Historic Pools of Herat: From Lifelines to Tourist Attractions

The historic pools of Herat, Afghanistan, hold a remarkable place in the province’s heritage. For over 1,500 years, these pools served as vital sources of clean drinking water for the local population.

Constructed primarily from clay, they were ingeniously designed to provide cool, hygienic water during the scorching summer months and were an essential part of daily life for residents.

Community Memories: Water for Life

Local residents fondly recall the pools’ significance. Mohammad Anwar, a lifelong Herat resident, shared, “Water would flow into the Chaharsu pool through a canal, and people used this water for drinking. I remember that the water in these pools would freeze in winter, and in the summer, we used it and carried it home in clay pots.” Similarly, Mohammad Ebrahim Habibi, head of the Behzad Art Gallery, noted, “This pool water was used for drinking, and people would take it home. There were also specific individuals who would bring the water to the market and distribute it.”

A Vast Network of Historic Pools

Herat is home to over 450 historic pools scattered across its villages, districts, and urban neighborhoods. According to Sediq Mir, Director of Historical Monuments Preservation at Herat’s Department of Information and Culture, “Every village, district, city, and neighborhood in Herat has historic pools. Some neighborhoods even have several pools. The number of these pools exceeds 450.” These pools stand as enduring symbols of Herat’s rich history and cultural civilization.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

The pools were ingeniously engineered to maintain water cleanliness and coolness. Their covered design played a crucial role in preserving water hygiene, making them reliable water sources in an era before modern plumbing. Wali Shah Bahra, a historical monuments expert, explained, “The water in these pools was clean, cold in the summer, and the covered design played a significant role in maintaining hygienic water.”

Decline and Challenges

Despite their historical importance, many pools have suffered neglect and damage, especially during decades of conflict. “Unfortunately, many of the pools in the villages were destroyed during the war, and due to a lack of budget, no attention has been given to their preservation and restoration,” Bahra added. Additionally, with the advent of modern water pipelines and municipal water systems, these pools have been dry for the past fifty years, severing their original functional role.

Revival Through Restoration and Tourism

In recent years, some of the historic pools have undergone restoration and renovation efforts. These revitalized pools have been transformed into cultural centers and scenic spots, attracting both domestic and international tourists. This shift not only preserves the pools as heritage sites but also promotes cultural tourism, helping to revive Herat’s historic identity.

The historic pools of Herat are more than just ancient water reservoirs; they are living monuments that tell the story of the region’s ingenuity, resilience, and cultural richness. Their preservation and promotion as tourist attractions offer a promising path to safeguard Herat’s heritage for future generations