History of Faucet Production in Iran and the World
Faucets are divided into two main categories: domestic or building faucets and industrial faucets. Today, sanitary faucets have various applications. Faucets are not only tools for better and more appropriate use of water but also, due to the decreasing availability of drinking water, tools for the optimal use of water. The history of faucet production dates back to ancient times.
What are Faucets?
A faucet is a metallic device used to open, close, and regulate the flow of liquids. Faucets are categorized into sanitary faucets, which are used in homes, offices, hotels, restaurants, etc., and industrial faucets. The term sanitary faucets in English is referred to as faucet or sanitary faucets, while industrial faucets are called industrial valves. Currently, faucets are not only a means for easier water use but also a method for optimal water use to address the issue of water scarcity in the world.
Origin of the Word Faucet
Since ancient times, rulers considered the lion of the jungle a symbol of power, and taming or controlling this creature signified their greatness and authority. Hence, for the construction of palaces or significant structures, the symbol of the lion, in the form of the head, teeth, or even the body of this creature, was used in various parts of the structures. Even after the completion of metal water faucets, the handle for opening and closing the water flow was decorated with the lion’s head. Perhaps in ancient times, when the first faucets were introduced in Iran, they bore the lion’s head on their body, and hence people would say “open the lion” or “close the lion” instead of “open the handle” or “close the handle.” Since then, despite the absence of the jungle king’s symbol on faucets, people continue to refer to this device as ” شیر” (Shir), meaning lion in Persian.
Faucet Production in Iran
Apart from documents suggesting the possibility of faucet production and usage in ancient Iran before 1340 AD, there are no official records confirming this. The primary existing evidence includes the magnificent structure of Persepolis and its complex networks of drinking water, sewage, and fountains. These were constructed using not only the knowledge and experience of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans but also innovations introduced in these works. Presumably, the Aryan builders of this magnificent structure also incorporated advanced techniques. Additionally, in the eighth and seventh centuries (before the construction of Persepolis), Luristan foundries produced various bronze pieces. The finesse and features of these pieces led researchers to conclude that such precision in crafting was only possible with wax casting. Thus, the technical knowledge available at that time was sufficient for producing various faucets. Furthermore, many old water reservoirs exist in different parts of Iran. For example, in 1225, the Seyed Esmail water reservoir was built in the current Tehran market area with three large faucets. Another example is the Kolahdaran House in Yazd, built in 1266 SH (Solar Hijri calendar), supplied by two water faucets (this house is now the Yazd Water Museum). Another noteworthy moment was the construction of the first shower bath in Tehran, modeled after the Turkish bath in Trabzon, and it became operational in 1919. Gradually, these replaced traditional baths and domes. All these examples pertain to faucet production before 1340 AD. Although some types of faucets were imported from Russia and European countries, the volume of these imports was low, and not everyone could afford them. As a result, most homes and public places were equipped with domestic faucets.
History of Faucet Production in the World
700 years BC, pipes and faucets were used to direct water to fountains and private homes. For example, in the Minoan Palace on the island of Crete, in addition to clay pipes for plumbing and irrigation, faucets made of gold, silver, and marble were installed. Between 1000 BC and 476 AD, the use of lead pipes and marble and silver faucets became common in private and public baths. In the fourth century, the Romans used pipes and faucets to supply water to 11 public baths, 856 private baths, and 1352 fountains and reservoirs.
Conclusion
Since ancient times, our Iranian ancestors have always been pioneers in science and technology compared to other nations and ethnicities. When there was a need for education from other countries, due to their high intelligence and creativity, they quickly learned and disseminated knowledge and science throughout ancient Iran. It is a source of pride that our rich culture has made us Iranians leaders in acquiring and applying knowledge and technology in industry and other fields since ancient times.
Source: shiralat.top
