Construction and Restoration of The Waterlines of City Medina in Ottoman Period

Zeki Tekin

doi:10.7596/taksad.v9i4.2957

Abstract

Medina, one of the most sacred places of the Hejaz region, is seen to have not experienced serious water shortages throughout history. Ayn al-Zarka, one of the most important water springs, and other water reserves meet most of Medina’s needs.The local governments and the Ottoman central government took serious interest in the water issues of the region (especially in Medina), which had been under Ottoman rule for a long time and took the necessary measures. Repair and maintenance of the waterlines, which had deteriorated over time, were closely dealt with, and large-budget cost expenditures were compensated for by the central treasury and/or the Egyptian treasury.Additional water sources were sought to eliminate the water shortages caused by population increases and drought; this was attempted with respect to the periodic needs. The holy places that got particularly crowded during the Hajj season were seen to face water shortages. In recent times, distilling seawater has been attempted as a solution to eliminate this shortage.

Highlights

According to religious texts, the Hejaz region has been prominent from the first human, Adam, until today through its sacred identity and retains its quality as the oldest residential area
We find detailed information about the water wells of Medina on the Shukka [parchment] that Jeddah Governor Yusuf Pasha sent to Istanbul in Shaban 1214 AH/1799 AD
We find Ayn az-Zurka, found in Medina, among the issues that Vizier Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar, the Damascus Governor and Hajj Amir, wrote about article by article on the receipt dated Muharram 28, 1207 AH/February 10, 1793 AD, which he sent to the Court of Humayun

Summary

Introduction

The Hejaz region has been prominent from the first human, Adam (pbuh), until today through its sacred identity and retains its quality as the oldest residential area.

Results

Conclusion