A clay refrigerator gives: a gem in the heart of the desert
An adobe refrigerator shines as if a gem shines in the heart of the Yazd desert. This masterpiece of Iranian architecture, dating back to the Safavid era, tells of the creativity and human effort in Yazd to obtain ice in the excruciating heat of the desert.
The huge dome of the glacier, with a height of about 18 meters, is made of clay and bricks. The thickness of the walls of the dome is 2.4 meters at the bottom and 1 meter at the top. This thickness helps to maintain the cool temperature inside the refrigerator during the summer. At the top of the dome, there is an opening for ventilation and exit of hot air.
The refrigerator tank is a hollow and deep space with a capacity of about 5000 cubic meters. At the bottom of the tank, a sewage well is installed to drain excess and melted water from the refrigerator.
The long shading walls on the southern side of the glacier, with a height of about 8 meters, create a cool and permanent shade on the reservoir of the glacier. This shade plays an essential role in preventing the ice from melting during the summer.
In winter, water from aqueducts and wells was directed into the refrigerator tank. During the night, with a sharp drop in temperature, the water on the surface of the glacier freezes. During the day, as the sun shines, the ice layers become thicker. In the summer season, the ice was gradually removed from the refrigerator and sold to people.
Today, Meybod brick glacier is a historical artifact, a favorite of tourists and fans of Iranian history and architecture. Visiting this glacier is an opportunity to learn about the creativity and human effort in Yazd to obtain ice in the heart of the desert.
In addition to the mentioned items, here are some examples of interesting points about Meybod clay refrigerator:
Materials used:
The materials used in the construction of brick refrigerators are mainly clay and bricks. The use of these materials, due to their insulating properties, plays a significant role in maintaining the cool temperature inside the refrigerator.
The role of wind deflectors:
There are several wind deflectors installed around the brick refrigerator. These wind deflectors help to cool the space by directing cool air into the refrigerator.
The importance of ice in the past:
In the past, ice was one of the rare and expensive items that only the rich could afford. Ice was used to cool drinks, preserve food and treat diseases.
