<p>Water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions remains a pressing global challenge, highlighting the renewed relevance of traditional water infrastructures. Among these, the Qanat system—an ancient and sustainable network—has long supported human settlement across the Iranian plateau. This research explores the multifaceted social, economic, cultural, and environmental values of Qanats and examines their implications for urban spatial and geographical structures, aiming to inform strategies for revitalizing historical urban fabrics shaped by these systems. Focusing on Tehran—whose historical development was closely intertwined with Qanats but where these systems now face neglect and deterioration—the study investigates two specific cases: the Mehrgard and Shah Qanats. Building on a previously developed classification model of Qanat values, framed within the concept of landscape infrastructure, this research refines the model using expert feedback collected through a structured questionnaire. The integration of an objective–subjective dimension serves as a key innovation, deepening the understanding of Qanats as landscape infrastructures. The revised framework is then applied through thematic analysis of historical documents and semi-structured interviews with long-term local residents, analyzed using MAXQDA software. Historical maps further contextualize the role of these Qanats in Tehran’s urban evolution. Beyond validating the framework, this case-based application reveals secondary values and localized subcultures, providing unique, multilayered insights into the embedded significance of these Qanats within Tehran’s historical urban fabric—insights unattainable through literature-based review alone. The findings demonstrate that Qanats are not merely utilitarian water systems but have functioned as cultural and social infrastructures deeply interwoven with the lived experiences of communities. Their dual nature—both physical and symbolic—positions them as water landscape infrastructures that embody tangible and intangible values alike. The study argues that recognizing Qanats as objective–subjective entities is essential for preserving their historical, cultural, and infrastructural significance; otherwise, critical aspects of their heritage risk being overlooked in restoration programs. Ultimately, this study contributes to Qanat research by (1) refining a landscape-infrastructure-based classification through the incorporation of the objective–subjective dimension, and (2) applying the framework to two case studies, uncovering secondary values and local subcultures not evident from literature alone. The research confirms that Qanats constitute an integral component of Tehran’s historical landscape and offers a systematic approach for their interpretation and potential revitalization.</p>

Qanat is a landscape infrastructure

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年4月30日

查看全文

Samira Abedi,
Mojtaba Ansari,
Mahdi Haghighatbin,
Seyed Amir Mansouri

摘要

Water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions remains a pressing global challenge, highlighting the renewed relevance of traditional water infrastructures. Among these, the Qanat system—an ancient and sustainable network—has long supported human settlement across the Iranian plateau. This research explores the multifaceted social, economic, cultural, and environmental values of Qanats and examines their implications for urban spatial and geographical structures, aiming to inform strategies for revitalizing historical urban fabrics shaped by these systems. Focusing on Tehran—whose historical development was closely intertwined with Qanats but where these systems now face neglect and deterioration—the study investigates two specific cases: the Mehrgard and Shah Qanats. Building on a previously developed classification model of Qanat values, framed within the concept of landscape infrastructure, this research refines the model using expert feedback collected through a structured questionnaire. The integration of an objective–subjective dimension serves as a key innovation, deepening the understanding of Qanats as landscape infrastructures. The revised framework is then applied through thematic analysis of historical documents and semi-structured interviews with long-term local residents, analyzed using MAXQDA software. Historical maps further contextualize the role of these Qanats in Tehran’s urban evolution. Beyond validating the framework, this case-based application reveals secondary values and localized subcultures, providing unique, multilayered insights into the embedded significance of these Qanats within Tehran’s historical urban fabric—insights unattainable through literature-based review alone. The findings demonstrate that Qanats are not merely utilitarian water systems but have functioned as cultural and social infrastructures deeply interwoven with the lived experiences of communities. Their dual nature—both physical and symbolic—positions them as water landscape infrastructures that embody tangible and intangible values alike. The study argues that recognizing Qanats as objective–subjective entities is essential for preserving their historical, cultural, and infrastructural significance; otherwise, critical aspects of their heritage risk being overlooked in restoration programs. Ultimately, this study contributes to Qanat research by (1) refining a landscape-infrastructure-based classification through the incorporation of the objective–subjective dimension, and (2) applying the framework to two case studies, uncovering secondary values and local subcultures not evident from literature alone. The research confirms that Qanats constitute an integral component of Tehran’s historical landscape and offers a systematic approach for their interpretation and potential revitalization.