High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! A yakh-ch?l (meaning "ice pit") (Persian Language:?????) is an ancient type of refrigerator. Aboveground, the structure had a domed shape, but had a subterranean storage space; it was often used to store ice, but sometimes was used to store food as well. The subterranean space coupled with the thick heat-resistant construction material insulated the storage space year round. These structures were mainly built and used in Persia. Many remain standing that were built hundreds of years ago.