Shesh Baadgir Cistern in Yazd, a historical treasure
The city of Yazd is often referred to as the city of cisterns, owing to its dry and desert climate. Situated in a neighborhood of the same name, the Shesh Baadgir Cistern is a historical treasure. It boasts six wind catchers (referred to as baadgir in Persian) constructed in an octagonal shape to optimally utilize the region’s climatic conditions and wind direction. This ancient structure has been recognized as a national heritage of Iran.
The Shesh Baadgir Cistern is a prominent tourist attraction in Yazd, dating back to the Qajar period. It is distinguished by its elegant, octagonal wind catchers and a large egg-shaped dome. The cistern’s height, the exquisite architecture of the wind catchers, graceful entrances, and decorative brickwork and captivating design are its defining features.
Previously serving as a water source for the people, the cistern has now transformed into a historical attraction. The cistern features a northern and a southern entrance, each with two staircases and two water outlets. It is presumed that the southern entrance was used by Muslims, while the northern entrance was for Zoroastrians, although this has been disputed in some sources.
Notably, the staircase of the cistern is divided into two parts, with one part being open and consisting of 55 steps leading to its dome, while the covered part continues beyond the dome. The dome of the cistern has an egg-shaped form, lending a unique beauty to its architecture. The height of the water tank is 12.6 meters, and the height of the wind catchers is 10 meters.