| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 Falaj Daris | |
| Location | Oman |
| Criteria | Cultural: (v) |
| Reference | 1207 |
| Inscription | 2006 (30th Session) |
The Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman are ancient water channels from 500 AD located in the regions of Dakhiliyah, Sharqiyah and Batinah. However, they represent a type of irrigation system as old as 5,000 years in the region named as qanat or kariz as originally named in Persia.[1]
"Aflaj" is the plural of "Falaj", which means "split into parts" in classical Arabic.[citation needed] This irrigation system effectively divided the water among all the inhabitants; it flowed by gravity from its original sources to homes and cropland. The complex included watchtowers to protect it, but also mosques and other buildings.[2]
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.[3]
- ^ "The Traditional Aflaj Irrigation System - An Omani Heritage | OmanInfo.com". www.omaninfo.com. Retrieved 2018-07-13.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "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.