Mashhad’s historic silo added to Iran’s National Industrial Heritage sites

IRAN – Mashhad’s old silo, a landmark of Iran’s industrial progress, has officially been designated as a National Industrial Heritage site.

Spanning approximately nine hectares, the complex has been operational for over 80 years, evolving to meet the growing needs of Iran’s agricultural sector.

Mahmoud Toghraei, the head of the Historical Monuments Registration Department at the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Khorasan-Razavi province, confirmed its registration under number 34177.

The historic site, constructed in 1939, includes a 16,000-ton grain storage facility along with administrative and support buildings.

Toghraei detailed the silo’s layout, which includes key features such as an unloading station for wheat trucks, a large concrete reservoir for grains, and power generation systems.

Trucks once unloaded wheat into concrete funnels, with a conveyor system beneath the structure transporting the grains to the massive silo. The towering structure stands 52 meters tall, stretching 160 meters in length and 40 meters in width, housing 11 cylindrical storage units arranged in three rows.

The silo’s significance lies not only in its size and capacity but also in its connection to Iran’s modernization journey. During the early 20th century, Iran saw rapid urbanization and population growth, necessitating advanced food storage technologies to secure public health and food supply.

The construction of Mashhad’s silo was a collaborative effort between Iran and Germany, with German engineering playing a critical role in bringing European technological expertise to the country.

Even after more than eight decades of operation, the original equipment—including conveyor belts, motors, and power systems—continues to function, a testament to the durability and craftsmanship of the era.

Made from reinforced concrete using wooden molds, a common technique at the time, the structure remains a prominent part of Iran’s industrial fabric. According to Toghraei, the ongoing technical upkeep by local experts and the silo’s long-term planning and high-quality construction have ensured its sustained operation.

The registration of Mashhad’s silo as a national heritage site underscores the importance of preserving Iran’s industrial legacy, particularly as food security and grain storage continue to be key issues in the region.

The recognition also brings attention to the vital role silos have played in Iran’s agricultural economy, storing grains such as wheat and barley, which are essential staples in the Iranian diet.

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