Ancient wind power stands on the brink of global recognition. Iran’s Asbads, or traditional vertical-axis windmills, have nearly completed a years-long UNESCO nomination process. Alireza Izadi announced this progress on Wednesday. He serves as director-general for the office of registration of historical works at Iran’s ministry of cultural heritage.
The effort began six or seven years ago. Multiple expert teams worked extensively on the dossier. Izadi told a domestic news agency that the file now nears finalization. Officials decided to accelerate the submission after UNESCO placed the Asbads on its tentative list. Consequently, the pace of work increased significantly.
These windmills represent a major indigenous technological heritage. They spread mainly across eastern Iran. Key provinces include Khorasan-Razavi, South Khorasan, and Sistan-Baluchestan. Notable clusters exist in the Nehbandan region. For example, the Nashtifan Windmills site holds some of the best-preserved examples.
Ancient wind power also connects Iran with Afghanistan. Similar structures exist across the border. Izadi explained that a joint application was the original approach. This transnational aspect broadens the nomination’s scope. Moreover, it strengthens regional cooperation. Such cultural collaboration can boost diplomatic ties and regional stability. Izadi compared this effort to the multinational registration of Nowruz. Therefore, he sees broader political benefits as well.
South Khorasan province remains the main hub for Asbads. More than 310 surviving structures stand there. That figure equals roughly 79 percent of Iran’s total. Their vertical-axis design differs sharply from European horizontal-axis windmills. Technology historian Robert Forbes once described the windmill as an Iranian innovation. By the 12th century, it became a key energy source across Islamic territories. Thus, its historical importance is well documented.
The nomination process has faced real challenges. Multiple provinces host the sites. Coordinating among different regions slows preparation. Funding constraints also create hurdles. Aging structures require significant restoration work. Nevertheless, officials have submitted the dossier to UNESCO. They have already answered initial inquiries. New technical questions about data and documentation have arrived. In response, Izadi confirmed that his team is preparing supplementary answers. He hopes UNESCO evaluators will visit the sites soon. Otherwise, the final decision could face delays.
Ancient wind power first emerged more than a thousand years ago. Iranian engineers likely developed this technology during the early Islamic period. The mills harness powerful seasonal winds from eastern Iran. People used them for grinding grain and pumping water. UNESCO documentation notes that these vertical-axis windmills spread to Egypt. Later, they reached China during the Mongol era. By the 11th century, the technology arrived in Spain. Then it extended to Portugal and the Aegean islands.
If UNESCO inscribes the Asbads, Iran will add another cultural property to its growing list. The recognition would highlight long-standing contributions to engineering. It would also showcase sustainable technologies rooted in historical landscapes. Officials see the next steps as clear. They will submit supplementary documents soon. In addition, they await the UNESCO field visit for final assessment. For now, the ancient wind power nomination remains on track for a potential 2025 decision.