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Sakia (sakieh) in operation, Middle East
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Sakia (sakieh) in operation, Middle East
Ox-drawn sakia (sakieh) in operation, Middle East. The sakia (sakieh) is an animal-drawn water wheel serving irrigation and is still used in India, Egypt and other parts of the Middle East. Date: circa 1930
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Media ID 14402950
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
Agricultural Agriculture Drawn Irrigation Persian Tympanum Wheel Wheels Irrigating Sakia Sakieh
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the essence of rural life in the Middle East during the 1930s, as an ox-drawn sakia or saqiya (sometimes referred to as a tablia or tympanum) comes to life. The sakia is an ancient irrigation system still in use in countries such as India, Egypt, and other regions in the Middle East. This animal-powered water wheel is essential for agriculture in arid areas, allowing farmers to efficiently transport water from nearby sources to their fields. In this image, a strong ox is harnessed to the sakia, its powerful muscles straining as it turns the wheel. The water is channeled through a series of interconnected pots or jars, which are stacked on the wheel's rim. As the wheel rotates, the water is lifted and transported to the farmer's fields, providing a vital source of life-giving moisture for crops. The scene is filled with a sense of community and cooperation, as men, boys, and children gather around the sakia to help with the irrigation process. Their faces are etched with determination and focus, as they work together to ensure the success of their agricultural endeavors. The simple yet effective technology of the sakia has stood the test of time, continuing to play a crucial role in the livelihoods of farmers in the Middle East and beyond. The intricate design of the sakia's wheel, with its Persian-inspired tablia or tympanum, adds an artistic touch to the functional device. The interplay of water, oxen, and human labor creates a beautiful and timeless tableau, one that speaks to the deep connection between people and the land in this region.
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