Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
Falaj Daris | |
Interactive map of Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman | |
| Location | Oman |
| Criteria | Cultural: (v) |
| Reference | 1207 |
| Inscription | 2006 (30th Session) |
The Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman are ancient water harvesting, transportation, storage and distribution systems from AD 500 located in the Omani regions of Dakhiliyah, Sharqiyah and Batinah. They do however represent a type of irrigation system with a history going back 5,000 years in the Middle East, one type being known from Persia under the name qanat or kariz. Aflaj systems may include an underground horizontal section accessed by vertical shafts, which collects water from the aquifer by using the same technology as the Iranian qanat systems, and always include surface channels for transport and distribution.
"Aflaj" (Arabic: أفلاج) is the plural of "falaj" (Arabic: فلج), 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.
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.