Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
Ancient water channels in Oman / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman are ancient water channels from 500 AD located in the regions of Dakhiliyah, Sharqiyah and Batinah. However, they represent a type of irrigation system as old as 5,000 years in the region named as Qanat or Kariz as originally named in Persia.[1]
UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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Location | Oman |
Criteria | Cultural: (v) |
Reference | 1207 |
Inscription | 2006 (30th Session) |
"Aflaj" is the plural of "Falaj", which means "split into parts" in classical Arabic. This irrigation system effectively divided the water among all the inhabitants; it flowed by gravity from its original sources to homes and cropland. The complex included watchtowers to protect it, but also mosques and other buildings.[2]
In 2006, five Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites: Falaj Al-Khatmeen, Falaj Al-Malki, Falaj Daris, Falaj Al-Mayassar and Falaj Al-Jeela.[3]