Shesh Badgir Water Reservoir (Ab Anbar)

The Shesh Badgir Ab Anbar (Six Windcatcher Water Reservoir) is one of the most remarkable historical and architectural attractions of the city of Yazd, in Yazd Province. It is an outstanding symbol of traditional Iranian engineering in managing water resources and coping with the dryness of the desert climate. The structure stands in the historic fabric of Yazd and takes its name from its six tall, eye-catching windcatchers, which were designed to ventilate the interior and keep it cool. The reservoir dates back to the Qajar era, and as one of the largest and most important reservoirs in the city, it played a vital role in supplying the water that Yazd's residents needed in the past. With its striking architecture, it has a large tank for storing water and a natural ventilation system through the windcatchers, which keeps the water cool during Yazd's hot summers.

With their great height and distinctive structure, the windcatchers are not only beautiful but also fully functional in directing airflow, and they are an outstanding example of sustainable structures adapted to the desert climate. Beyond its technical and architectural aspects, this historical monument also reflects the culture and way of life of the desert people. The building has two entrances (one to the north and one to the south of the tank), six windcatchers, and a large tank with a volume of two thousand cubic meters. The reservoir has fifty-five steps. Its entrance is on the southern side, and between the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth steps, above, there is a vestibule (hashti) with brick paving; the vault of the reservoir begins after this vestibule. Its tap is at the northern entrance. The northern entrance, in relation to the tap's tank, mirrors the southern entrance. The reservoir has an egg-shaped dome. The height of its water tank is 12.6 meters and the height of the windcatchers is ten meters. The reservoir has six windcatchers; three of them were built originally, and the other three were added later.

To visit the Shesh Badgir Ab Anbar, visitors can easily reach it from the historic center of Yazd, either on foot or by vehicle. The best time to visit is autumn and winter, when the desert weather is milder and more pleasant. A visit offers a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of traditional Iranian architecture and to reflect on the importance of sustainable water management in dry regions. Following the principles of responsible nature tourism also helps preserve this precious heritage.