The only reservoir still in use in Isfahan is the Kazerooni reservoir in the Takhte Foulad complex. Although this structure is quite recent, fine art and skill has been used in its designing and construction, and now-a-days it is regarded as one of the tourism sites of this ancient and historical city.
Takht Foulad is a historical complex in the city of Isfahan, where beautiful and ancient structures can be seen, such as a cistern, a public bath, a wedding hall, porches, spacious rooms and many other examples. In the past, these places were a place for travelers, or even the homeless, until in the past decades, a historical and cultural complex was built from it, turning into one of the popular tourist sites of Isfahan. Kazerooni Reservoir is also one of the structures of this complex, which has an intelligent design and excellent engineering, and still, as we mentioned, it continues to be used.
It should be noted that the lands where Takhte Foulad is built do not have fresh water. Upto 40 m deep, there is no access to fresh water, and the deposition of materials has made the water salty. Though, the water salinity is not to the extent that it cannot be used at all. That is why the reservoirs in that area are precious for the people and store fresh water. In all the seasons of the year, the reservoirs water was used by people and were vital for their livelihood. Fortunately, in Isfahan, it is possible to access the waterbed with shallow wells. What draws the eye to Kazerooni Reservoir is undoubtedly the turquoise caps of its minarets, which are visible and shining from a distance. This reservoir is a survivor of the Qajar period. In the last year of the Qajar kingdom, one of the famous people of Isfahan, named Mohammad Hossein Kazerooni, built this reservoir. He was a merchant and owned two famous trading houses, and in addition to his charity, he had considerable property. Those trading houses were founded during the reign of Muzaffaruddin Shah. Kazerooni later founded a textile factory.
The important thing is that the reservoir built at the request of Kazerooni is different from other reservoirs, and its minarets are unique and built innovatively. In addition, the reservoir of Takhte Foulad is octagonal. Each side has porches which travelers would use to take rest. Each porch also has charming brick arrays. Like other reservoirs, a staircase leads to depths below the earth’s surface and reaches the reservoir. This staircase is called pashir in architectural terms. Its roof is wide and flat. The portal (top part of the entrance) of this reservoir is also colorful. More or less in all the reservoirs built in the Qajar period we come across decorated portals. The portal of the Kazerooni reservoir has many beautiful patterns and engraved with beautiful color combinations. Four windmills, or minarets, also cover the roof of the Kazerooni reservoir. Each wind deflector is four meters high and makes it possible to cool the internal space of the reservoir.
The architect of this spectacular water reservoir was a craftsman named Mirza Banna. Kazerooni Reservoir was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran in Khordad 1382 so that it can be protected more along with other architectural spaces of Takht Foulad. A few years ago, there were reports of damage to the body and roof of the Kazerooni reservoir. Those damages were due to time erosion. As a result, this summer (1401), the revival and restoration of the basement of Kazerooni reservoir was done. In reservoirs, fish were thrown into the reservoir tank to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria and contaminating the stored water. In this way, the water remains clear and is prevented from contamination!
