Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List

Falaj Daris (Oman)

Location Dakhiliya, Sharqiyah and Batinah Regions
Oman
Type Cultural
Criteria v
Reference 1207
UNESCO region Arab States
Coordinates 22°59′56″N 57°32′10″E / 22.99889°N 57.53611°E / 22.99889; 57.53611Coordinates: 22°59′56″N 57°32′10″E / 22.99889°N 57.53611°E / 22.99889; 57.53611
Inscription history
Inscription 2006 (30th Session)
Location in Oman

The Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman are ancient water channels from 500 AD located in the regions of Dakhiliya, Sharqiya and Batinah. However, they represent a type of irrigation system as old as 5000 years in the region.

"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 the sources to homes and cropland. The complex included watchtowers to protect it, but also mosques and other buildings.[1]

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[2]

See also

References

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