Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Les noms des biens figurent dans la langue dans laquelle les Etats parties les ont soumis.

Iran (République islamique d') (Asie et pacifique)

Date de soumission : 09/08/2007
Critères: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)
Catégorie : Culturel
Soumission préparée par :
Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization
Etat, province ou région :
Shushtar, Khuzistan Province
Ref.: 5178

Description

Shushtar, is a town in south-western Iran, located in the province of Khuzestan (figs. 1-4). The town stands on a cliff to the west of which runs the river Kârun, the middle course of which begins a few kilometres north of the town. This position offers considerable commercial and strategic importance and has made possible the construction of various waterworks for which the town has long been celebrated. The main features of these constructions are: (1) the canal called Ab-e Gargar (or the medieval Mashreqân) which is led from the left bank of the river about 500 m north of the town; it runs southwards along the east side of the cliffs of Shushtar and rejoins the Kârun at Band-e Qir; (2) the great barrage called Band-e Qaysar (the Dike of Caesar) also known as Band-e Mizân, which is thrown across the principal arm of the river (here called Shoteit) east of the town and is about 350 m long; this barrage supports a bridge that connected the town with the west bank, but now a considerable gap is broken in it; (3) the canal called Miyânâb which begins above the barrage in the form of a tunnel cut out of the rock on the western side of the town; the Miyânâb turns southwards and irrigates the land south of the town. These structures along with other waterworks of Shushtar are described in full below.

The difference of levels between the settlement and the Kârun, flowing more than 10 m lower, persuaded the inhabitants to solve their problems by building waterworks and structures. The main aim of these constructions was to meet the inhabitants' needs for either protecting themselves from floods or irrigating their agricultural lands and making possible passages across the river and canals. Initially, it was a state project supported by kings and local rulers of the region to construct waterworks that resulted in the development of agriculture, which was the major economic asset of the region. The construction of bridges, dams, bridge-Dams, mills, qanâts, reservoirs, tunnels, and canals for the water supply of the town (fig. 6). Most of these structures and buildings were constructed in the Sâssanian period (224-650 A.D.), especially during the reign of Shapur I (r. 240-272 A.D.).

Valeur universelle exceptionnelle

Justification de la Valeur Universelle Exceptionelle

The creation, conservation and continuation of the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System represent an exceptionally comprehensive example of industrial heritage, advanced technology and water resource management developed in ancient Iran. It is one of the greatest engineering achievements of humankind, providing the mode for the flourishing of technological innovation directly resulting with economic and agricultural development. The outstanding universal value of the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System has few parallels, if any.

Satements of authenticity and/or integrity

The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System retains a high level of authenticity and integrity as a comprehensive and continuing functional system. The natural environment and significant characteristics of the System can be considered completely intact since ancient times. The system truthfully represents the technological innovation and function of system in its entirety. Moreover, the authenticity of this System can be seen in all its elements including, design, workmanship, location, setting, function and materials. There are no significant alterations or destructive interventions in this System.

Comparison with other similar properties

Shushtar Historical Hydraulic system consisted some different elements such as Dams, Bridges, Tunnels, Canals, Watermills, Waterfalls etc, which everyone individually are compatible with similar samples, but the integrity of SHHS as an integrated complex cause to it has been unique from ancient times to present.