POPOVO POLJE, A DIFFERENT VIEW/POPOVO POLJE, DRUGACEN POGLED

Popovo polje is a longitudinal karst basin at the level of 250 metres above sea level, surrounded by higher hills, not far from the Adriatic Sea. Water power can be used for powering certain water devices, such as mills, mill-stamps, saw-mills, irrigation etc. All these devices except sawmills can be found in this region. The typical architecture on Popovo polje is closely connected with stone: dwellings, economic buildings, especially salas (drying and storing device for corn), irrigation devices on the Trebisnjica river but the most attractive are mills, especially ponor mills. A ponor mill is a unique system in the world, using the oscillating level of water. A classical millwheel with a vertical axle - almost a turbine - is set into a vertical cylinder, which uses water power, independent of its level. The architectural frame is made of stone but the rotating elements are wooden, in particular the rotating waterwheel with scoops. Mills located on karst ponors with special behaviour are called 'estavelle' mills, with the wheel rotating in both directions. The problem with these jewels of the cultural and technical heritage is that they are abandoned and forgotten. The most important aspects of saving them are uncovering them, recalling them to memory and preventing them from disappearing, restoring them to working order and presenting them to the public. The conclusions are very clear: not even owners are aware of these important objects. We professionals must restore this heritage to life, to the public, by raising the awareness of the local people of the work and culture, with beneficial economic effects.