Today is Global Wind Day. The history of wind power is facinating. It goes back to the 4th millennium BC when first sailing ships were created in the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia. Historians say, some of the earliest inventors used wind power for sailing. On Global Wind Day, let's take a look at some of the oldest windmills used to harness power. Did you know in Nashtifan, a village in northeastern Iran, some of the oldest windmills are still working? Locally the windmills, known as 'Asbads', are a UNESCO World Heritage. Strong winds in the eastern parts of Iran sometimes reach 100 km per hour and this the reason why the locals, around a thousand years ago, took to wind power to draw water or grind grains.
Global Wind Day: Know about the oldest windmills
- The windmills of Nashtifan, made of clay and wood, have been used to grind grains milling for nearly 1,000 years, according to an article in the National Geographic. The windmills, designed by the Persians around 500 CE, were adapted in many countries across the world later.
- Various types of windmills are found in Denmark. The designs are believed to date back to the early 17th century, according to the historyofwindmills.com. Some of the most famous ones are Majbolle Molle, Kastellet Molle, Kloster Molle, Hojer Molle and Lumby Molle.
- Windmills of Australia - found in Darlinghurst, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney - are of the tower style and mostly built during the 19th century.
- Estonia has a rich history of windmills. In the famous windmill hill in Saaremaa, on the Baltic coast, nine old windmills are still active.
- Finland - Finland houses large number of windmills. They can be found on Åland Islands, Konnevesi, Loviisa, Samppalinna, Vaala and Vuonna.
- Some of the most famous windmills are found in the Netherlands, known for wind energy. Most of them are located in Kinderdijk, Schiedam and Zaanse Schans.
- The United Kingdom has hundreds of windmills, some that were built over 400 years ago. A few of the well-known ones are Clayton Jack and Jill, Whissendine Tower-mill, Chesterton windmill and Brill Windmill.
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