Malik Sardoba

Design and history

The sardoba was built in the 11th century to supply water to Rabati Malik across the road. Technically it is a reservoir 13 m deep under a dome 12 m across, pierced by three light openings. Water came from the Zarafshan along a kariz, an underground channel that surfaced through a line of wells.

The present entrance portal is a later addition, with a ramp leading down to the water. Cisterns like this kept water cool and clean on desert roads and were vital stops for caravans.