Cultural Heritages of Water

The cultural heritages of water in the Middle East

and Maghreb
__________________________________________________________________________

Les patrimoines culturels de l’eau

Les patrimoines culturels de l’eau au Moyen-Orient
et au Maghreb

THEMATIC STUDY | ÉTUDE THEMATIQUE

Second edition | Deuxième édition
Revised and expanded | Revue et augmentéé
International Council on Monuments and Sites
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94220 Charenton-le-Pont
France

© ICOMOS, 2017. All rights reserved

ISBN 978-2-918086-21-5
ISBN 978-2-918086-22-2 (e-version)

Cover (from left to right)

Algérie - Vue aérienne des regards d’entretien d’une foggara (N.O Timimoune,
Georges Steinmetz, 2007)
Oman - Restored distributing point (UNESCO website, photo Jean-Jacques Gelbart)
Iran - Shustar, Gargar Dam and the areas of mills (nomination file, SP of Iran,
ICHHTO)
Tunisie - Vue de l’aqueduc de Zaghouan-Carthage (M. Khanoussi)
Turkey - The traverten pools in Pamukkale (ICOMOS National Committee of Turkey)

Layout : Joana Arruda and Emeline Mousseh

Acknowledgements
In preparing The cultural heritages of water in the Middle East and Maghreb Thematic Study, ICOMOS
would like to acknowledge the support and contribution of the Arab Regional Centre for World
Heritage and in particular H.E. Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed AI Khalifa, Minister of Culture of the
Kingdom of Bahrain; Pr. Michel Cotte, ICOMOS advisor; and Regina Durighello, Director of the World
Heritage Unit.

Remerciements
En préparant cette étude thématique sur Les patrimoines culturels de l'eau au Moyen-Orient et au
Maghreb, l’ICOMOS remercie pour son aide et sa contribution le Centre régional arabe pour le
patrimoine mondial (ARC-WH) et plus particulièrement S. Exc. Mme Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed AI
Khalifa, Ministre de la culture, Royaume de Bahreïn, le Pr. Michel Cotte, conseiller de l’ICOMOS et
Regina Durighello, directeur de l’Unité du patrimoine mondial.
Table of contents  Table des matières
Acknowledgements Remerciements

Introduction Introduction
Cultural heritages of water – Introduction for a thematic study in the spirit of the
World Heritage Convention 11
Les patrimoines culturels de l'eau, introduction pour une étude thématique dans
l’esprit de la Convention du patrimoine mondial 26

Sub-region A: Atlantic Maghreb

Les patrimoines culturels de l’eau au Maroc 43

Mohammed El Faïz
Etude de cas : Les jardins historiques de l’Agdal de Marrakech (1157-2014) :
un conservatoire national du patrimoine hydraulique 53

Patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Mauritanie 55

Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed Ahmed Yehdhih et Assane Gaye
Etude de cas : Paysages culturels liés à l’eau, cas de la ville de Oualata :
le puits Bir M'bouyé 73

Sub-region B: Mediterranean Maghreb

Le patrimoine de l’eau en Algérie : une succession d’héritages 78
Yamna Djellouli-Tabet
Etude de cas N1 : Les foggaras de la Vallée du M’zab 95
Etude de cas N2 : Les foggaras du Sud-Ouest algérien 97

Les patrimoines culturels de l’eau, l’exemple de la Tunisie 100

Mustapha Khanoussi
Etude de cas N1 : Le complexe hydraulique de Zaghouan-Carthage 109
Monia Adili
Etude de cas N2 : Les bassins des Aghlabides de Kairouan 113
Mohamed Louati
Etude de cas N3 : Le système d’irrigation dans l’oasis de Gafsa 116
Mustapha Khanoussi

Sub-region C: Egypt, North-Sudan, Eritrea

Water Heritage of Egypt and Nile Region 122
Fekri A. Hassan
Case Study N1: Rhoda Nilometer 136
Case Study N2: Sadd el-Kafra Dam 138
Case Study N3: El-Lahun Dam 139

Sub-region D: Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Jordan

Water management in arid and semi-arid regions. Challenges and solutions
through the ages: Examples from Syria and Jordan 144
Karin Bartl
Le patrimoine culturel de l’eau dans la Beqaa Nord 161
Marie-Laure Chambrade et Myriam Saadé-Sbeih

Cultural Water Heritage in Israel: Overview 173

Tsvika Tsuk
Case study No. 1. The Canaanite Water System of Tel Gezer 189
Case study No. 2. The Aqueducts to the ancient city of Sepphoris 192

The Jericho Oasis 195

Pietro Laureano
Etude de cas : Le site de la terre des oliviers et des vignes - paysage culturel de Battir au sud
de Jérusalem : un patrimoine de la gestion de l’eau 211
Michel Cotte

Sub-region E: Turkey
The cultural heritages of water in Turkey 221
Gulsun Tanyeli, Deniz Ikiz

Sub-region F: Iraq, Kuwait

Overview on Kuwait water heritage 240
Noora Al Musallam

Water management in Mesopotamia : Case study Iraq, with special focus on

Southern Iraq 257
Margarete van Ess

Sub-region G:
Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain
Case study – The aflaj irrigation system (Oman) 277
th
From the ICOMOS evaluation for the 30 World Heritage Committee Session, 2006

Origin and technique of the Falaj System: an evidence from the

United Arab Emirates 284
Walid Yasin Al Tikriti

Water heritage in Qatar 296

Phillip G. Macumber

Approaches to the Cultural Heritage of Water in Saudi Arabia 313

Arnulf Hausleiter

Sub-region H: Iran
Overview on Technical and Cultural Heritage of Qanats in Bam Region (Iran) 345
Ali Asghar Semsar Yazdi, Majid Labbaf Khaneiki

Case study – Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System (Iran) 363

th
From the ICOMOS evaluation for the 33 World Heritage Committee Session, 2009

ConclusionConclusion 374
Appendix 1Annexe 1
Cartographie introductive au thème des patrimoines culturels de l’eau dans les régions
arides et sèches
Sabrina Suaud

Appendix 2Annexe 2
Les patrimoines culturels de l’eau au Moyen-Orient et au Maghreb dans la Liste du
patrimoine mondial et les listes indicatives
Clémence Grimal
Introduction  Introduction
Cultural heritages of water – Introduction for a thematic study in the spirit of
the World Heritage Convention
(I) The cultural heritages of water in the Middle East and Maghreb
Prof. Michel Cotte

1 Context of thematic study

The thematic study proposed by ICOMOS follows considerable reflection and many actions at
international level, particularly under the auspices of the various agencies of the UN, UNESCO,
and specialised NGOs with acknowledged expertise. The focus of these organisations is guided by
a concern to encourage the sustainable development of human societies and particularly to help
master the technical, social and cultural factors linked to access to water and the use of water. This
is easily understandable in view of regional situations characterised by rapid demographic growth
and equally swift changes in individual and collective behaviour. Over recent years a series of
urgent and in some cases disastrous situations have arisen in the field of water access.
Sociotechnical systems for the acquisition and use of water have steadily increased in scale,
requiring increasing quantities of resources which are, at best, stable, and in some cases are non-
renewable. Because of climate change, resources today are under threat from long-term trends
which are quite difficult to predict with precision on a regional basis, but which are however certain
to occur. This combination of factors relating to challenges in the water sector is quite rightly
generating profound concerns about this issue.

In this context, a return to traditional cultural heritages linked to water – some dating back more
than a thousand years - would seem to be a necessary, or at least useful, approach. The initial aim
of the approach we are adopting here is to provide assistance for recognising, studying and
preserving heritage of this type. From this viewpoint, the framework provided by the World Heritage
Convention is an important tool, and can provide instructive insights, when it comes to identifying
sites and cultural landscapes with Outstanding Universal Value which are linked to the exploitation
and use of water by human societies both today and in the past. It can play perhaps an even more
important role in providing a methodology for the identification and then the preservation of such
heritages, in a wider context, not only for properties which could be nominated for the World
Heritage List, but also for properties of regional or local importance. The aim will also be to
establish benchmark examples, which are highlighted for the benefit of everyone, and whose
transmission to future generations can be assured in an appropriate way. A distinction must be
drawn here between living heritages, which are still active and supporting contemporary human
communities, and archaeological heritages or relict landscapes, which bear witness to the societies
of the past.

Finally, an international water heritage which is appropriately identified, and whose true value is
recognised, can constitute a thesaurus of sustainable technical solutions whose tangible, social
and energy costs are reasonable when compared to the extreme responses of contemporary
techno-science applied to the field of water. It is important to compare with equanimity modern
solutions with ancestral wisdom in the management and use of water heritages.

2 The importance and richness of the theme of water as a cultural heritage of humanity
Water clearly has a special place amongst the many relationships which exist between man and
nature. It is a permanent and essential human need. It is important to note that the human body
contains about 80% of water, in a variety of forms. This permanent biophysical equilibrium must be
maintained, and is quite simply crucial for life itself. Wildlife accompanies water resources and
adapts to them, in particular by the evolution of species. Man tries to free himself from this purely

11
deterministic situation by his technical responses and his social organisation, in order to control
and manage his access to water resources on a sustainable basis. Access to water is a vital
element common to all human civilisations; there are no exceptions, meaning that all civilisations
have a water culture. In the course of history, this has led to a wide variety of tangible and social
expressions, which we may consider to be one of the fundamental heritages of humanity.

Social groups have always organised, and continue to organise, the management and use of
water. Management is necessary on an everyday basis, but its technical and social implications
continue into the medium-term and long-term future, and sometimes into the very long-term.
Societies try to sustainably control this relationship of dependency in all its various components,
which is a prerequisite for the survival of the human group; and they know, more or less
consciously, that, if they do not succeed, their collective future will be compromised, in a more or
less long-term perspective.

A distinction should first be drawn between fresh water and salt water. The subject of the sea, and
more generally man’s relations to the marine environment, will not be considered in this initial
approach. In itself this is an extremely rich theme, whose frontiers are quite clearly marked
compared with the subject we are considering here, although there are some obvious points of
contact and similarities, and also some overlaps (estuaries, polders, desalination of water, etc.).
We will limit the field of heritage considered to fresh water and inland water. Other thematic studies
may be carried out subsequently to complement the approach considered here.

