Traditional Underground Heating Systems Continue to Warm Villages in Maidan Wardak Amid Winter

In the rural districts of Maidan Wardak province, as winter approaches, many residents continue to build and use traditional underground heating systems known as ‘tawkhana.’ This system can simultaneously warm several rooms and is well-suited to the economic conditions of local families.

The tawkhana is a traditional subterranean heating method in Afghanistan, where heat generated from a stove or oven passes through channels built beneath the floor of a room, keeping the space warm for an extended period. This technique is prevalent mainly in rural areas and remains widely used due to its low cost.

Besides providing warmth, tawkhana systems offer an economical solution for rural families. Locals use mountain shrubs and firewood as fuel, and simultaneously keep their homes warm while cooking.

Residents of Maidan Wardak state that while modern heating appliances are used in cities, in mountainous and rural areas tawkhana remains the primary choice to endure winter because of its low cost and lower risks compared to gas or coal heaters.