A Study of the Wind’s Role in Shaping the Man-made Landscape of Sistan and the Methods of Utilizing and Dealing with it Based on Historical Sources

 Almost constant winds blowing throughout the year have always been the main feature of the region of Sistan since ancient times. This climatic phenomenon has had a significant impact on the lifestyle, livelihood, and architecture of the residents of this region and has forced them to devise creative solutions to deal with the harmful effects. However, these people have also developed various techniques and methods to harness the power of this natural force. The creativity of the residents in dealing with and utilizing the winds of Sistan has greatly influenced the built landscape of the region and the lifestyle of its people. Individuals who have visited this land in different periods throughout history have mentioned this influence and have discussed the techniques used by the indigenous people of Sistan in their writings.

Using credible historical documents and sources, this study attempts to identify and classify the techniques and methods through which the indigenous residents of Sistan deal with the region’s winds. Field studies carried out in Sistan, especially in Sekooheh and Qaleh-no villages, indicate that the local architects of the region implement wind-harnessing techniques in constructing the native abodes of the region even to this date.

This research was a qualitative study that used content analysis to examine historical texts to find mentions of the influence of the wind on the lifestyle and architecture of the indigenous residents of Sistan and to identify the aim and effect of each technique by interpreting the findings.

The results show that the indigenous residents of Sistan have devised effective techniques to redirect the wind before it reaches their settlements and to utilize this natural phenomenon inside their houses since ancient times. Reviving and modernizing these techniques can help improve the current condition of housing in Sistan.