I found out – apparently, those odd structures are not just for aesthetics, but they actually have a functional purpose. They are called barjeel, or wind towers. I see there are scientific papers claiming these towers reduced indoor temperatures by 10 degrees Celsius. Sticks protrude from the barjeel. Why? They were used to attach sails for better wind collection. Now, it’s merely a tradition. And of course, nobody uses them for cooling in the age of air conditioners anymore. But many stylize their villas to resemble a desert home.
Hi, I'm Rauf Aliev. 