Water meets essential individual and collective needs, but these needs are constantly evolving, as
a result of the demography of societies and changes in uses in many fields of human activity. The
needs may be direct (food, hygiene, etc.) or indirect (agriculture, industry, energy, transport, etc.).
On the one hand we have everyday practices relating to individual, family and professional
consumption, and on the other hand we have the social organisation relating to water management
and distribution, and to waste water treatment, within a particular territory. We know that
differences in per capita water consumption between different contemporary human societies can
be considerable.

Furthermore, water as a raw material is never a pure product, in the chemical sense of the term,
i.e. consisting entirely of water molecules. Many chemical and biochemical elements are present,
either necessarily as in the case of pH, or in certain circumstances and variably for dissolved
oxygen and gases, soluble mineral salts, mineral loads, and the presence of various organic and
biological elements, and of pollutants, etc. An implicit or explicit concept of water quality and of
clean water thus emerges. These physicochemical realities and their representations are essential
for water uses, and they determine such uses in the context of a given civilisation. It is well known
that an excess of magnesium salts makes water dangerous for human and animal consumption,
and that the excessive presence of sodium chloride destroys all the benefits of agricultural
irrigation. Conversely, the presence of a particular chemical element in natural water creates a
specific situation, which may for example encourage the development of spas. The issue of the
bacteriological and microbial germs present in drinking water is also of vital importance in water
uses. Links between human health and perceived water quality are often made in the
representations of societies. Such representations also bear witness to an intangible heritage of
behaviour and customs, practical knowledge, and symbolic values and myths, such as sites with
healing waters, or on the contrary, waters with an evil influence. For example, in the first third of the
20th century, in the West, advertising claims were made that the presence of mineral radioactivity
in mineral waters for human consumption was extremely favourable for health, as the waters came
from granite rock formations in which this phenomenon was a natural occurrence!

Any given civilisation always produces tangible equipment and social rules intended to ensure that
the many needs we have just outlined are met. It must also be able to cope with evolution and

12
 changes in water parameters. Civilisation produces technical and collective organisation factors
which are linked to the management and uses of water. Generally speaking, traditional societies
have developed sustainable solutions forming stable sociotechnical systems well adapted to a
given situation and period. Indeed, without this rational management of water, they would certainly
not have survived very long. Each one has produced a water culture about which we can learn
from the heritages which have come down to us today, in the form of living or archaeological
heritages, whose components are directly connected to regional and local hydrological and climatic
data. Societies have of course not been spared accidents, or climatic and natural changes which
have caused failures, but the time scales of the changes were slower and the quantitative data
involved were less vast than is the case today. The contemporary period has in fact given rise to
irreversible hydrological changes, which were only rarely attained in earlier historic periods. This
makes it all the more important and urgent to identify, recognise and preserve the water heritages
established down the ages.

This heritage, taken as a whole, is a direct expression of man’s response to natural conditions
which are more or less favourable, and to resources which are more or less abundant, and more or
less regular, and which may be hard to access. This is why the heritage is fundamental, and
expresses one of the undeniable tangible bases of all civilisations. Natural conditions are also
highly diverse, as the presence of water is extremely variable and changing depending on the
geographical and climatic data of a region, from one season to another, and from one historic
period to another. The extremes of nature are not rare, from near-absence of water to excessive
presence, giving rise to everyday practices, and to the dangers of the exceptional, and of the
potentially destructive event: drought, drying up, flooding, erosion, etc.

A founding trilogy of man’s relations to water can be discerned in given geographical, climatic and
social contexts. It begins with an assessment of the water needs of the human group confronted
with the accessible water resources of its environment. This duality between demand and available
resources guides us towards the second point: the technical structuring of the ground and the
subsurface, in order to control water and place it at the disposal of the users. At the same time, the
third point emerges: sociotechnical organisation of water is necessary for efficient management,
and this can in some cases deeply and durably determine the characteristics of some human
groups. In this sense, from the outset, the relationship between man and water clearly produces
both heritage and culture, in the sense of both tangible goods and the associated intangible values.

In point of fact, looking beyond the technical aspect, but always accompanying it, we find the
construction of a corpus of knowledge and beliefs which guides both social practices and individual
behaviour. The rational and spiritual dimensions of human thought have long been closely
interconnected. The rational dimension expresses the comprehension of the reproducibility of
natural phenomena linked to hydrology and local climate, as we have already clearly shown for the
1
heritages of astronomy and archaeoastronomy . In particular, this involves behaviour consisting of
observation, knowledge and prediction of the natural world, in this case for the various
manifestations of the water cycle, in the air, on the ground and underground. Systems of
representation and transmission of this knowledge and/or these beliefs support the social
organisation. A corpus of water-related knowledge and practices emerges, forming in its essence
an intangible heritage which is closely associated with the built heritage and with landscapes.

1 Clive Ruggles & Michel Cotte, Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the context of the
UNESCO World Heritage Convention, ICOMOS & IAU Thematic Study, Paris e-edition 2010, paper edition
2011 Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the context of the UNESCO World Heritage
Convention, ICOMOS & IAU Thematic Study, Paris, ICOMOS & IAU, e-edition June 2010, Bognor Regis
(UK), Ocarinabooks, August 2011.
http://www.international.icomos.org/world_heritage/WH_Committee_34th_session_Brasilia/ICOMOS_IAU_T
hematic_Study_Heritage_Sites_Astronomy_2010.pdf

13
 These data, gathered through intelligence, are necessary to enable man to take effective action in
order to master his environment, and to find in it what he needs to sustainably meet his water
needs, both for himself and for the satisfactory accomplishment of many of his activities. The
intangible dimension of water heritages is also important in that it enables access to the magical
beliefs and the sacred behaviour of social groups. While water is one of the four founding elements
of the physics of Aristotle, it is also to be found in myths and religions: the rainsticks of certain
Amerindian civilisations, the cults and divinities linked to springs in Western Antiquity, and the
offerings made to streams and rivers in all parts of the world, etc. Many of these elements
furthermore overlap on to the field of science, in the contemporary sense of the term, and
representations: healing waters, the water diviner’s rods, etc. There is therefore a particularly rich
intangible universe associated with water heritages, which needs to be analysed in order to
establish the value of the sites.

3 Structure of water heritages, and suggestions of a possible typology

In view of its importance, a water heritage generally has several constitutive levels, each of which
has a number of social and cultural implications. Furthermore, it intervenes directly at the various
levels of a society; accordingly, any deterioration or improvement in the socio-technical water
management system has an impact on several dimensions of the fabric of society. In the water
heritage, many tangible and intangible elements are brought into contact with each other, making it
a very complex example of heritage, in terms not only of its definition but also of the recognition of
its own values and an understanding of its relationship with the other cultural elements in its
environment. In other words, the water heritage is never on its own, for it is always intended for an
ultimate purpose which encompasses it. It intervenes as the basic component of a social structure,
understood in a wide sense ranging from water-related customs to water-related law, and from
economic data to the political control of individuals and of territories. In turn, the water heritage
often throws light on the way a society functions as a whole.

In this sense, water heritage is a good illustration of a sociotechnical system in a given context. It is
a good representative of technological heritages in general, in terms of its sensitivity to natural and
social settings, its robustness and its ability to adapt to changing situations; and its ability to
transcend sociopolitical events. It is all the more involved in a given culture in that it constitutes a
decisive tangible base of that culture. Conversely, water culture often explicitly illustrates the
values, ideals and problems of a society in a given geographic and historic context. It acts both as
a marker and as testimony of these cultures. The strength and permanency of the presence of
water as a heritage is also a weakness in recognition terms: it is so closely bound up with the other
parameters of the society that it is difficult to isolate it from them. It is a constitutive entity whose
traits are sometimes hard to distinguish from the other cultural attributes of a site, and indeed their
disassociation would be artificial and in many cases detrimental to the value of the whole. What is
the significance of a magnificent urban ensemble of fountains without the town itself? What is the
value of an aflaj without the oasis which it has generated, or archaeological testimony to the life of
the past to which it gave rise? In addition to this trait, it is worth noting that the water heritage is
often commonplace, and that there is a repetition in the vernacular elements, sometimes of a very
modest nature, which constitute its presence in individuals’ everyday lives. This repetition may be
extremely unspectacular. Often, the force of the water heritage is not dazzling, but emerges from
the repetition and the density of its recurrence.

Mention should be made here of the sensitivity of the Annales School to the tangible history of
2
societies over a long period . It has also insisted on the necessity of establishing a total history of

2 France. A school of history which developed during the inter-war period, created by Marc Bloch and Lucien
Febvre; Fernand Braudel was an illustrious representative of the Annales school in the mid-20th century.

14
societies, i.e. based on the value of a whole which is far more significant than its component parts
considered separately. In our view, the same is true for the heritage. This leads us to reinterpret
heritages (as in the case of most technical and scientific heritages) which have already been
recognised. This requires a specific insight into the tangible conditions forming the basis of the
social constructs, which are in this case the built structure of water, and the related landscapes.
What we are dealing with here are not only important components of a larger whole, but also
factors which explain long-term trends at work in a human society considered from an overall
viewpoint.

Furthermore, as stated earlier, it is important to draw a distinction between two main categories of
property which embody a water culture. Ancient properties which are still functioning constitute
living heritages, which are almost always still evolving, while others can be characterised as
archaeological remains. However, the basic elements involved in their design, construction and use
are the same, it is simply that the degree of the testimony they provide, or the degree of historical
knowledge, are not the same. The former are evolving, and the latter are fixed and unchanging.

Beginning with the most tangible level, which is in fact the level which bears the heritage concept in
the spirit of the World Heritage Convention, water questions are first of all present in hydraulic
engineering projects and water-related structures, whose functions can be extremely diverse. They
form the technical basis of water culture in a given place at a given time. The idea of technical
cultures of water provides a guiding thread for identifying the elements of a heritage property in this
field. We then take into account territorial elements, followed by social and anthropological
elements, which leads us to consider elements of representation and intangible heritage. A
typology may be sketched out, it being understood that there are overlaps between categories and
sub-categories:

1 The acquisition, management and control of water to make it available for purposes of
human use:
- water collection, drainage, wells, boreholes, etc.,
- the storage of water at various scales, dams, cisterns, etc.,
- the transport of water as a tangible resource, water mains,
- water treatment upstream and downstream of use (settling, filtration, pollution removal,
recycling, etc.).

