Aghlabid Basins

فسقية الأغالبة

cistern in Kairouan

#2 in Kairouan / #23 in Tunisia

by Neil Rickards

/ CC BY 2.0

The Aghlabid Basins in Kairouan, Tunisia, are a remarkable example of medieval hydraulic engineering. Constructed during the 9th century under the Aghlabid dynasty, these basins were designed to collect and store water for the city, ensuring a reliable water supply in an arid region. The main basin, which is circular and measures approximately 130 meters in diameter, is surrounded by smaller basins and a network of aqueducts that channeled water from nearby sources. These structures not only highlight the advanced engineering skills of the period but also played a crucial role in the development and prosperity of Kairouan as a major center of Islamic culture and learning.

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