In the heart of the Middle Ages, the medieval Persian geographer Abul Qasim Ubaidullah ibn Abdullah ibn Khurdad-bih, known as Istakhri, left a lasting impact in the field of sciences through his writings. Among his notable works, Al-masalik wa al-mamalik and Al-Aqalim, is the first description of windmills. These devices, of Eastern origin, revolutionized the way to harness wind energy for grinding grain and drawing water. In Iran, the city of Nashtifan testifies to this technological advance with its imposing structures made of clay, straw, and wood, featuring vertical blade rotors, which tell a fascinating story of morphogenesis and wind management.
Istakhri: A pioneer of medieval geography and windmills
Abul Qasim Ubaidullah ibn Abdullah ibn Khurdad-bih, better known as Istakhri, is a Persian medieval geographer whose captivating reflections have transcended the centuries. Through his emblematic works such as Al-masalik wa al-mamalik (The Routes and the Kingdoms) and Al-Aqalim (The Climates), Istakhri opened a window onto a world that is both rich and complex. In his writings, he presents a detailed analysis of civilizations and territories, offering us a valuable testimony of the medieval era.
Among his most notable contributions, Istakhri is credited with the first description of windmills. He thus highlights an innovation that the West would discover much later. The Persian windmill, rotating on a vertical axis and composed of blade-equipped rotors, exploited the natural energy of the wind to grind grain and draw water. Its ingenious structure, using clay, straw, and wood, attests to a skilled management of the natural resources of the time.
Istakhri’s writings are not merely historical accounts; they represent a harmonious fusion of science, technology, and culture. His descriptions of windmills invite us to rediscover how ancient civilizations understood and utilized natural forces. Today, his legacy continues to inspire those who work to harness renewable energy in innovative and sustainable ways.
The life of Istakhri: the Persian geographer
Abul Qasim Ubaidullah ibn Abdullah ibn Khurdad-bih, better known as Istakhri, was a prominent Persian medieval geographer of the 10th century. His fame rests mainly on his significant contributions to medieval geography through his two emblematic works, Al-masalik wa al-mamalik (The Routes and the Kingdoms) and Al-Aqalim (The Climates). Istakhri provided precise and methodical descriptions of routes, climatic conditions, and governance systems in the lands of the Islamic Empire and beyond its borders. His ability to map and organize geographical information greatly enriched the knowledge of his time, and his works influenced many explorers and cartographers after him. He was also recognized for being a pioneer in the description of windmills, this valuable medieval innovation that significantly contributed to energy development during his era. [Source]
Istakhri’s foundational writings
Among the many writings attributed to Istakhri, two works stand out: the Kitāb al-masālik wa l-mamālik, also known as The Book of Routes and Kingdoms, and Al-Aqalim, The Climates. These works are part of the few geographical documentations that have survived, offering today a valuable window into the geographic knowledge and issues of the Middle Ages. His Kitāb al-masālik wa l-mamālik has been particularly appreciated for its detailed information on trade and religious routes, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. Furthermore, through his Al-Aqalim, Istakhri offers us a unique view of the climates and topography of the regions of the Islamic world. The importance of these writings lies not only in the richness of the descriptions they provide but also in their ability to convey a coherent understanding of geographical connections between different civilizations. To delve deeper into surrounding research, it is useful to consult archaeological and historical sources such as those available at [link on the archaeology of mills].
The invention of windmills in Istakhri’s work
One of Istakhri’s most remarkable contributions was the first known description of windmills, a technological advance that was able to harness the climatic conditions of the East. Unlike the animal-powered hydraulic mills that prevailed before, these revolutionary windmills allowed for the maximization of wind utility for tasks such as pumping water and grinding grains. Particularly in the region of Nashtifan, Iran, these mills were constructed using materials as simple as clay, straw, and wood. These structures were skillfully designed with rotors featuring several vertical blades, allowing for efficient use of drag in their operation. This innovation exemplifies not only the technical ingenuity of the Persian era but also demonstrates how culture and local conditions shaped energy solutions. These ancient windmills of Nashtifan continue to intrigue researchers and are documented for their technological and historical value in documentary resources such as [this specialized site].
