invaluable glimpse into the historical use of wind energy and challenges existing assumptions about early windmill development. The Sistani windmill represents an early example of sustainable architecture, designed to function optimally within its environmental and social context.
By systematically analyzing the only surviving textual and visual documentation, this study provides the first structured reconstruction of al-Dimashqi’s windmill design, mechanical principles, and architectural significance. The findings highlight key differences between this windmill and later Iranian windmills, particularly in terms of aerodynamics, spatial organization, and mechanical components. The use of wind funnels, lightweight materials, and adaptive spatial planning demonstrate a sophisticated approach to harnessing renewable energy in medieval Iran.
This research also emphasizes the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in the study of historical architecture and engineering. The integration of historical analysis, structural engineering, and environmental considerations has enabled a more nuanced understanding of how medieval architects designed efficient and adaptive structures using natural forces. Future research should explore potential archaeological remnants of early windmills in Sistan and conduct comparative studies with other regions that utilized wind energy.
The broader implications of this study extend beyond architectural historiography. By contextualizing al-Dimashqi’s observations within the global history of wind-powered technology, this research highlights Iran’s significant contributions to the early development of wind energy systems. The study also underscores how traditional engineering knowledge can inform modern sustainable practices, particularly in the fields of passive wind energy utilization and climate-responsive design.
Given the increasing global emphasis on renewable energy solutions, this study provides valuable historical insights into the adaptive reuse of wind power. The Sistani windmill, despite being a lost architectural form, exemplifies a highly efficient and contextually responsive approach to sustainable energy use. The lessons derived from this research can inspire contemporary architects, engineers, and policymakers to integrate historical wind-powered technologies into modern sustainable design strategies.
Ultimately, this study reaffirms the importance of preserving and studying historical architectural innovations. As climate challenges intensify, the rediscovery of lost sustainable technologies—such as wind-powered structures—offers valuable precedents for designing energy-efficient buildings today. The findings of this research bridge the past and the present, demonstrating how historical knowledge can contribute to shaping a more sustainable architectural future.