Gohar Riz Qanat of Jupar

The Gohar Riz Qanat is one of Iran's historic qanats and is still in use. It is located in the town of Jupar, southwest of the city of Kerman, within Mahan County, Kerman Province. This valuable water structure was built on the slopes of the Jupar highlands and is an example of the indigenous knowledge Iranians developed to exploit groundwater in arid, water-scarce regions. With its long history, the Gohar Riz Qanat is important not only for supplying the region's water but also holds a special place in Iran's cultural heritage. In 2016, when a group of eleven Iranian qanats was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it was registered as part of that group, and since then it has become one of Jupar's historical and cultural attractions.

With a length of roughly 3,556 metres, 129 shafts and six qanat branches, the Gohar Riz Qanat is a remarkable example of traditional Iranian water engineering. Its branches eventually join into a single shared channel and carry water to different parts of the region for agricultural use. One of Gohar Riz's distinctive features is the link between its water sources and geological faults, a factor that is important for understanding the qanat's hydrological mechanism. According to the available information, the water of this structure irrigates a considerable part of Jupar's orchard land and helps sustain farming and keep the region's gardens green. A visit to the qanat offers a chance to learn about traditional water management, the structure of the shafts and underground channels, and the importance of this technology in the formation of settlements in arid regions. Local legends about the white blind fish and stories linked to the English traveller Anthony Smith are also part of the oral tradition and cultural appeal of the site. These tales can be enjoyed alongside the qanat's historical and technical value, without being taken as established historical fact.

To reach the Gohar Riz Qanat, first travel from the city of Kerman towards Jupar. The distance between the two is about 30 to 35 kilometres, and the route can be covered by private car or other road vehicles. After entering Jupar, 17 Shahrivar Street and the area around the square and the Shrine of Prince Hossein (AS) are landmarks that help you find the qanat. For a trip to the area, spring and autumn are usually good times to visit because of the milder weather, although you can also visit this attraction on hot summer days with proper planning. Since a qanat is an underground structure with sections that may be unstable, visits should follow access restrictions and the advice of local officials. Do not enter unsafe sections, tamper with the walls or make unnecessary noise. Please also avoid leaving litter or causing any damage to the historic structure, so that this valuable heritage is preserved for future generations.