Howz

{{Short description|Symmetrical axis pool in Persian architecture}}

{{for|the village in Iran|Howz, Iran}}

{{globalize|2=Iran|date=August 2020}}

In traditional Persian architecture, a howz ({{langx|fa|حوض}}) is a centrally positioned symmetrical axis pool. If in a traditional house or private courtyard, it is used for bathing, aesthetics or both.{{cite book|author=Mohammad R. Ghanoonparvar|title=Translating the Garden|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xO-a7KIV-RsC&pg=PA37|year=2001|publisher=University of Texas Press|isbn=978-0-292-72835-6|page=37}}

{{cite book

|last1=Ghanoonparvar

|first1=M.R.

|authorlink1=M.R. Ghanoonparvar

|title=Translating the Garden

|publisher=University of Texas Press

|url=https://lccn.loc.gov/2001017138

|date=2001

|lccn=2001017138

|access-date=28 January 2021}} If in a sahn of a mosque, it is used for performing ablutions. A howz is usually around {{convert|30|cm|in}} deep. It may be used as a "theatre" for people to sit on all sides of the pool while others entertain.{{cite book|author1=Anthony Frost|author2=Ralph Yarrow|title=Improvisation in Drama|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rQ0dBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA72|date=30 August 2007|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-1-137-07593-2|page=72}}

Howz is a feature of the Persian gardens.