Centuries old aflaj irrigation system in Oman

Abstract

Modern irrigation techniques have been adopted in the Sultanate of Oman, but the centuries old traditional irrigation system of tapping groundwater resources still exists as a popular and efficient water distribution system. This ancient irrigation system, in which the water table near mountains is tapped and channelled towards an oasis, is called the ‘aflaj’ system. In Oman, some of the aflaj are believed to be 2500 years old and there are an estimated 3000 active aflaj networks in the country. The aflaj system mainly comprises a mother well, a number of access shafts, an underground tunnel and a surface channel distribution system, which is supported by other structures (e.g. aqueducts, siphons, falls). The aflaj system is an integral part of village life and has an enormous influence on social and communal life; these systems are maintained by village cooperatives. Their ownership, water rights, water distribution criteria, administration and maintenance procedures are historically of interest. The Oman government has taken an initiative for improvement of the existing aflaj system and, in 2006, Unesco designated five of the most important Oman aflaj as world heritage sites.