Aghlabid Basins, Ancient water basins in Kairouan, Tunisia
The Aghlabid Basins are three large water storage pools connected by channels and pipes that delivered water across Kairouan. The structures feature underground chambers arranged to collect, store, and distribute water throughout the city in a coordinated system.
These structures were built in the second half of the 9th century to supply water to Kairouan as it grew rapidly. This was a period when the city became increasingly important and such infrastructure projects were critical to its expansion.
These basins reveal how central water management was to the city's survival and daily rhythms, showing how engineering skill was valued to support a growing population.
The site is open year-round, and it helps to arrive early when it is less crowded. The paths can be uneven, so sturdy shoes and drinking water are recommended.
The basins include a sophisticated system of filters and settling chambers that cleaned water before storage. This shows that builders understood early on how to maintain and control water quality over time.
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