Reasons for the Heat in the Gulf: Title: How to Live Before Air Conditioning

 

The lifestyle before the use of modern air conditioning especially in the summer season in the Gulf region had some tricks to survive the heat. 

Here are some traditional methods and reasons for the heat: 

Reasons for the Heat in the Gulf Region: 

#1 Geographic Location: 

The gulf region is located in a desert climate and hence it experiences very high temperatures during the summer. 

#2 High Humidity: 

Due to the presence of large water bodies such as the Persian Gulf, humidity is also high hence the heat is actually felt. 

#3 Intense Sunlight: 

The area is characterized by long sunny days as a result of its position on the map and the clear atmosphere. 

Traditional Methods for Coping with Heat: 

#1 Architectural Design: 

Thick Walls: Conventional structures have also large walls that are filled with mud or stone to ensure that the interior of the building remains cool. 

Wind Towers (Barjeel): These structures are intended to help in the trapping and funnelling of cooler breezes into the building for natural ventilation. 

Courtyards: Central courtyards in homes create ventilation and also create shaded areas in the compound. 

#2 Natural Cooling: 

Shade and Verandas: Big shady spaces and verandahs are the common designs as they help to cool down the homes. 

Fountains and Pools: Aesthetically, water features are useful in cooling and therefore improving the microclimates within the site. 

#3 Clothing: 

Lightweight Fabrics: Clothing was very comfortable and lightweight, and it was made of natural fabrics like cotton and linen, which let the air circulate and helped to evaporate sweat. 

Headwear: Previous day accessories such as the keffiyeh or the turban were used to block direct sunlight on the head. 

#4 Lifestyle Adjustments: 

Siestas: Rather, during the hottest part of the day, people would sleep or retire indoors so as not to be exposed to the heat. 

Evening Activities: Most of the social and communal activities were planned at the early morning or in the evening when it was cooler. 

#5 Water Management: 

Traditional Water Storage: To store the water and cool it for the purpose of drinking and other essential requirements of life, wells, cisterns, and tanks are used. 

Use of Cool Water: Squirting water on the face and the body was useful in lowering the body temperature. 

These methods were actually used in managing the heat before the invention of air conditioning was made.