Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman


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 5000 years in the region named as Qanat or Kariz as originally named in Persia.
"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 their original sources to homes and cropland. The complex included watchtowers to protect it, but also mosques and other buildings.
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.

Notable Aflaj

FalajCoordinatesArea
Al-Katmeen
Al-Malki
Daris
Al-Jeela
Al-Muyasser