Qarshi Sardoba

Qarshi sardobasi — a architectural monument located in the city of Qarshi, Qashqadaryo region. It is situated south of Registon Square, near Odina Mosque (the present Old City). Qarshi sardobasi is one of 29 sardobas located in the Qarshi desert. The architectural monument was included in the national list of immovable objects of Uzbekistan's material and cultural heritage, i.e., placed under state protection, according to the decision of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to fundamentally improve activities in the protection of material cultural heritage objects” dated December 19, 2018, PQ-4068.

History

In the second half of the 14th century, many sardobas were built by Abdullaxon II. One of them is the Qarshi sardobasi, built in the 14th century. The 14th‑century sardoba is a unique example of Eastern architecture.

There are 44 sardobas in Uzbekistan and its surroundings, of which 29 are in the Qarshi desert, 3 in Mirzachoʻl, another 3 on the ancient trade route between Tashkent and Fergana, and one near Karmana in Malikchoʻl.

The sardoba was in operation until the early 20th century.

Architecture

Sardobas were built by means of brick and charitable labor. The upper part of the sardoba is dome‑shaped, with a water‑holding basin having a diameter of 14–15 meters and a depth of about 10–15 meters. The bottom of the sardoba is lined with 40 layers of stone.

A unique water structure is dug deep into the ground and raised with very solid, soft brick. The “Qir” mixture does not allow water to seep, therefore water is not wasted and remains clean and intact for a long time. The foundation of the sardoba is cut from stone, and no wood is used in the lower part. The sardoba water is filled through a wooden pipe installed on the edge of the Fayziobod ditch. For the construction of the sardoba, water, soil and sand were brought from a separate clean place, and gypsum was brought from Qorovulbozor and Nurota. Fuel, reed and ash were added to the sand. The bricks used for the structure must also be extremely resistant to heat and cold. The bottom of the sardoba is circular, and to prevent water from seeping into the ground there are three layers of felt, sheepskin, three layers of felt, one layer of gypsum and soft brick laid on the upper part. The peculiarity of the Qarshi sardoba is that its dome is raised more vertically, not in a leaf shape like other sardobas.

Legend associated with the sardoba

Nurali Ismoilov and Ochil Boriyevs tell in their scientific work “The ancient city of Qarshi-Uzbekistan” that: “In order for light to enter the sardoba and to keep the temperature constant, holes were made on the east (sunrise) and west (sunset) sides. The lower door of the sardoba was built facing opposite to the wind flow. A pipe was made for water to enter the pool. Next to the sardoba there was a caravanserai, where travelers rested and took water for the long journey. A payment of one copper coin (14 coins) was taken for a single use of the water. The coins were thrown into special troughs, which were collected by the caretaker in the evening.”