Nashtifan Windmills

The Nashtifan Windmills in northeastern Iran are among the oldest windmills in the world, estimated at around 1,000 years old with a design tracing back to Persian innovations c. 500 AD. Built of clay, straw, and wood, they stand approximately 65 feet tall and use a vertical-axis design where wind enters eight chambers to rotate blades that turn grindstones. The name Nashtifan derives from words meaning "storm's sting," reflecting winds up to 119 km/h. Recognized as a national heritage site by Iran in 2002, the windmills face an uncertain future as younger generations show little interest in their demanding upkeep.