All these stages of water acquisition have several levels: the tangible level of course (hydraulic
engineering), the technical knowhow and knowledge of human groups, social organisation (which
may impose severe constraints) for uses of water, and the associated representations.

2 The various types of water use give rise to clearly differentiated cultural particularities, but at
the same time great constants seem to exist in various fields of human realisation. Hydraulic
techniques, and their architectures and management may thus be seen as a subset of more
general situations which may define heritage properties in relation to:
- housing and domestic life,
- town planning and architecture,
- water as a subsistence resource in agriculture, irrigation and fishing, etc.,
- hydraulic energy, industry, etc.
- transport by waterways, canals, etc.

3 The management of constraints and the control of natural water

- dry or arid zones, the management of water shortages and the corresponding technical and
social solutions,
- excess water, torrential rain, flooding and protection techniques: dykes, polders, detention
basins, housing on stilts, pumping, etc.,

15
 - the drainage of humid zones for territorial or industrial purposes,
- construction in humid zones, foundations, hydraulic architecture, etc.
4 Water and health, water quality and the associated representations
- concepts of water purity and cleanness,
- water as a drink,
- water as a vector of cleanliness and hygiene, in relation to concepts of the body and of
health, spas, etc.,
- water as a vector of disease,
- water pollution.

5 Water, and water-related knowledge, knowhow, myths and symbols

- water as a scientific question and as a technological question,
- water resource forecasting and water prediction,
- water as a symbolic and religious theme, etc.

6 Cultural landscapes of water

- in its functional associations with its tangible cultural environment,
- in its associations with its natural environment,
- as a landscape project with its own values (parks, gardens, urban perspectives, etc.).

It might be considered appropriate at this point to go into detail about the diversity of each of these
categories, but it is primarily the regional views and the case studies in the thematic studies which
will illustrate the categories and give them their true consistency. The aim here is simply to suggest
a framework which can help in identifying the components of a heritage and in evaluating its
significance. The framework should also facilitate the drawing up of inventories and the making of
comparisons. Each of these basic water heritage categories in turn is involved in relationships with
other heritage dimensions, which then need to be interrelated to each other. This typology should
facilitate the identification of the tangible and intangible attributes of the heritage properties
concerned; it is primarily methodological in nature.

Looking beyond an analytical typology, it is worth noting that the various tangible levels of water
heritages all require technical intervention capacities from human groups, and social organisation
enabling them to act with a sufficient degree of effectiveness. Water heritages seem at first sight to
be a remarkable illustration of the concept of the technological maturity of a society, as expressed
both in the control and everyday management of the hydraulic system and in the design and
realisation of major systems. This gives rise to the appearance of thresholds of collective knowhow
and social organisation which authorise the development of certain human settlements which had
previously been unthinkable, or at least a remarkable degree of expansion reaching previously
unthinkable levels. The development of artificial oases from aflaj or qanat systems, the polder
civilisation and the control of watershed canals, etc., immediately spring to mind.

While water constitutes an underlying dimension of all human culture, and while all civilisations
regularly face water control and management questions, the extreme variety of terrestrial
geoclimatic conditions is obvious, ranging from flood ing to drought, from the level of precipitation
to the hydrological behaviour of the ground, from springs to rivers and from lakes to aquifers, etc.
The same applies to the social and technical responses of various human groups, depending on
the period, and depending on the structure of technical systems used to deal with water questions.
The situations encountered are highly diverse. The major development options of human societies
determine the structure of their relationship to water, but at the same time, hydrological, geographic
and geological data determine the major sociotechnical choices which make them possible, or
sometimes impossible, and make them sustainable or unsustainable. This is a dialectical and
dynamic relationship, affected both by major features which are constantly present down the ages,
and by founding events or disasters.

16
4 The various forms of water heritage which have already received recognition
Cultural water heritages can exist in different tangible forms, in the categories we have proposed
above, based on different functions and uses of water. This approach however does not coincide
with those of the forms of recognition already granted, on the conventional basis of the
implementation of the Convention, for reasons relating to archaeology, architecture, town planning
and cultural landscapes. Furthermore, it is clearly the case that the main categories of interactions
between man and water, which we have examined under the previous point, do not always
coincide with conventional approaches to heritage, with the exception of major water monuments,
and also of certain landscapes. The interactions relate in fact to several fields of tangible and
intangible heritage.

We will now present a brief overview of forms of water heritage which have already received
recognition, in which water is in most cases a component of a property forming part of a more
complex ensemble: a town, a territory, a landscape, a technological ensemble, etc. The water
component is sometimes simply mentioned, and nothing more, rather than being truly analysed,
both with regard to its heritage forms and its significance. Examples in which the water heritage is
placed at the centre of the recognised Outstanding Universal Value are however relatively rare.
When this does happen, the water heritage is associated with other components and other values,
which accompany it. The study of uses has clearly shown that water is always at the service of a
human, social, economic or aesthetic project. Accordingly, it is typically a technical heritage, a tool
at the service of a society. This reminder of the quite widespread organic complexity of heritages
recognised by the Convention is important. In practical terms, it is the stage of analysing and
understanding a property which leads to the detailed inventory of its constituent attributes, and to
the definition of its components in the most precise way possible.

We know therefore that technical and/or scientific heritages often form only one specific tangible
component of a property amongst others. They are one of the property’s structural features, and in
some cases merely a decoration, and these heritages do not attain, on their own, the level of a
property of Outstanding Universal Value, in the sense stipulated by the Convention as a condition
of inscription. The hydraulic element produces a substructure, a tangible base, a testimony of
cultural practices in a vaster and more complex ensemble. It is integrated into the ensemble with its
own values and its specific significance. It is therefore important, with a view to applying the
Convention in a way which is open to new subjects using a more balanced approach, to emphasise
the importance of hydraulic technologies in ensembles which have been recognised in the past,
and whose significance – like the statement of OUV itself – will change over time. In this respect,
there is quite a revealing example: the Pont du Gard (France) was initially recognised as an
outstanding example of 2nd century Roman monumental architecture in Gaul with a high degree of
integrity. It was then considered, at least at national level, as a noteworthy bridge, with a history
which is significantly more complex as this was a later function of the structure, and then, more
recently, as an element in a much vaster ensemble: the Roman water supply system for the city of
Nîmes, i.e. as an aqueduct. Here are therefore three stages in the recognition of the value of a
property whose hydraulic function (for which it was however primarily designed) was only
recognised in the last instance!

However, water heritages have already been recognised and inscribed as such on the World
Heritage List. The properties which are most spontaneously related to the application of the
Convention are often spectacular structures in the hydraulic engineering category, in its most
monumental works. The catchment, conservation and distribution of water have produced
remarkable and often impressive results in many civilisations, to which many properties still bear
witness. They are still in use in many cases, demonstrating a particularly long technological time
scale, which is specific to water heritages: they are sustainable structures, which are particularly
representative of certain civilisations.

17
 Let us propose a rough guide to the various recognised forms of water heritage, bearing in mind
that, as in the case of water typologies, heritages often fall into more than one category.

- Monuments to hydraulic technologies, such as the D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station
(Netherlands) and the hydraulic lifts on the Canal du Centre (Belgium). It is important to note
that properties forming sets of buildings, in the terminology of the Convention, often include
hydraulic monuments such as the water intake and the remains of the great dam/bridge of
Shushtar (Iran), Saint-Ferréol dam in the supply system of the Canal du Midi (France), and
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal (United Kingdom).

- Hydraulic techniques as part of an archaeological ensemble: the canals, cisterns and tunnels of
Petra (Jordan), the wells of Al-Hirj (Saudi Arabia), the aflaj system remains of Al Ain (United
Arab Emirates), etc.

- Artificial expanses of water as the landscape component of a monument or monumental

ensemble: the basins of the Taj Mahal (India), the canals and fountains of the gardens of
Versailles (France), and of the Alhambra in Granada (Spain), the Villa d’Este in Tivoli (Italy),
Summer Palace in Beijing (China), etc.

- Hydraulic techniques forming part of an urban ensemble: the defence line of Amsterdam, the
canal ring area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht (Netherlands), the water main of the
Medina of Fez (Morocco), the qanats of Bam (Iran).

- Hydraulic development of the territory, as a technological hydraulic ensemble, and in many

cases as cultural landscapes. Examples: the historical hydraulic system of Shushtar already
mentioned (Iran); the irrigation system of Dujiangyan (Chine); the aflaj irrigation systems of
Oman; in the Netherlands, Beemster Polder, the site of the Kinderdijk-Elshout watermills; the
hydraulic system of the Upper Harz (Germany), the rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras,
etc.

- Canals: this point has already given rise to a standard thematic approach (Annex to Operational
Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention). Canals can be linked to
the previous category, of which they form a part.

- Landscapes associated with lakes and rivers: Ferrara, City of the Renaissance and its Po Delta
(Italy), the banks of the River Seine in Paris (France), the Rhine Valley (Germany), etc.

It is worth noting the extreme diversity of the forms of water heritage, which is clearly reflected in
many categories already recognised by the World Heritage Convention. Man’s relationship with
water produces heritages which are quite remarkable in their own right, but it also produces large
numbers of components of far more complex properties.

5 Water as heritage in man’s everyday life

At the opposite end of the scale from monumental structures or majestic landscapes, which are
quite readily recognised by the Convention, mention may be made of practices on a more modest
scale which are related to everyday human activities and vernacular built structures.
Geographically and historically they are also extremely diverse, for there is no society which can do
without water, one of the keys to the development and expansion of the human race. This leads us
to note the extraordinarily widespread nature of water heritages, and to underline the great variety
of examples. Alongside major hydraulic structures, which are easily identifiable, a vernacular water

18
 heritage also exists. Often, the two go together, and the links between them form a territory on an
intermediate urban or rural scale.

