Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
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 5000 years in the region named as Qanat or Kariz as originally named in Persia.[1]
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 Falaj Daris | |
| 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 their 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]
Notable Aflaj
| Falaj | Coordinates | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Katmeen | 22°56′0″N 57°40′0″E | 135.028 ha (0.52135 sq mi) |
| Al-Malki | 22°44′0″N 57°46′0″E | 600 ha (2.3 sq mi) |
| Daris | 22°59′0″N 57°32′0″E | 389.468 ha (1.50374 sq mi) |
| Al-Jeela | 22°47′0″N 59°10′0″E | 30.952 ha (0.11951 sq mi) |
| Al-Muyasser | 23°21′0″N 57°27′0″E | 300.501 ha (1.16024 sq mi) |
See also
References
- system.com /agriculture-fisheries/traditional-aflaj-irrigation-system-omani-heritage.asp "The Traditional Aflaj Irrigation System - An Omani Heritage | OmanInfo.com" Check
|url=value (help). www.omaninfo.com. Retrieved 2018-07-13. - "Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman". UNESCO. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- "Ancient irrigation system (Oman) and Palaces of Genoa (Italy) among ten new sites on World Heritage List". UNESCO. Retrieved 17 May 2015.