"Water Conduit in Arabic dialect, Falaj, symbolizes life's ebb and flow"

"Water Conduit in Arabic dialect, Falaj, symbolizes life's ebb and flow"

In the heart of Oman, lies a network of ancient water management systems known as falaj, or aflaj in its plural form. These systems, dating back thousands of years, are a testament to human ingenuity and sustainable water use.

Found in the Dakhiliyah, Sharqiyah, and Batinah regions, these aflaj have been a cornerstone of Oman's agriculture and community cooperation for millennia. Notable among them are Falaj Al-Khatmeen, Falaj Al-Malki, Falaj Daris, Falaj Al-Mayassar, and Falaj Al-Jeela, which were recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2006, highlighting their cultural, historical, and engineering significance.

The aflaj consist of carefully designed underground and surface channels, meticulously dug to minimise water loss. Water is extracted from underground wadis and wells, flowing without the need for mechanical pumps due to gravity. This efficient distribution system is further reinforced by a communal scheduling system, fostering social cohesion and collective resource management.

For instance, Falaj Daris taps natural underground springs in nearby mountains, delivering water through a gently sloped system that sustains agriculture in regions like Nizwa even today.

The heritage of the aflaj reflects an ancient tradition of sustainable irrigation similar to the Persian Qanat system, dating back some 3,000 years. These aflaj, like those found in villages like Al Ain, also illustrate the continuing cultural landscape, supporting traditional farming of diverse crops in challenging environments and fostering spiritual and communal ties.

In the UAE, the Al Ain aflaj system was restored by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1946. This system is one of the region's oldest, estimated to be around 3,000 years old.

Meanwhile, in Umm Al Quwain, an emirate in the UAE, lies the oasis town of Falaj Al Mualla, located 30km from the city. Known for its historic fort and three watchtowers, built around 1825, Falaj Al Mualla has been a farming hub, with about 60 families cultivating 5,000 date palms. It also houses the UAE's first poultry farm and was part of an agricultural trial station established in 1955.

The area remains fertile thanks to its aflaj system, supported by aquifers from the Hajar Mountains. Falaj Al Mualla was formerly known as Falaj Al Ali after the Al Ali tribe, who moved here from Sinniyah Island due to a water shortage.

In Oman, writer Zahran Alqasmi wrote about a water diviner in his 2021 book "The Exile of the Water Diviner." The tradition of irrigation known as qanat or kariz began in Persia about 5,000 years ago. A water diviner's job involves tracking down underground springs and constructing water channels, or falaj.

In summary, the falaj systems represent a unique fusion of human innovation, environmental adaptation, and social organization, sustaining Oman's agricultural life for millennia and earning global recognition through UNESCO designation. The Arabic word of the week is falaj, which translates to water channel.

1. The ancient water management systems known as falaj in Oman are a testament to human ingenuity and sustainable water use, dating back thousands of years.
2. In the UAE, the Al Ain aflaj system, a segment of which was restored by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1946, is one of the region's oldest, estimated to be around 3,000 years old.
3. Umm Al Quwain, an emirate in the UAE, houses the oasis town of Falaj Al Mualla, which remains fertile thanks to its aflaj system and has been a farming hub for about 60 families across 5,000 date palms.
4. In Oman, the tradition of irrigation known as qanat or kariz, which began in Persia around 5,000 years ago, is documented in writer Zahran Alqasmi's 2021 book "The Exile of the Water Diviner."
5. The aflaj systems consist of carefully designed underground and surface channels that have supported traditional farming of diverse crops in challenging environments, fostering spiritual and communal ties.
6. Notable among these eleven aflaj sites in Oman, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2006, are Falaj Al-Khatmeen, Falaj Al-Malki, Falaj Daris, Falaj Al-Mayassar, and Falaj Al-Jeela.

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