A Modern Refrigerator Hidden Beneath Iranian Homes 100 Years Ago
WANA (Dec 20) – In the historic fabric of the city of Gorgan, northern Iran, a silent yet ingenious structure lies beneath the ground—an underground cellar dating back more than a century to the Qajar era that once functioned as a natural refrigerator.
Built without the use of water or mechanical technology, this subterranean space maintained a consistently low temperature and stands today as a remarkable example of climate-responsive architecture in the Caspian region.
The cellar, now part of a preserved complex of historic houses in Gorgan, is reached by descending approximately 20 to 25 steps into a cool, enclosed space. In the past, earthenware jars and perishable food items were stored here during the hot summer months.
Unlike the massive ice houses of central Iran, which relied on stored ice and water, this northern example worked solely through the natural temperature difference of the earth, controlled airflow, and a carefully calculated depth of about 10 to 15 meters. Although the Persian term sardabeh combines the words for “cold” and “water,” no water actually flowed through this space.
This underground structure is part of a Qajar-era house that has undergone several functional transformations over time. Originally a private residence, it later became a girls’ school during the early Pahlavi period.
At the time of Iran’s unveiling policy, the complex operated under the name “17 Dey Girls’ School,” symbolizing a major social shift in which Iranian girls entered public life without compulsory veiling. Decades later, the buildings were acquired and restored by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization and repurposed as administrative and cultural offices, with careful attention paid to preserving their historical identity.
The architectural features of the complex reveal layers of indigenous knowledge. Urban houses were elevated above ground level and built with specific materials to withstand the region’s high humidity.
Alongside them stands a reconstructed example of a rural house, built with a simple, carved architectural technique that reflects a more direct and pragmatic relationship with the natural environment. Each structure offers a distinct response to a shared challenge: living in a humid and variable climate.
The restoration process itself tells a story of evolving attitudes toward heritage conservation in Iran. From the late 1990s onward, restoration efforts shifted from basic reconstruction toward authenticity, documentation, and minimal intervention.
A Modern Refrigerator Hidden Beneath Iranian Homes 100 Years Ago. Social media / WANA News Agency
Today, visitors can view photographs taken before and after restoration and clearly trace this change in approach—from early structural adjustments to more refined conservation practices that respect the original form and spirit of the buildings.
Yet the true value of the site extends beyond bricks and mortar. Walls still bear handwritten notes left by schoolchildren decades ago; a courtyard once echoed with students’ laughter; and the cool cellar recalls a time when the earth itself replaced modern refrigeration. Architecture and social history are deeply intertwined here, offering a living narrative of everyday life in Gorgan.
Today, the Qajar-era cellar of Gorgan is not only a testament to pre-modern architectural ingenuity but also a reminder for international audiences that long before electricity and modern appliances, human societies developed sustainable and effective solutions by closely observing nature and adapting to their environment. Visiting this site is a journey through more than a century of experience, resilience, and collective memory—where every step, every jar, and every wall tells a story of life and the passage of time.
