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Mohammad Wali Gandami is the last miller who knows the techniques of building and repairing traditional Iranian windmills. At the age of 68, he is still responsible for the maintenance of windmills in the city of Nashtifan.
Mohammad Vali Gandami is the last living craftsman with firsthand knowledge of building and restoring Iran’s ancient windmills, known as Asbads. These extraordinary structures, dating back thousands of years, once harnessed clean, renewable wind energy to grind grain into flour. Now 67, Gandami has dedicated his life to preserving these masterpieces of early Iranian engineering.
Asbads are uniquely designed to function in the harsh winds of Iran’s arid regions, representing one of the earliest examples of sustainable technology adapted to its environment. Despite their cultural and historical importance, many windmills are deteriorating due to neglect, erosion, and lack of official support.
Gandami’s lifetime of experience is an irreplaceable link to a vanishing tradition. Unless his skills are recorded and passed down, the ancient knowledge of constructing and repairing Asbads may disappear forever—along with a vital part of Iran’s cultural and technological heritage.
Nasim Noori holds a Master’s degree in Social Communication and have worked for many years as a social journalist. Coming from a family with a background in filmmaking, and driven by my own social engagement—particularly in the areas of women’s rights and ethnic minority issues—I was inspired to explore documentary filmmaking.
After completing a one-year filmmaking program at the Iranian Youth Cinema Society, I began conducting research and producing short documentaries.
In addition to filmmaking and research, I currently teach at universities and film schools, where I mentor students in cinema and media fields. I am also active as a social advocate, continuing my efforts to raise awareness on social justice issues through both educational and creative platforms.
Documentary filmmaking has become a powerful tool for me to amplify underrepresented voices and explore overlooked aspects of cultural and social life in Iran and beyond.
Mohammad Wali Gandami is the last miller who knows the techniques of building and repairing traditional Iranian windmills. At the age of 68, he is still responsible for the maintenance of windmills in the city of Nashtifan.
Mohammad Vali Gandami is the last living craftsman with firsthand knowledge of building and restoring Iran’s ancient windmills, known as Asbads. These extraordinary structures, dating back thousands of years, once harnessed clean, renewable wind energy to grind grain into flour. Now 67, Gandami has dedicated his life to preserving these masterpieces of early Iranian engineering.
Asbads are uniquely designed to function in the harsh winds of Iran’s arid regions, representing one of the earliest examples of sustainable technology adapted to its environment. Despite their cultural and historical importance, many windmills are deteriorating due to neglect, erosion, and lack of official support.
Gandami’s lifetime of experience is an irreplaceable link to a vanishing tradition. Unless his skills are recorded and passed down, the ancient knowledge of constructing and repairing Asbads may disappear forever—along with a vital part of Iran’s cultural and technological heritage.
Nasim Noori holds a Master’s degree in Social Communication and have worked for many years as a social journalist. Coming from a family with a background in filmmaking, and driven by my own social engagement—particularly in the areas of women’s rights and ethnic minority issues—I was inspired to explore documentary filmmaking.
After completing a one-year filmmaking program at the Iranian Youth Cinema Society, I began conducting research and producing short documentaries.
In addition to filmmaking and research, I currently teach at universities and film schools, where I mentor students in cinema and media fields. I am also active as a social advocate, continuing my efforts to raise awareness on social justice issues through both educational and creative platforms.
Documentary filmmaking has become a powerful tool for me to amplify underrepresented voices and explore overlooked aspects of cultural and social life in Iran and beyond.
