Traditional water supply systems at lack of water regions and their modern situation (cases of M’zab Valley, Algeria and Miyakojima Island, Japan)

Abstract

The historical development of water supply systems for portable and irrigation water gathering is traditional for lack of water regions of the world. The diversity of such systems can be observed at Middle East and Asiatic cultures. Some of them are still in use or partly in use now. The study cases of the work are traditional distribution systems of rainwater in the deserted M’zab Valley, Algeria and tropical Miyakojima Island, Japan. The research is aiming to precise the modern situation of traditional water supply systems estimating the possible ways of theirs sustainable development and revitalization. The research conducted on the case grounds mainly with field studies and interview methods. The water supply system of M’zab has been implemented more than eight centuries ago and is still in use. It is a complex hydraulic system based on the principle of total utilization of torrent water and on the equitable division of this water over the entire oasis. Local people now beginning to understand its cultural significance aiming to popularise it. Miyakojima Island medieval water supply underground system consist of the network of cave sources integrated with architecture. Now it is in decay not using like a source of potable water but still preserving some sacral significance with not pointing on popularization. For the sustainability and revitalization of the traditional water supply systems now it is not enough to preserve their initial function but also need to develop the potency of tourist attraction with reservation as cultural property.