Ab-Anbars of Yazd: A Study of Geographical and Historical Distributions of Cisterns in a Desert City

In this time of civilizational crisis, architecture needs to learn from the past how to heal and conserve human civilization by having a holistic vision and a deep understanding of design for extreme conditions. One such good historical example can be found in the Ab Anbars (cisterns) of Yazd. Ab-Anbars are simple yet effective structures that formed a flexible and affordable design to maximise the probability of survival in the most hot and arid climate conditions on the planet by providing clean and fresh water, free of charge, to the communities around them. This vernacular engineering design enabled not only survival in extreme conditions, but more than that spread and sustained the Iranian civilization by helping to build resilient cities and settlements in the desert. In this chapter, the Ab Anbars of Yazd are studied in detail to find out more about how they deeply work. This research has used primary and secondary sources and GIS mapping tools to gather and analyse the data and to answer the main questions about Ab Anbars. This study presents for the first time the geographical and historical distribution maps of Ab-Anbars of Yazd, and by superimposition of the maps of Ab-Anbars and Qanats reveals their underlying relations in the irrigation infrastructure of the city throughout its history. This study also underlines the importance of the revitalisation and restoration of Qanats and cisterns as a tested and reliable infrastructure for the supply and storage of water in case of emergency situations or severe droughts. The architecture of the Ab Anbars of Yazd not only reflected the Indigenous engineering knowledge and expertise, but it also mirrored the very values, beliefs, and aesthetics of Iranian civilization. In a broader sense, this civilizational understanding can be applied to other elements of Persian vernacular architecture to inspire a holistic vision for beautiful and functional architectural innovations to heal and preserve the human civilization.