Same thing in Afghanistan.. traced in some cases, all the way back to China..
The use of deep wells and covered aquaducts to transport water and prevent evaporation of a scarce rescource is fairly widespread throughout the area...
One of the first Scientific American articles I can remember reading.
Used to sell seeds door to door in the spring to buy them.
I wouldn't spend a plugged nickel on the new, revamped, ultra politically correct SciAm's now.