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Traditional ancient methods of water supply in the Orient are known under names such as “Kāriz”, “Qanāt”, “Khattara”, “Falaj” etc. Through these methods it was possible for example in present Iran only, to supply water as much as Nile river. This was achieved without using any driving energy. Also without the use of any polluting energy, was the traditional air conditioning system known as ” Bādgir”.
“Bādgir” A Wonder of Indigenous Knowledge
Although since a very long time, the dangerous environmental consequences of modernity are known to the Western world, the general awareness did take place until recent times. This was due to the policy of suppression applied by the power holders who used several methods. It remained so, until the same groups found ways to present themselves as saviors. Then in the same manners which led to these problems, they found ways to make profit by starting to solve the same problems created by them. Only then, the general awareness about environmental problems was allowed to take place; perhaps even as a way of advertisement.
The problem of destroying native cultural ecosystems was the primary step by colonial powers in order to expand its market and ensure their longtime political domination. But even after emerging general awareness about environment, the problems of cultural ecosystems have remained ignored. This was because this awareness was limited to the centers of capitalism. Therefore, a serious attempt to preserve native cultures of the world did never take place. This process finally resulted in the disappearance of native cultures throughout the world. This happened, even without some important parts of native cultures could at least be documented.
“Bādgir” A Wonder of Indigenous Knowledge
In order to understand what has really been lost, some attention should be made to that little of survived native cultures and indigenous knowledge.
Two examples of indigenous knowledge that have survive in the Orient, are in the fields of water supply and air conditioning.
Traditional ancient methods of water supply in the Orient are known under names such as “Kāriz”, “Qanāt”, “Khattara”, “Falaj” etc. Through these methods it was possible for example in present Iran only, to supply water as much as Nile river. This was achieved without using any driving energy. Also without the use of any polluting energy, was the traditional air conditioning system known as ” Bādgir”.
“As against the native methods of air ventilation like “Bādgir”, the new methods of air conditioning are all unhealthy and inefficient. Not only the production and use of modern devices are costly and energy and water consuming, but also they are themselves one of the causes of increasing temperature of the cities. As a matter of fact, the modern housings in the present Orient are so inconvenient that without using different mechanical energy and water consuming as well as environmental polluting methods, normal life in them is possible.”
Fariborz Hamzeh’ee, Thoughtless Orient: A Cultural Sociological Study of Colonialism in the Orient, Forthcoming.
Glimpses into Oral Culture and Traditions among Jȃf Kurds
Ziguenerleben im Orient von Fariborz M. Reza Hamzeh’ee
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