Dovecotes (Pigeon Towers)

Pigeon houses (or pigeon towers) are small towers in the agricultural areas of Isfahan. These small towers were built for the purpose of collecting pigeon droppings. These towers have domes with slits to allow easy access and movement of the birds and guide them to their nests inside the structure. Pigeons easily fly inside the towers. Their droppings contain nitrogen, were collected in the tower and then used for agricultural fields around the pigeon towers. The nitrogen in pigeon droppings plays an effective role in the growth of plants and vegetables. These towers are examples of Iranian architecture and are made of brick and plaster.