Initial restoration of historic cistern in Kohanabad completed
The first phase of restoration of an ancient cistern in the town of Kohanabad, located in Aradan of Semnan Province, has been successfully completed, according to the head of the Aradan Office of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.
Amir Soleimanifard explained that the restoration operations on the cistern were carried out within the framework of the first phase through a formal memorandum of understanding signed with the Kohanabad Municipality. He noted that the project involved joint participation in the provision of construction materials and was implemented under the close supervision of specialists and experts from the Aradan Office of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, chtn.ir wrote.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving and revitalizing public historical structures, Soleimanifard added that water cisterns are among the most important traditional structures used for water supply and storage in the desert regions of Semnan Province.
He stated that the restoration and protection of such structures not only help safeguard their historical, cultural, and architectural values, but also play an effective role in strengthening urban identity and promoting cultural tourism across the desert areas of the province.
He further pointed out that the cistern is regarded as one of the prominent monuments dating back to the Qajar period and has been officially registered on Iran’s National Heritage List as one of the region’s most valuable and significant historical sites.
The official concluded by saying that, in line with existing plans and restoration schedules, the second phase of the project—focusing on the organization, stabilization, and repair of the cistern’s floor and interior spaces—will begin in the near future. This next phase aims to enable the historic structure to once again regain its appropriate and distinguished place within the urban fabric and cultural landscape of Kohanabad.
Kohanabad, recognized as one of the historic settlements of Semnan Province, is home to numerous cultural and architectural landmarks that reflect the region’s rich historical heritage and its long-standing adaptation to life and water management in a harsh desert environment.