Indigenous Knowledge of Constructing and Utilizing Historical Water-storing Construction of Burka in Qeshm

Abstract

Constructing and using water systems and the indigenous knowledge associated with them are among the pivotal components of local communities, manifesting the convergent correlation of human life and Mother Nature. Practically, the purpose of this convergence was to realize human needs according to a careful understanding of natural limitations which ends to formulation of a system of meanings and rituals related water using styles. As a historical water-storing construction, Burka maintains strong similarities with other traditional water-storing structures in other parts of Iran while remaining particularities due to the geographical and cultural conditions of Qeshm Island. Relying on a realistic ethnography method, and after selection of 18 urban and rural regions in the island as its field, this study used both deep and focus-group interviews with more than 80 persons of local informants along with participative observation and survey of related published documents to collect and analyze the data regarding this traditional knowledge. Finally, this study led to a thick description of the indigenous knowledge regarding construction, maintenance and utilizing Burkas and functional-ritual values around them. Wise techniques of spotting the best location for harvesting the best quality rain water and building the Burka according to a technical intelligent architecture and then channeling the stream to the sediment pool and then transmitting it to a deep covered basin (constructing), constant solidarity of local communities through subtle mores (maintenance), and frugality and contentment in using water according to priorities (utilizing) are prominent components of this indigenous knowledge.

Keywords

• indigenous knowledge
• historical water-storing constructions
• burka
• qeshm island