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Al-Mahafat, Badgir, pottery items .. Classical methods for ventilation in Kuwait

By Sara Al-Mukhaizeem

KUWAIT, Feb 11 (KUNA) -- In the hot summer days of old times, people in Kuwait used to depend on "Al-Mahafat" (fans), "Badgir" (wind catchers), and pottery items as classical methods for cooling down and ventilation in their dwellings.
"Al-Mahfat", plural for "Al-Mahafa", were traditional fans made out of palm tree leaves. They were used by people in gathering halls, houses, and mosques to cool down and ward off the heat of the summer season.
They came in various types and shapes and according to the place or situation; specific fans were used by people to cool themselves down.
As for "Badgir", the Persian word for wind catchers, they were muddy-structures or rooms erected on top of homes to catch wind which seeps into houses through a ventilation system, providing cool air for the inhabitants. "Badgir" were mainly found at houses of the well off and rich people.
On the other hand, pottery items and porcelain, usually imported from abroad, were also used to store and cool down water during the summer heat. The porcelain-stored cold water was also poured in the surrounding areas of which people used to sit down for chat. Some similar pottery items had holes drilled into them to allow water to drip to the ground frequently, and with passing wind, a cool breeze is created.
With the introduction of electricity in Kuwait, people slowly became less dependent on such methods of cooling, although some individuals, especially from the older generation, still use some of these methods to have a joyful time during summer. (end) stm.gta