In a given place, and in a given society, the cultural elements associated with water are very often
repetitive and recurrent, and thus abundant, and often ordinary. In particular, they form the
everyday water use structures which accompany individual life and social life. The greatest
differences and the greatest inequalities exist in organised relationships with water, both in
societies of the past and of today, between the exhausting quest for a rare resource, and a
sometimes automatic and thoughtless use of a raw material which is unconsciously considered to
be inexhaustible. This habitual dimension of water thus gives rise to a great wealth of tangible
natural and artificial elements; it tends to generate repetitive heritages, which are in themselves
undemonstrative. They are diluted in the rhythms and gestures of everyday life. Historians have
sometimes reminded us of the importance of this everyday tangible history, associated with the
human condition, demonstrating the role that it plays over long historic periods.

But we come up here against an important difficulty: a water heritage, yes, but one which is
sometimes drowned or diluted, in a sense, in extremely ordinary everyday structures. The elements
which bear witness to water on an everyday basis are apparently simple and well identified,
constant and repetitive over time, as we have stressed: facilities in the family home, the
neighbourhood water fountain at village level, and community management of water, etc. It is
essential to find out where the key issues of this repetition are situated, in terms of heritage which
could be considered in connection with the World Heritage Convention: clearly in innovation, in the
exceptional nature of practices or in their exemplary quality, by their response to extreme situations
demonstrating the remarkable adaptation of a human group to a situation which is no less
remarkable. The traditional soil desalination practices of Chipaya Indians, in Bolivia, have
generated landscapes which are at first sight quite modest, but which are based on an
inventiveness and adaptability to an extreme territory which are quite unique and outstanding.

These heritages which satisfy vital needs must be supplemented by structures intended to provide
security in dealing with water - and its various natural manifestations, whether permanent or
exceptional - such as dykes and flood drainage ditches, the control of catchment basins and the
conservation of soil in the event of torrential rain, etc. This is another type of heritage, producing a
complementary sociotechnical system adapted to given risk situations. It requires specific
techniques and knowhow, which are sophisticated in some cases, but also a social organisation
which is both strict and equitable to serve these ensembles, in the initial sense of a collective good
that is necessary for the life of the group, in this case in the field of protection against the excesses
and brutally destructive force of water.

The relationship of a society to its everyday water heritage, and to the threatening and accidental
aspects of that heritage, also generates representation systems which contribute to social and in
some cases religious structuring, and in the process often become attached to other beliefs and
other reference systems to form sets of intangible values.

6 Evaluating cultural heritages of water, their integrity and their authenticity

As with any property wishing to find out what possibilities it has of being inscribed on the World
Heritage List, the first requirement is an analysis of the elements of which it is composed. The
general format of the dossier presented in the Operational Guidelines sets out the major
successive stages of the approach to be adopted. The first part is based on the drawing up of an
inventory and a description of the constituent elements, and then on their historic and contextual
understanding. For water heritages, their design, realisation and successive adaptations should be
presented. It is then necessary to describe their uses and their socioeconomic roles down the

19
ages, the regulation and control elements, and finally the intangible elements associated with these
elements, both in the field of knowledge and knowhow and in the field of beliefs and customs. The
approach then goes on to a second stage, in which the value of the property is established by
means of an analysis of the integrity and authenticity of its constituent elements.

In the case of water heritages, the question of the integrity and authenticity of properties becomes
particularly significant. Like most technological heritages, they face a dual constraint: first of all
maintenance, with all the associated works and possible modifications, and secondly adaptation to
demand and to changes in uses. We all know that the need to maintain living hydraulic heritages is
a very important consideration for their functional conservation. By its very nature, a hydraulic
heritage requires repairs and periodic renovations, for example to deal with water tightness, silting,
hydraulic mechanisms, etc. A hydraulic system should be seen as a fixed functional machine,
whose parts interact with each other. A malfunction or weakness in one element has an impact on
the functioning of the other elements, and on overall performance. A hydraulic system, and more
generally any technical system, is a dynamic whole, and its managers must necessarily adopt a
global and functional approach in managing it. The approach of reducing a hydraulic property to its
static architectural integrity, particularly for a living property, is wholly inadequate. Functional
integrity is a crucial concept in this context, and it is based on technical data which must be
considered in the dossier. The same applies to the concept of authenticity of uses, i.e. their present
conformity to traditional practices. This leads to a history of the maintenance and adaptation of the
network, which is also in line with the general idea of the history of conservation. We then stress
the importance of a history of uses and their evolutions in establishing authenticity, which is not
only a chronological inventory of what exists, but a placing into historical perspective of the context
of water uses.

If the technical management of a hydraulic system is stopped, because of an exceptional situation

(troubles or war), this can cause major deterioration in a matter of years or even a matter of
months. Any resumption of service requires rehabilitation work, and sometimes technical changes,
network extensions, and the remodelling of systems deemed to be obsolete or unsuitable in view of
changes in uses. This is a common term in the history of industrial heritage which is now becoming
very familiar.

More generally, a hydraulic system inevitably evolves over time, and needs to be adapted to
situations which can change at various technical or social levels, on variable time scales:
hydrological and climatic conditions, variation in aquifers, local or regional demographic changes,
changes in individual or collective human needs, agronomic or urban transformations, pollution and
deterioration of water quality, etc. This is the fate of any living hydraulic system; it is constantly
readjusted to suit user demand, depending on the accessible resources. This ability to adapt is a
condition for the sustainability of the system; but the ensuing tangible and technical results are
added to the results of maintenance. This is a major difficulty for evaluation in terms of integrity and
authenticity, which reinforces the need for a technical history and a social history of the hydraulic
system. Evolutions and technical changes form an integral part of their history, which is not only the
history of their design and their period of origin (which is sometimes more assumed than genuinely
demonstrated by archaeology). These adaptations in the light of circumstances are consubstantial
with the value of the property, and they have occurred both for heritages which are still living and
for those which are today archaeological remains or relict landscapes. Some additional remarks
need to be made on this point.

As for early hydraulic systems which are still in use, and there are many of them, the adaptations
and extensions which stemmed from the technological revolution linked to industrialisation in the
19th and 20th centuries have significantly changed a certain number of parameters relating to
authenticity, particularly with regard to materials, and thus forms and appearance. The use of
metal, and then of concrete and reinforced concrete, and chemical waterproofing, etc.,

20
 revolutionised certain technical practices. The same applies to mechanisation and the different
strata of motorisation in pumping. These factors have often profoundly changed certain elements of
hydraulic systems, causing them to be rebuilt. They thus made possible facilities which had
previously been unthinkable, and changed quite profoundly the nature of the initial characteristics
of the nominated property, or completed them in comprehensible ensembles serving the same
hydraulic purpose. We are thinking here for example of the Kinderdijk-Elshout polder, inscribed on
the World Heritage List (Netherlands, 1997), or windmills of the modern period (16th – 17th
centuries) which supplement the systems of drains and valves dating from the Middle Ages; they
were supplemented by the steam engine (19th – early 20th century), and then by contemporary
electric pumps with Archimedes’ screws. A detailed technical analysis of the changes made must
be carried out, not to arrive at the inevitable conclusion that many constituent elements are not
original and thus not authentic, but rather to evaluate the extent to which the initial concept has
been maintained, or the technological spirit conserved. It is necessary to determine if there is
continuity in the technical water system put in place down the ages, or if too great a disruption has
taken place, which changes the nature of our profound understanding, and thus the expression of
heritage values. In the same spirit, the analysis of the social conditions of the use of water, in the
traditional system and in the system of today, leads to an important dimension of authenticity of
use. From this viewpoint, the link between technical change and change in water-related law is an
important point to be considered.

In a final phase of the value analysis comes the comparative analysis with similar properties,
already recognised or more anonymous, in the nearby or regional environment, and then on a
wider scale in comparable fields. Added to the previous descriptive and evaluative elements, it
makes it possible to determine whether the property has Outstanding Universal Value, and on the
basis of which criteria, or if it is merely a property of regional or local significance. For further
3
details of this approach, reference should be made to the ICOMOS publication: “What is OUV?” .

The last part of the dossier consists of issues relating to the protection, conservation and
management of the property, which form a series of commitments in the context of a clearly
established system for the management and monitoring of the property.

7 The choice of a thematic study topic and choice of an initial region

Starting out from the obvious richness and complexity of the water heritage question, it is
necessary to find a coherent and thus limited theme, as it is not possible to study everything at the
same time without causing confusion. It is then necessary to envision a regional study of the
theme, to provide it with coherence (particularly from a cultural viewpoint) and a feasibility scale.
Several major approach paths and a number of methodological remarks enable us to stake out an
initial general framework for the study of water heritages, and a region of application.
From the outset we have eliminated a chronological study of hydraulic systems, which is unhelpful
as the techniques used seem to transcend the limits of historic periods and should be seen in the
context of the long course of history. Furthermore, these techniques have a quite spontaneously
universal nature, in the sense that they are shared by all human groups, by cultures of all periods
and civilisations, but in practical forms which have numerous variations. We are clearly dealing
here with one of the fundamental determinants of the relationship between man and nature,
determinants whose sustainable management gives rise to water heritages. Two main possible
pathways are opened up for reflection: 1) the anthropic approach to the “needs / human
realisations” pairing; 2) the geographic and climatic approach of the conditions imposed by the
environment on man in his management of water. But they are very closely complementary,

3
http://www.international.icomos.org/publications/monuments_and_sites/16/pdf/Monuments_and_Sites_16_Wh
at_is_OUV.pdf

21
extremely general, and do not enable the definition of a thematic framework on their own. It is
necessary to go further.

A thematic category-based approach to the man/water relationship is one possible path, and is
indeed attractive, as it demonstrates quite well the limitations of a subject, and seems to lead to
clear distinctions which are relatively easy to understand. This could be done for example by
following the general typology presented in point 3 of this document: “techniques used by man for
the acquisition and management of water”, or more specific sub-themes similar to the heritage
categories mentioned in point 4: “water and town planning”, “agriculture and water”, “spas”, etc.
This is essentially the approach we saw in the 1990s with the “transport canal” subject, which was
introduced as a typological example in the annexes to the Operational Guidelines. Without in any
way ruling out this thematic study possibility, it seems in our view today to suffer from two
limitations. The first has already been referred to: in many cases properties belong to several
categories simultaneously, and they form ensembles whose value is not appropriately analysed in
this kind of framework. The second is that the mainly intangible dimension of some of the
categories tends to marginalise them and cut them off from the other categories, such as “water
knowledge and knowhow”. This kind of approach is better suited to helping to draw up an inventory
of, and classifying, an existing heritage, in the context of a general sub-regional view.

