The pigeon towers of Isfahans appear as potential candidates for world heritage.
Iran's historic pigeon towers in Isfayah, many from the Safavid era, may be nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, officials say. The mud brick structures - usually 10.5 to 12 meters high - represent an ingenious combination of vernacular architecture and traditional agricultural technology, built to collect pigeon droppings as fertilizer for melons. European travelers including Tavernier and Chardin documented their prominence. Experts are calling for comprehensive documentation, comparative research and stronger conservation, as the deterioration of mud bricks threatens their survival.