Historical marvels of Tang-e Dalan village in Hormuzgan Province
The historical Tang-e Dalan village in Hormuzgan Province can be considered a key to unlocking the historical treasures of Bandar Khamir. This village is located in the northwestern tip of Khamir, and has been situated on the historical commercial route of Lar-Hormuz for centuries.
Every corner of the historical village reflects its long and eventful history. The artifacts that hold the secrets and mysteries of the past speak of the creativity, art, and forward thinking of the people of this land. A vast collection of very creative water structures, rarely seen in these regions, can be found here. Caravanserais, mills, water reservoirs, and more, are just a few identified parts of these artifacts. The spring water that originates from the surrounding mountains is directed towards Tang-e Dalan through a canal, and after reaching a large and flood-prone river, it safely passes through it.
Based on observations, it can be inferred that the water system and structure operated as follows: a cylindrical structure was constructed at the beginning of the river, attached to the valley wall, and still stands today. Spring water cascaded down from the top of this structure through a pipe-shaped channel carved into the rock, descending below the river’s surface. The water then flowed horizontally into another cylinder below the riverbed, guided upwards without the use of mechanical tools.
Continuing along the path, a combination was apparent, with some water passing through open channels. Similar to the initial cylinders, in certain sections, the water followed the same pattern and continued in this manner until reaching the end of the flood-prone area.
The intriguing aspect here is that in the heart of the mountain, a passageway and tunnel were excavated to transport water to the other side of the mountain. Subsequently, the water flowed into two water mills, constructed in a stair-like fashion on top of each other, before continuing into farms and agricultural areas. Two caravanserais were built around 10 meters apart, and the structural variances suggest they were either constructed in different historical periods, or served different purposes. One of the caravanserais stands out significantly from others observed in Bandar Khamir. It boasts a strikingly high and beautiful entrance, a ceiling positioned much higher above the ground compared to its counterparts, and showcases distinct patterns and designs.