In the Windschacht Mine, I also went down as far as the water would allow me at that time. The descent was very steep and almost straight downward. I went down three times on ladders, passing about three hundred large steps or rungs. This long and difficult climb showed how deep and dangerous the mine truly is. The ladders were strong but narrow, and the journey required great care and courage. The deeper I went, the darker and more silent the mine became, and it was clear that only experienced workers could safely travel such paths every day Private Tour Istanbul.
The Great Water Wheel Underground
While I was deep inside the mine, I observed a very large wheel placed far below the surface of the earth. This wheel was about twelve yards in diameter and was turned by the force of underground water falling upon it. The wheel was not simply for show; it powered important machines that pumped water out from the bottom of the mine. The water that gathered in the lower parts of the mine could otherwise flood the tunnels and stop all work. Therefore, this great wheel played a vital role in keeping the mine open and safe for the miners.
The System of Water Removal
The water that turned the underground wheel did not fall deeper into the mine. Instead, it was guided away through a special channel that had been carefully made for this purpose. Through this passage, both the water that powered the wheel and the water pumped up from the deepest parts of the mine flowed out together at the foot of a hill. This clever system helped control the constant problem of water inside the mine and allowed the workers to continue their labor without interruption Introduction Windschacht.
The Wheel Above Ground and the Workers
Besides the large wheel underground, there was another wheel above the ground. This wheel lay horizontally and was kept in motion by twelve horses that walked in a circle without stopping. It also helped to pump out a great amount of water from the mine. Around all the works of this mine, I was told that no fewer than two thousand men were employed. This shows the great scale of the operation and how much labor was required to manage and maintain such a vast mining system.
Temperature and Working Conditions
In some parts of the mine, the air was extremely cold, while in other places it was so hot that it became difficult to endure. At times, the heat was so strong that I had to open my clothes and keep my chest uncovered just to feel some relief, even though I was only wearing light linen garments. Wherever the miners were actively working, the air was always hot. Because of this, many of the workers labored nearly naked for eight hours if they were able, and then they rested for another eight hours before returning to their duties. This harsh environment demanded great strength and endurance.
Danger from Poisonous Air
The miners also showed me a place where a tragic accident had happened. Five workers and a person of high rank had died there because of a dangerous damp, or poisonous air, that gathered in the mine. Such invisible gases could quickly overcome anyone who entered without warning. To prevent such disasters in the future, they have now placed a tube in that location. Similar tubes are fixed above doors and along long passages where they dig straight for great distances without openings.
Ventilation and Safety Measures
These tubes allow fresh air to enter, stale air to leave, and the air to circulate through the underground passages. In this way, the miners below ground receive better ventilation and can breathe more safely while they work. This system is very important because without proper air flow, the mine would become deadly. The use of ventilation shows the growing care taken to protect the lives of the workers while continuing the difficult and demanding labor within the depths of the earth.
