Over 2,400 years ago, the Persians ingeniously

These domed structures, with thick walls of brick and clay, kept the interiors cool year-round. In winter, water from nearby rivers or snowmelt was channeled into the Yakhchal, where the freezing desert nights turned it into ice. Stored in the pit's lowest part, the ice remained frozen for months. During the hot summers, they used this ice to cool drinks, store food, and for medical purposes—a remarkable use of natural resources and ancient engineering
That's correct! The Persians were renowned for their innovative engineering, and the Yakhchal was a testament to their ingenuity.

Here's a brief overview of how the Yakhchal worked:

Construction: Yakhchals were typically constructed underground, often with a dome-shaped roof made of mud-brick. They were usually located in a cool, shaded area, often near a source of water.
Ice Collection: During the winter months, when natural ice was available, workers would collect it from nearby mountains or ponds and store it in the Yakhchal.
Insulation: The thick walls of the Yakhchal, combined with the underground location and the use of insulating materials like straw or camel dung, helped to keep the ice frozen throughout the year.
Cooling: To cool food or beverages, people would place them in containers that were then submerged in a pool of water that was chilled by the ice stored in the Yakhchal.
The Yakhchal was a remarkable example of Persian engineering and a testament to their ability to adapt to their environment. It allowed them to enjoy the luxury of cold drinks and food even in the harsh desert climate.