The anthropic approach however leads us to wider approaches than those we have just mentioned,
and which were referred to earlier in chapter 4 of this document, such as “water monuments” or
“water landscapes”. We have pointed out that, while it is possible to distinguish hydraulic properties
as such on the basis of categories, this remains relatively exceptional. As a result, properties
whose components are larger or more complex are less well understood, and it is thus difficult to
take their characteristics into account in an appropriate way. Conversely, elements that are on a
smaller scale or more repetitive may be marginalised, or forgotten, unless they are treated as
subcategories which link up with those of the preceding point. This remains a traditional heritage
approach, which is primarily helpful in the case of clearly identified sites whose dominant aspects
are either monumental or landscape-related.

Geoclimatic categories constitute a second general approach option, from the viewpoint of
environmental conditions, and this seems to be a fruitful path to consider. This obviously means the
loss of the previous categorical clarifications, but it enables us – at first sight – to envision subjects
whose classification with regard to the previous points is complex. It sets the boundaries of the
subject by considering similar hydrological and climatic conditions, i.e. a type of challenge that
Nature throws down to the sustainable development of human groups. A subject of this type means
taking as the point of departure the framework of the relationship between man and water. The
approach should make it possible to observe the results of the adaptation of regional human
groups to the question of water, in the various phases of their history. It guides the interpretation of
heritage towards the description of sociotechnical systems which are appropriate for responding to
a given geoclimatic situation, to perceive ensembles existing within certain territories, and finally to
identify the best testimony. This approach to the water heritage is aimed at identifying stable and
sustainable forms rather than exceptional representatives. It provides us with a new value for
assessing heritage, through the testimony of a successful and sustainable adaptation of the
relationship of a human group to the water resources of its territory. It is also an assessment of the
difficulties of this adaptation, of its constraints, and of the threats to which it is subjected. This is
what could be referred to as a sustainable development heritage. We suggest, particularly for living
heritages, that they should be studied as such.

From this viewpoint, we identify quite simply:

- Arid regions, deserts

- Semi-arid regions (steppes, savannah, etc.)

22
 - Regions with a Mediterranean climate
- Humid tropical and subtropical regions
- Equatorial regions
- Humid temperate regions
- Nordic regions

At this point, it is possible in our view to establish an initial main thematic framework which
encompasses the three first categories, i.e. regions in which water is rare either permanently or
temporarily. These categories correspond to an initial major water heritage theme, that of the rarity
of water, to differing degrees. We can study it under the general title: “Cultural heritages of water
in arid, semi-arid and Mediterranean regions”. Two other major themes should be examined at
a later stage: firstly, tropical and equatorial regions, and second ly, humid temperate regions and
Nordic regions.

There are several reasons why this first main thematic framework is particularly important. These
regions are today undergoing demographic expansion, like the rest of the planet of course, but
fresh water needs there are amplified and exacerbated by its rarity. The populations directly
concerned by these heritages are numerous, and for them these development questions are
absolutely crucial. The diversity of the geographic regions concerned is very considerable, as
shown by the mapping, and the comparisons can be extremely rich, with regard to heritage, history
and development examples.

The overall mapping study we have carried out, and which is included in this publication, shows
that all the world’s major regions are affected. A general study would therefore be very extensive
and thus difficult to carry out, and it seemed to us more appropriate to select a region, if possible,
which as a whole is emblematic of these questions. The region of the Middle East and the
Maghreb meets this criterion, and offers at first sight a set of advantages which in our view are
crucially important for launching an initial thematic study inside the general framework of water
rarity. The limits of the region are clearly defined, its dominant geoclimatic conditions are relatively
homogeneous, and they fully correspond to the established framework. Only the question of the
Mediterranean climate could be discriminating and give rise to a difficulty, as not all the countries in
the region have a Mediterranean climate, whereas arid and semi-arid conditions are common to all
to a greater or lesser degree. It is moreover a key climate which can be found in other major
regions, but without in any way characterising them all. Would it have been best to exclude it from
the region, and only deal with part of the region? That would have been an arbitrary step in our
view, and would have inconsistent with regional history, introducing an imaginary cut-off inside the
States Parties themselves. The long shared heritage of Arabo-Islamic civilisation, and of the
remarkable degree of diffusion of its hydraulic techniques both inside and outside that civilisation,
was also crucial in the choice of this initial thematic study, lending it an exceptionally homogenous
unity and cultural framework.

8 Conclusion
The proposed thematic study must be able to provide elements to identify and describe water
heritages. We have tried to draw up a typological inventory which should primarily be seen as a
methodological aid for anyone wishing to consider these questions, with a view either to achieving
recognition and protection of such heritages by the World Heritage List or to protecting heritage in a
national context.

We are fully aware that there is a dual challenge. Firstly, water heritage is highly diffuse, and is
present wherever mankind has settled, which gives rise to a real challenge when it comes to
authenticating and analysing the heritage. Secondly, a relatively large number of properties already

23
inscribed on the World Heritage List have important hydraulic elements, which should be
highlighted to a greater extent, particularly when the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value is
periodically revised or if it is rewritten.

Finally, in the context of this initial thematic study, the distinction between archaeological heritage
and living heritage is essential. Archaeological heritages will of course be very well represented,
and they are essential in a region whose protohistory and history are remarkable in every way. It is
therefore important to establish an appraisal of this heritage with the greatest care. However, living
water heritages are a vital consideration for us, in a context in which water is rare and there is
increased pressure from demand, particularly since the mid-20th century with the development of
modern technologies involving mechanical pumping, access to deep aquifers, and the use of new
materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, etc. A form of negation, or ignorance, of ancient
tangible and intangible water heritages has often prevailed. There have been many cases in which
existing heritage has been abandoned or rebuilt more or less radically, to the detriment of solutions
which had however demonstrated their sustainability. Our study of living heritages of water must
take these questions on board in order to provide an overall appraisal, but this time not from the
viewpoint of current systems, but from the viewpoint of the Ancient and the Modern, while
considering them in the light of the challenges of the future. Our hypothesis is that a sustainable
development heritage does exist in the field of water, and that it is up to us to identify it and study it
for everyone’s benefit.

24
25
Les patrimoines culturels de l'eau, introduction pour une étude thématique
dans l’esprit de la Convention du patrimoine mondial
(I) Les patrimoines culturels de l'eau au Moyen-Orient et au Maghreb
Pr. Michel Cotte

1 Le contexte de l’étude thématique

L’étude thématique proposée par l’ICOMOS fait suite à un nombre important de réflexions et
d’actions internationales intervenues notamment dans le cadre des différentes agences de l’ONU,
de l’UNESCO et d’ONG spécialisées aux compétences reconnues. L’attention de ces
organisations est guidée par le souci de développement durable des sociétés humaines,
notamment d’aider à une maîtrise des facteurs techniques, sociaux et culturels liés à l’accès à
l’eau et à son usage. Cela est bien compréhensible dans le contexte de situations régionales
marquées par un rapide développement démographique, et un tout aussi rapide changement des
comportements individuels et collectifs. Des situations urgentes et parfois dramatiques sont
régulièrement apparues ces dernières années dans le domaine de l’accès à l’eau. Les systèmes
sociotechniques d’acquisition et d’usage de l’eau n’ont cessé de s’amplifier, sollicitant de plus en
plus des ressources qui, elles, sont dans le meilleur des cas stables et parfois non renouvelables.
En raison du changement climatique, elles sont aujourd’hui menacées d’évolutions de long terme
assez difficiles à prévoir de manière précise, en fonction des régions, mais dont les occurrences
sont par contre certaines. Cette conjonction de facteurs à propos des enjeux de l’eau marque
profondément les esprits, et à juste titre.

Dans un tel contexte, le retour vers les patrimoines culturels traditionnels de l’eau, parfois
millénaires, semble une démarche nécessaire, pour le moins utile. Une aide pour leur
reconnaissance, leur étude et leur préservation constitue le premier objectif de la démarche que
nous entreprenons ici. Le cadre de la Convention du patrimoine mondial est de ce point de vue un
outil important et susceptible d’une mise en œuvre profitable, afin d’identifier des sites et des
paysages culturels de Valeur Universelle Exceptionnelle reposant sur l’exploitation et l’usage de
l’eau par les sociétés humaines du passé et d’aujourd’hui. Elle l’est aussi, et peut-être plus encore,
comme une méthodologie permettant une identification puis une préservation de ces patrimoines,
dans un sens étendu, non seulement pour des biens pouvant prétendre à la Liste du patrimoine
mondial mais aussi pour des biens de valeur régionale ou locale. Il s’agira aussi d’identifier des
exemples de référence, bien mis en valeur, au profit de tous, et dont la transmission aux
générations futures pourra être assurée dans de bonnes conditions. Il faut là distinguer entre les
patrimoines vivants, encore en activité et supportant des communautés humaines contemporaines,
et les patrimoines archéologiques ou les paysages fossiles qui témoignent de sociétés du passé.

Enfin, un patrimoine international de l’eau convenablement identifié et reconnu, à sa juste valeur,

peut constituer un thésaurus de solutions techniques durables, à des coûts matériels, sociaux et
énergétiques raisonnables par rapport aux réponses extrêmes de la techno-science contemporaine
appliquée à l’eau. Il importe de comparer sereinement ces solutions modernes à la sagesse
ancestrale de la gestion et de l’usage des patrimoines de l’eau.

2 L’intérêt et la richesse du thème de l’eau comme patrimoine culturel de l’Humanité

L’eau occupe sans aucun doute une place privilégiée au sein des nombreuses relations que
l’Homme entretient avec la Nature. Il s’agit d’un besoin humain permanent essentiel. Il faut
rappeler que le corps humain contient environ 80% d’eau, sous des formes diverses. Il s’agit d’un
équilibre biophysique permanent et l’entretien de ce facteur hydrique est tout simplement
déterminant pour la vie elle-même. La vie animale accompagne les ressources en eau et s’y

26
adapte, notamment par l’évolution des espèces. L’Homme tente de s’émanciper de cette situation
purement déterministe par ses réponses techniques et son organisation sociale, afin de contrôler
et de gérer durablement son accès aux ressources en eau. Cet accès à l’eau constitue un élément
vital commun à toutes les civilisations humaines ; aucune n’y échappe et toutes ont en
conséquence une culture de l’eau. Au cours de l’histoire, cela a conduit à des expressions
matérielles et sociales diversifiées, en un mot à l’un des patrimoines fondamentaux de l’Humanité.

