Abstract

Tahoun (mill) as a significant structure fabricated by human beings has met many of their daily needs in the urban and rural communities over the history. The structure has also been a focal point for historical civilizations and caused economic and job developments. Holding a high status among the Astan Quds’ endowments, the mills of Torogh as a main income source through renting properties should be explored to see their economic function. This study sought to see the status of mills of Torogh in the economic development of the region as well as the endowments of Astan Quds. The results of exploring the documents revealed that the mills of this region, especially Mir Alishir and Mir Sheikhom as the major mills of Torogh, faced over the history with such problems as destruction, erosion, drought, and seasonal mitigation of water, so that they needed urgent repair and consideration and imposed costs on Astan Quds. However, the mills were among Astan Quds’ major sources of cash and non-cash incomes through renting in the Qajar Era, as they were so significant for providing the bread of people of Torogh and Mashhad and impacted the continuation of the environmental life of the region. Despite the economic problems of Astan Quds over the period, the organization could tackle the problems and prevent their long closure.