Pronunciation: [sˈakiə] (IPA) 
The word "sakia" can also be spelled as "sakya" or "sakkiyah" depending on the dialect and spelling conventions. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /sæˈkiə/ where the first syllable "sa" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by the "k" sound in the second syllable, and ending with the "iə" sound in the final syllable. This word refers to an irrigation tool commonly used in Middle Eastern countries.
Sakia is a noun that refers to a traditional irrigation device used in arid and semi-arid regions to raise water from a well or water source and distribute it to crops or other areas in need of irrigation. It consists of a large wheel, typically made of wood, with numerous buckets or containers attached to its rim. The sakia is usually powered by animal, human, or mechanical energy, such as oxen, horses, mules, or camels, which rotate the wheel by walking in circles or through the use of a water or windmill.
The mechanism of the sakia involves the continuous rotation of the wheel, causing the buckets to be immersed in the water source and lifted once they reach the top, allowing them to pour water into a channel or trough. The water is then directed to the fields or gardens, providing a consistent supply of water for irrigation purposes.
The sakia has been used for centuries as a reliable and simple method of irrigation, particularly in regions with limited access to water resources. It has been a vital tool for agricultural production, enabling farmers to grow crops and sustain their livelihoods in arid climates. Despite being a traditional technology, the sakia continues to be utilized in some rural areas around the world, contributing to sustainable farming practices and water conservation.
The word "sakia" has its roots in Arabic. It is derived from the Arabic word "sāqīyah" (ساقية), which means "water-raising device" or "water wheel". This term was originally used specifically to refer to a type of irrigation tool that was used in ancient Egypt and Persia to lift water from a lower source, such as a river or a well, to higher grounds in order to irrigate crops. Over time, the term "sakia" has also been used more broadly to refer to different types of water wheels, including those used for grinding grain or powering other machinery.