Les groupes sociaux n’ont cessé et ne cessent d’organiser la gestion et l’usage de l’eau. Elle est
nécessaire à l’échelle du quotidien, mais avec des implications techniques ou sociales de moyenne
et de longue durée, parfois de très longue durée. Les sociétés tentent de maîtriser durablement
cette relation de dépendance dans la diversité de ses composantes, comme une condition de la
survie du groupe humain ; et elles savent, plus ou moins consciemment, que si elles n’y
parviennent pas leur futur collectif est compromis, à plus ou moins long terme.

Il faut par ailleurs opérer une première distinction entre l’eau douce et les eaux salées. Le sujet de
la mer et plus largement du rapport de l’Homme au milieu maritime ne sera pas abordé ici. Il
constitue en lui-même un sujet extrêmement riche et assez bien délimité par rapport à celui que
nous abordons-là, même si d’évidents points de contacts et des similitudes peuvent apparaître,
des recouvrements également (estuaires, polders, désalinisation des eaux, etc.). Nous limiterons le
champ des patrimoines envisagés aux eaux douces et continentales. D’autres études thématiques
pourront éventuellement compléter l’approche envisagée ici.

L’eau apporte la satisfaction de besoins individuels et collectifs essentiels, mais qui ne cessent
d’évoluer en fonction de la démographie et du renouvellement de ses usages, dans de multiples
champs de l’activité humaine. Ces besoins sont directs : alimentation, hygiène, etc., ou indirects :
agriculture, industrie, énergie, transport, etc. Nous avons d’un côté les pratiques quotidiennes de
sa consommation individuelle, familiale et professionnelle, et de l’autre l’organisation sociale de sa
gestion, de sa distribution et son traitement comme eau usée, à l’échelle d’un territoire. Nous
savons que les différences de consommation d’eau par personne entre les différentes sociétés
humaines contemporaines peuvent être considérables.

Par ailleurs, l’eau matière première n’est jamais un produit pur, au sens chimique du terme, c'est-à-
dire exclusivement formée de molécules d’eau. Nombre d’éléments chimiques ou biochimiques
sont présents, de manière obligatoire, comme le potentiel en ions hydrogène (pH), de manière
circonstanciée et variable pour l’oxygène et les gaz dissous, les sels minéraux solubles, les
charges minérales, la présence d’éléments organiques et biologiques variés, d’éléments polluants,
etc. Une notion implicite ou explicite de qualité de l’eau et de propreté émerge. Ces réalités
physicochimiques et leurs représentations sont essentielles aux usages de l’eau et elles les
déterminent au sein d’une civilisation donnée. Il est bien connu qu’un excès de sel de magnésium
rend une eau dangereuse à la consommation humaine et animale, et que la présence excessive
de chlorure de sodium annihile tout effort d’irrigation agricole. Inversement, la présence de tel ou
tel élément chimique dans les eaux naturelles crée une situation spécifique, par exemple propre au
développement du thermalisme. La question des germes bactériologiques et microbiens présents
dans l’eau potable est également une question vitale dans les usages de l’eau. L’association de la
santé humaine et de la qualité perçue des eaux est souvent présente dans les représentations
sociales. Celles-ci témoignent ainsi d’un patrimoine immatériel fait de comportements et de
coutumes, de connaissances pratiques, enfin de valeurs symboliques et de mythes comme les
sites d’eaux guérisseuses ou, au contraire, d’eaux maléfiques. Par exemple, dans le premier tiers
du XXe siècle, en Occident, des eaux minérales destinées à la boisson humaine se vantaient, dans
des publicités, de la présence de radioactivité minérale en leur sein comme étant très favorable à
la santé, car elles étaient issues de massifs granitiques présentant naturellement ce phénomène !

27
Une civilisation donnée prod uit toujours des équipements matériels et des règles sociales destinés
à organiser la satisfaction des multiples besoins que nous venons d’évoquer. Elle doit aussi être
capable de faire face à l’évolution et au changement des données relatives à l’eau. Elle produit les
facteurs techniques et d’organisation collective liés à la maîtrise de l’eau et à ses usages.
Généralement, les sociétés traditionnelles ont développé des solutions durables formant des
systèmes sociotechniques stables et bien adaptés à une situation et à une époque données. On
peut même affirmer que sans cette maîtrise raisonnée de l’eau, elles n’auraient certainement pas
survécu bien longtemps. Chacune a produit une culture de l’eau dont peuvent nous donner
connaissances les patrimoines ayant survécu jusqu’à aujourd’hui, de manière vivante ou
archéologique, et dont les composantes sont en prise directe sur les données hydrologiques et
climatiques régionales et locales. Elles n’ont, bien entendu, pas été exemptes d’accidents ni
d’évolutions naturelles les ayant mis en échec, mais suivant des temporalités de changement plus
lentes et dans des données quantitatives moins vastes que pour le temps présent. La période
contemporaine paraît avoir apporté des modifications hydrologiques irréversibles, ce que n’avaient
que rarement atteint les époques précédentes. Cela rend d’autant plus importante et urgente
l’identification, la reconnaissance et la préservation des patrimoines de l’eau édifiés au cours des
âges.

Ce patrimoine, pris comme un tout, exprime directement la réponse de l’Homme à des conditions
naturelles plus ou moins favorables, à des ressources plus ou moins abondantes, plus ou moins
régulières ou d’accès difficile. C’est en cela qu’il est fondamental, exprimant l’une des bases
matérielles incontournable de toute civilisation. Ces conditions naturelles sont elles aussi très
diverses, car la présence de l’eau s’avère des plus variables, et changeantes selon les données
géographiques et climatiques d’une région, d’une saison à l’autre, d’une époque à l’autre. Les
extrêmes de la Nature ne sont pas rares, de la quasi-absence d’eau à son excès, engendrant à
côté des pratiques quotidiennes les dangers de l’exceptionnel, de l’événement potentiellement
destructeur : sécheresse, assèchement, inondation, érosion, etc.

Une trilogie fondatrice des relations de l’Homme à l’eau est discernable dans des contextes
géographiques, climatiques et sociaux donnés. Elle débute par une appréciation des besoins
hydriques du groupe humain confronté aux ressources en eau accessibles de son environnement.
Cette dualité entre demandes et ressources disponibles guide vers le second point : la
structuration technique du sol et du sous-sol, afin de maîtriser l’eau et d’assurer sa mise à
disposition des usagers. Parallèlement, un troisième point se met en place : une organisation
sociotechnique de l’eau pour sa gestion efficace, allant jusqu’à marquer profondément et
durablement les caractéristiques de certains groupes humains. En ce sens, dès son point de
départ, la relation de l’Homme à l’eau est manifestement productrice de patrimoine et de culture,
tant dans le sens des biens matériels que pour des valeurs immatérielles associées.

En effet, au-delà de la technique, mais l’accompagnant toujours, nous trouvons la construction de

corpus de connaissances et de croyances qui guident les pratiques sociales comme les
comportements individuels. Les dimensions rationnelles et spirituelles de la pensée humaine ont
longtemps été imbriquées entre elles. La première exprime la compréhension de la reproductibilité
des phénomènes naturels liés à l’hydrologie et au climat locaux, comme nous l’avons déjà bien mis
en évidence pour les patrimoines de l’astronomie et de l’archéoastronomie.
1
Elle implique en particulier un comportement d’observation, de connaissance et de prévision du

28
 monde naturel, ici pour les différentes manifestations du cycle de l’eau, dans l’air, sur terre et
sous terre. Des systèmes de représentation et de transmission de ces connaissances et/ou
croyances accompagnent l’organisation sociale. Un corpus de connaissances et de pratiques à
propos de l’eau se dégage, formant par essence un patrimoine immatériel intimement associé au
patrimoine construit et à ses paysages. Ces données d’intelligence sont nécessaires à l’Homme
pour qu’il puisse agir efficacement afin de maîtriser son environnement et y trouver de quoi
satisfaire durablement ses besoins en eau, pour lui-même et pour le bon déroulement de nombre
de ses activités. La dimension immatérielle des patrimoines de l’eau ouvre aussi un accès
important aux croyances magiques et aux comportements sacrés des groupes sociaux. Si l’eau
est l’un des quatre éléments fondateurs de la physique d’Aristote, l’eau se retrouve aussi dans
les mythes et les religions : les bâtons de pluie de certaines civilisations amérindiennes, les
cultes et les divinités liés aux sources dans l’Antiquité occidentale, les offrandes aux cours d’eau
un peu partout dans le monde, l’eau comme symbole de purification à peu près universel, etc.
Beaucoup de ces éléments sont d’ailleurs à cheval sur le champ scientifique, au sens
contemporain du terme, et les représentations : les eaux guérisseuses, les baguettes de sourcier,
etc. Il existe donc un univers immatériel particulièrement riche associé aux patrimoines de l’eau,
dont l’analyse est nécessaire à l’établissement de la valeur des sites.

3 Structure des patrimoines de l’eau, vers une typologie

Compte tenu de son importance, un patrimoine de l’eau possède généralement plusieurs niveaux
constitutifs avec, chaque fois, un certain nombre d’implications sociales et culturelles. Par ailleurs,
il intervient directement dans l’épaisseur de la société ; et toute détérioration ou amélioration du
système sociotechnique de la gestion de l’eau a des répercussions dans plusieurs dimensions du
tissu social. De nombreux éléments matériels et immatériels se rencontrent dans un système
sociotechnique de l’eau, en faisant rapidement un exemple complexe de patrimoine, tant pour sa
définition, pour la reconnaissance de ses valeurs propres que pour la compréhension de ses
relations avec les autres éléments culturels de son environnement. En d’autres termes, le
patrimoine de l’eau n’est jamais seul, car il est toujours destiné à une fin qui l’englobe. Il intervient
comme composante de base d’une structure sociale, comprise dans un sens large allant des
coutumes au droit de l’eau, des données économiques au contrôle politique des individus comme
des territoires. En retour, un tel patrimoine éclaire souvent le fonctionnement social dans son
ensemble.

