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One of the most distinctive of Iranian vernacular edifices is the Pidgeon House. Only about forty of these extraordinary mud brick towers are preserved today, but when the Safavid Dynasty held court in Isfahan, there were hundreds clustered around the city. Each tower consists of a drum with a smooth exterior. Within are thousands of roosts for the pidgeons. The outer drum is ringed by a smooth plaster band. This stops snakes getting to the only entrances (images 006) which are on the roof. The band is too smooth to allow them traction. The openings in the small entrance towers are too small to admit birds of prey. Most extraordinary is the purpose of these lofts. The pidgeons were used neither at table nor to carry messages. The towers were built to collect their droppings which were used to fertilise fields to grow vegetables and fruit, especially melons which were a favourite at court. (Photographs: Michael Hellstrom)