Howz

For the village in Iran, see Howz, Iran.

In traditional Persian architecture, a howz (Persian: حوض) is a centrally positioned symmetrical axis pool. If in a traditional house or private courtyard, it is used for bathing, aesthetics or both. If in a sahn of a mosque, it is used for performing ablutions. A howz is usually around 30 centimetres (12 in) deep. It may be used as a "theatre" for people to sit on all sides of the pool while others entertain.

Howz is a feature of the Persian gardens.

Gallery

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  A small howz in a mosque in Tehran shaped in the traditional form of two squares, one rotated 45 degrees
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  Small howz in Isfahan
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  A howz in the historical bath house of Arg of Karim Khan
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  Howz in Soltan Amir Ahmad Bath House, Kashan, Iran
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  A howz in an historical underground teahouse (chaikhaneh) in Yazd
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  Howz of the Eram Garden
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  The howz in courtyard of Mostowfi House
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  A big rectangular howz in a traditional Iranian house
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  Howz of the Khaneh Lari, Yazd
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  An asymmetrical empty howz

See also

• History of water supply and sanitation
  • Ancient water conservation techniques
  • Water supply and sanitation in the Indus-Saraswati Valley Civilisation
  • Sanitation in ancient Rome
  • Traditional water sources of Persian antiquity