En cela, le patrimoine de l’eau illustre bien un système sociotechnique dans un contexte donné. Il
est un bon représentant des patrimoines technologiques en général, par sa sensibilité aux
conjonctures tant naturelles que sociales, mais aussi par sa robustesse et par son aptitude
d’adaptation à l’évolution des situations ; également par sa capacité à transcender les événements
sociopolitiques. Il est d’autant plus impliqué dans une culture donnée qu’il en constitue une base
matérielle décisive. Inversement, une culture de l’eau illustre souvent et de manière explicite les
valeurs, les idéaux comme les problèmes d’une société inscrite dans un contexte géographique et
historique donné. Il agit comme un marqueur et comme un témoignage de ces cultures. La force et
la permanence de la présence patrimoniale de l’eau est aussi une faiblesse en termes de
reconnaissance : il est tellement imbriqué dans les autres données de la société qu’il en constitue
une donnée difficilement isolable. C’est une entité constitutive dont les traits sont parfois malaisés

1
Clive Ruggles & Michel Cotte, Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the context of the
UNESCO World Heritage Convention, ICOMOS & IAU Thematic Study, Paris e-edition 2010, paper edition
2011 Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the context of the UNESCO World Heritage
Convention, ICOMOS & IAU Thematic Study, Paris, ICOMOS & IAU, e-edition June 2010, Bognor Regis
(UK), Ocarinabooks, August
2011.http://www.international.icomos.org/world_heritage/WH_Committee_34th_session_Brasilia/ICOMOS_I
AU_Thematic_Study_Heritage_Sites_Astronomy_2010.pdf

29
 à distinguer des autres attributs culturels d’un site, et dont la dissociation serait artificielle et
souvent préjudiciable à la valeur de l’ensemble. Que signifie un magnifique ensemble urbain de
fontaines sans la ville elle-même ? Que vaut un ensemble d’aflaj sans l’oasis qu’il a généré ou des
témoignages archéologiques de la vie passée qu’il a su générer ? À un tel trait constitutif s’ajoute
la remarque sur la banalité fréquente des patrimoines de l’eau et la répétitivité d’éléments
vernaculaires parfois bien modestes, à l’échelle du quotidien des individus. Souvent, sa force
même n’est pas dans l’éblouissement du monument ou du paysage exceptionnels mais dans la
répétition et la densité de son maillage au service des Hommes.

Évoquons ici la sensibilité de l’Ecole des Annales à une histoire matérielle de longue haleine des
2
sociétés . Elle a également insisté sur la nécessité d’une histoire totale de ces sociétés, c'est-à-
dire sur la valeur d’un tout largement plus significatif que ses composantes prises isolément. Nous
pensons qu’il en va de même pour le patrimoine. Cela nous conduit, comme pour la plupart des
patrimoines techniques et scientifiques, à une relecture des patrimoines déjà reconnus. Cela
implique une mise en lumière des conditions matérielles sur lesquelles reposent les constructions
sociales, ici le bâti de l’eau, ses espaces et ses paysages. Il s’agit non seulement de composantes
spécifiques importantes d’un ensemble plus large, mais aussi de facteurs explicatifs des tendances
de longue durée à l’œuvre dans une société humaine considérée d’un point de vue global.

Par ailleurs, il importe de distinguer deux grandes catégories principales de biens porteurs d’une
culture de l’eau. Les biens anciens encore en fonction forment des patrimoines vivants, presque
toujours en cours d’évolution ; d’autres ont un caractère de vestiges archéologiques. Toutefois, les
éléments de base qui ont présidé à leur conception, à leur réalisation et à leur usage sont les
mêmes, simplement leur degré de témoignage ou leur connaissance historique ne sont pas
identiques. Les uns sont évolutifs et les seconds figés.

En partant du niveau le plus matériel, celui-là même qui supporte le concept de patrimoine dans
l’esprit de la Convention du patrimoine mondial, les questions de l’eau sont d’abord présentes dans
les aménagements hydrauliques et les constructions de l’eau, dont les fonctions peuvent être très
diverses. Ils forment la base technique d’une culture de l’eau en un lieu et à une époque donnée.
L’idée des cultures techniques de l’eau donne un fil conducteur pour identifier les éléments d’un
bien patrimonial dans ce domaine. Ensuite nous prenons en compte les éléments territoriaux puis
les éléments sociaux et anthropologiques, ce qui nous conduit à envisager les éléments de
représentation et les patrimoines immatériels. Une typologie peut être esquissée, avec bien
entendu des recoupements entre catégories et sous-catégories :

1 L’acquisition, la gestion et le contrôle de l’eau pour la rendre disponible à des fins d’usage
humain :
- La collecte de l’eau, le drainage, le puisage, les forages, etc.,
- Le stockage de l’eau à différentes échelles, barrages, citernes, etc.,
- Le transport de l’eau ressource matérielle, les adductions d’eau,
- Les traitements de l’eau en amont et en aval de ses usages (décantation, filtrage,
dépollution, recyclage, etc.).

Tous ces stades de l’acquisition de l’eau sont à plusieurs niveaux : le niveau des réalisations
matérielles, le savoir-faire technique et les connaissances des groupes humains, l’organisation
sociale parfois très contraignante pour les mises en œuvre, les représentations associées.

2
France, Ecole historique fondée dans l’Entre-deux-guerres, crée par March Bloch et Lucien Febvre, Fernand
Braudel en a été un illustre représentant au milieu du XXe siècle.

30
2 Les différents types d’usage de l’eau induisent des particularités culturelles bien marquées,
mais, en même temps, de grandes constantes dans différents domaines des réalisations
humaines semblent exister. Les techniques hydrauliques, leurs architectures et leur gestion
apparaissent alors comme un sous-ensemble de situations plus générales pouvant définir des
biens patrimoniaux en relation avec :
- L’habitat et la vie domestique,
- L’urbanisme et l’architecture,
- L’eau ressource vivrière dans l’agriculture, l’irrigation, la pêche, etc.,
- L’énergie hydraulique, l’industrie, etc.,
- Les transports par la voie eau, les canaux, etc.

3 La gestion des contraintes et le contrôle des eaux naturelles

- Les zones sèches ou arides, la gestion de la rareté de l’eau et ses solutions techniques et
sociales,
- L’excès d’eau, les pluies torrentielles, les inondations et les techniques de protection :
digues, polders, bassins de rétention, habitat sur pilotis, pompage, etc.,
- Le drainage des zones humides à des fins territoriales ou industrielles,
- La construction en zone humide, les fondations, l’architecture hydraulique, etc.

4 L’eau et la santé, la qualité de l’eau et les représentations associées

- Les notions de pureté et de propreté de l’eau,
- L’eau comme boisson, l’eau et l’alimentation, l’eau et l’élevage,
- L’eau comme vecteur de propreté et d’hygiène en relation avec les conceptions du corps et
de la santé, le thermalisme, etc.,
- L’eau comme vecteur de maladies,
- Les pollutions de l’eau.

5 L’eau, sa connaissance, ses savoir-faire, les mythes et les symboles associés à l’eau
- L’eau comme question scientifique et comme question technologique,
- La prévision des ressources en eau et les prédictions de l’eau,
- L’eau comme mythe, comme thème symbolique et religieux, etc.

6 Les paysages culturels de l’eau

- Dans ses associations fonctionnelles avec son environnement culturel matériel,
- Dans ses associations avec son environnement naturel,
- En tant que projet paysager avec ses valeurs propres (parcs, jardins, perspectives urbaines,
etc.).

Il conviendrait de détailler la diversité de chacune de ces catégories, mais ce sont surtout les vues
régionales et les études de cas des études thématiques qui illustreront ce propos et qui lui
donneront sa véritable consistance. Il s’agit ici seulement de la suggestion d’un cadre pouvant
aider à l’identification des composantes d’un patrimoine et à l’évaluation de ses significations. Il
doit aussi permettre de faciliter les inventaires et les comparaisons. Chacune de ces catégories de
base des patrimoines de l’eau s’inscrit à son tour dans des relations avec d’autres dimensions
patrimoniales, et qu’il convient d’articuler entre elles. Cette typologie doit aider à identifier les
attributs matériels et immatériels des biens patrimoniaux envisagés ; elle est avant tout d’ordre
méthodologique.

Au-delà d’une typologie analytique, notons que les différents niveaux matériels des patrimoines de
l’eau nécessitent tous des capacités techniques d’intervention des groupes humains et une
organisation sociale leur permettant d’agir avec un niveau d’efficacité suffisant. Les patrimoines de
l’eau semblent a priori illustrer de manière remarquable la notion de maturité technologique d’une
société, inscrite tant dans le contrôle et la gestion quotidienne du système hydraulique que dans la

31
 conception et la réalisation de grands ensembles. Des seuils de compétences collectives comme
d’organisation sociale apparaissent, autorisant le développement de certaines implantations
humaines jusque-là impensables, ou du moins leur expansion remarquable à des échelles jusque-
là inenvisageables. Nous pensons spontanément au développement des oasis artificielles à partir
des aflaj ou qanâts, à la civilisation des polders, à la maîtrise des canaux à point de partage, etc.

Si l’eau constitue une dimension sous-jacente à toute culture humaine et si toute civilisation se
confronte régulièrement à des questions de contrôle et de gestion de l’eau, l’extrême variété des
conditions géo-climatiques terrestres est une évidence, allant des inondations aux sécheresses, du
niveau des précipitations au comportement hydrologique des sols, des sources aux rivières, des
lacs aux nappes phréatiques, etc. La situation est semblable pour les réponses sociales et
techniques apportées par les différents groupes humains, suivant les époques, suivant la structure
des systèmes techniques en regard des questions de l’eau. Les situations rencontrées sont donc
fort diverses. Les grandes options de développement des sociétés humaines structurent leurs
relations à l’eau, mais réciproquement, les données hydrologiques, géographiques et géologiques
déterminent les grands choix sociotechniques en les rendant possibles, ou parfois impossibles,
durables ou non. Il s’agit d’une relation dialectique et dynamique, traversée tant de grandes
constantes sur la longue durée historique que d’événements fondateurs ou désastreux.

