Vakil Water Cisterns or Abanbare Vakil

To ensure a substantial water supply for the residents of Shiraz, Karim Khan Zand ordered the construction of four large water cisterns in the city. All of them were created roughly at the same time during 1760-1765. One of these cisterns stood beside the Mausoleum of Hafez, another in Haft Tanan, still others beside Divan-Khaneh, and finally the largest of them behind the Vakil Bath. The Vakil water cistern behind the Vakil Bath has a rectangular vaulted water container, supported by four sturdy stone pillars. The well is ascended by a flight of stone steps. On the outside, the structure is surmounted by a badgir, made of brick and decorated with attractive brick-bonding patterns.