Los aljibes de Gabia la Grande: el sistema de abastecimiento de agua doméstica de la alquería aldalusí de Gawiya Al-Kubra

Abstract

There are several studies on the cisterns of the city of Granada and other towns in the Vega of Granada, but this research focuses specifically on the study of the cisterns of the Andalusian farmstead of Gawiya al-Kubra (Gabia la Grande), more specifically on those located within the urban area of the town. Their location, supply, water distribution, distribution networks, and maintenance have been analysed. It has been discovered that water reached the cisterns through a network of irrigation channels coming from the Dílar River and, once in the town, was conducted by a main channel, regulated by norms and schedules, which supplied the four cisterns situated in the lower areas of the historic centre. Associated with the cisterns, there were agricultural estates in various parts of the municipality, whose income was allocated to maintaining this urban system. These are the well-known habices assets, some of which have been identified during this study.