Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 Falaj Daris (Oman) | |
| Location | Dakhiliya, Sharqiyah and Batinah Regions Oman |
| Criteria | Cultural: v |
| Reference | 1207 |
| Inscription | 2006 (30th Session) |
| Coordinates | 22°59′56″N 57°32′10″E / 22.99889°N 57.53611°E |
  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
- ^ "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.