4 Les différentes formes des patrimoines de l’eau déjà reconnues

Les patrimoines culturels de l’eau peuvent exister sous différentes formes matérielles, dans les
catégories que nous venons de proposer à partir des fonctionnalités et des usages de l’eau. Cette
approche croise toutefois celles des reconnaissances ayant déjà eu lieu, sur les bases classiques
de la mise en œuvre de la Convention, par l’archéologie, l’architecture, l’urbanisme ou les
paysages culturels. Il est par ailleurs clair que les grandes catégories d’interactions entre l’Homme
et l’eau, examinées au point précédent, ne recoupent pas vraiment les approches classiques du
patrimoine culturel, à l’exception des grands monuments de l’eau, de certains paysages
également. Ces interactions appartiennent à plusieurs champs du patrimoine matériel et du
patrimoine immatériel.

Nous allons proposer un rapide tableau des formes déjà reconnues du patrimoine de l’eau où
celui-ci est, le plus souvent, une composante d’un bien formant un ensemble plus complexe : une
ville, un territoire, un paysage, un ensemble technologique, etc. Cette composante de l’eau est
parfois simplement mentionnée, sans plus, et non véritablement analysée, tant dans ses formes
patrimoniales que dans ses significations. Les exemples où le patrimoine de l’eau est au centre de
la Valeur Universelle Exceptionnelle reconnue sont par contre relativement rares. Dans ce cas, elle
est à son tour associée à d’autres composantes et à d’autres valeurs qui l’accompagnement.
L’étude des usages a clairement montré que l’eau est toujours au service d’un projet humain,
social, économique ou esthétique. En cela, elle est typiquement un patrimoine technique, un outil
au service d’une société. Ce rappel de la complexité organique assez générale des patrimoines
reconnus par la Convention est une remarque importante. Pratiquement, c’est l’étape de l’analyse
et de la compréhension d’un bien qui conduit à l’inventaire détaillé de ses attributs constitutifs et à
la définition la plus précise possible de ses composantes.

Nous savons donc que les patrimoines techniques et/ou scientifiques ne forment souvent qu’une
composante matérielle précise d’un bien parmi d’autres. C’est l’une de ses données structurelles,
parfois un simple ornement, et ces patrimoines n’atteignent pas, à eux seuls, le niveau d’un bien
de Valeur Universelle Exceptionnelle, au sens prévu par la Convention comme condition de
l’inscription. L’élément hydraulique produit une substructure, une base matérielle, un témoignage
de pratiques culturelles au sein d’un ensemble plus vaste et plus complexe. Il s’y intègre avec ses
valeurs propres et ses significations particulières. Il est donc important, dans une perspective

32
d’application de la Convention ouverte vers des sujets nouveaux et dans une approche mieux
équilibrée, de souligner la portée des technologies hydrauliques au sein d’ensembles
anciennement reconnus, dont les significations comme la déclaration de Valeur Universelle
Exceptionnelle sont appelées à évoluer au cours du temps. À ce titre, voici un exemple assez
révélateur : le Pont du Gard (France) a tout d’abord été reconnu comme un représentant
exceptionnel et très intègre de l’architecture romaine monumentale du IIe siècle en Gaule. Il a
ensuite été considéré, du moins au niveau national, comme un pont éminent, avec une histoire
sensiblement plus complexe car c’est une fonction plus tardive de cet ouvrage d’art, puis, plus
récemment, comme élément d’un ensemble bien plus vaste : le système d’adduction d’eau romain
de la ville de Nîmes, c'est-à-dire comme un aqueduc. Voici donc trois étapes de reconnaissance
de la valeur d’un bien dont la fonction hydraulique, qui pourtant présida à sa conception, n’a été
reconnue qu’en dernier !

Cependant, des patrimoines de l’eau ont déjà été reconnus et inscrits comme tels sur la Liste du
patrimoine mondial. Les biens les plus spontanément en rapport avec l’application de la
Convention sont des réalisations souvent spectaculaires appartenant au génie hydraulique, dans
ses œuvres les plus monumentales. La captation de l’eau, sa conservation et sa distribution ont
donné des résultats remarquables et souvent impressionnants dans de nombreuses civilisations,
dont aujourd’hui encore de nombreux biens témoignent. Ils sont encore en usage dans de
nombreux cas, montrant une temporalité technologique particulièrement longue, propre aux
patrimoines de l’eau : ce sont des structures permanentes, très représentatives de certaines
civilisations.

Proposons une esquisse de ces différentes formes reconnues du patrimoine de l’eau, en sachant
que comme pour les typologies de l’eau, elles se recoupent fréquemment entre elles.

- Les monuments des technologies hydrauliques comme la station de pompage à la vapeur de

Woudda (Pays-Bas) ou les ascenseurs hydrauliques du Canal du Centre (Belgique). Il faut
noter que des biens constituant des ensembles, au sens de la Convention, comprennent
souvent des monuments hydrauliques majeurs comme la prise d’eau et les vestiges du grand
pont barrage de Shushtar (Iran), le barrage de Saint-Ferréol dans le système alimentaire du
canal du Midi (France), le pont-canal de Pontcysyllte (Royaume-Uni), etc.

- Les techniques hydrauliques comme partie d’un ensemble archéologique : les canaux, citernes
et tunnels de Pétra (Jordanie), les puits d’Al-Hirj (Arabie saoudite), les vestiges d’aflaj d’Al Aïn
(Emirats Arabes Unis), etc.

- Les plans d’eau artificiels comme composante paysagère d’un monument ou d’un ensemble
monumental : les bassins du Taj Mahal (Inde), les canaux et les fontaines des jardins de
Versailles (France), de l’Alhambra de Grenade (Espagne), la Villa d’Este à Tivoli (Italie), le
Palais d’été à Pékin (Chine), etc.

- Les techniques hydrauliques comme partie d’un ensemble urbain : la ligne de défense
d’Amsterdam, le quartier des canaux du Singelgracht à Amsterdam (Pays-Bas), l’adduction
d’eau de la Médina de Fès (Maroc), les qanâts de Bam (Iran), etc.

- L’aménagement hydraulique du territoire, en tant qu’ensemble technologique hydraulique et

très souvent en tant que paysages culturels. Exemples : le système hydraulique historique de
Shushtar déjà mentionné (Iran) ; le système d’irrigation de Dujiangyan (Chine) ; les systèmes
d’irrigation aflaj d’Oman ; aux Pays-Bas le polder de Beemster, le site des moulins de
Kinderdijk-Elshout ; le système hydraulique du Haut-Harz (Allemagne), les rizières en terrasses
des cordillères des Philippines, etc.

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 - Les canaux : ce point a déjà fait l’objet d’une approche thématique de référence (annexes des
Orientations devant guider la mise en œuvre de la Convention). Ils peuvent être rattachés à la
catégorie précédente dont ils forment une partie.

- Les paysages associés aux plans d’eau et aux rivières : Ferrare, cité de la Renaissance et son
delta du Pô (Italie), les rives de la Seine à Paris (France), la Vallée du Rhin (Allemagne), etc.

Notons la variété des formes du patrimoine de l’eau qui se retrouve avec beaucoup de facilité dans de
nombreuses catégories déjà reconnues par la Convention. La relation de l’Homme avec l’eau produit
des patrimoines à part entière, tout à fait remarquables, mais elle produit également, et en grand
nombre, des composantes de biens largement plus complexes.

5 L’eau, patrimoine du quotidien de l’Homme

À l’opposé de ces réalisations monumentales ou paysagères majestueuses, volontiers reconnues
par la Convention, des pratiques d’échelle plus modeste peuvent être évoquées, se rapprochant
des activités humaines quotidiennes et de ses constructions vernaculaires. Elles aussi sont de
localisations géographique ou historique les plus diverses, car il n’existe pas de société qui puisse
se passer d’eau, l’une des clés du développement et de l’expansion de l’espère humaine. Cela
nous conduit à noter le caractère extraordinairement répandu des patrimoines de l’eau et à
souligner la multiplicité de ses exemples. À côté des grands aménagements, facilement
identifiables, un patrimoine vernaculaire de l’eau des plus diversifiés existe aussi. Souvent, l’un ne
va pas sans l’autre et leurs articulations forment un territoire d’échelle intermédiaire, urbaine ou
rurale.

En un lieu donné, dans une société donnée, les éléments culturels associés à l’eau sont très vite
répétitifs, récurrents et donc abondants et souvent ordinaires. Ils forment notamment les structures
quotidiennes des usages de l’eau qui accompagnent la vie individuelle comme la vie sociale. Les
plus grands écarts et les plus grandes inégalités existent dans ces rapports organisés à l’eau, tant
dans les sociétés d’hier qu’aujourd’hui, entre la quête épuisante d’une ressource rare et un usage
parfois machinal et irréfléchi d’une matière première inconsciemment jugée comme inépuisable.
Cette dimension habituelle de l’eau est donc porteuse d’une grande richesse d’éléments matériels
naturels et artificiels ; elle tend à générer des patrimoines répétitifs, en eux-mêmes peu
démonstratifs. Ils sont dilués dans les rythmes et les gestes de la vie de tous les jours. Les
historiens nous ont toutefois rappelé l’importance de cette histoire matérielle quotidienne associée
à la condition humaine, démontrant son rôle structurant des sociétés sur de longues durées
historiques.

Nous rencontrons cependant là une difficulté notable : un patrimoine de l’eau, certes, mais qui peut
être noyé et dilué, si l’on peut dire, dans des structures du quotidien d’une grande banalité. Les
éléments témoins du quotidien de l’eau sont apparemment simples et relativement simples à
identifier dans leur banalité répétitive : les équipements aux échelles de la maison familiale, du
puit, de la fontaine de quartier, à l’échelle du village et de la gestion communautaire de l’eau, etc. Il
faut chercher où se situent les enjeux de cette répétitivité, en termes de patrimoine pouvant être
considéré dans le cadre de la Convention du patrimoine mondial : à l’évidence dans l’innovation,
dans l’exceptionnalité des pratiques ou dans leur caractère exemplaire, par leur réponse à des
situations extrêmes prouvant l’adaptation remarquable d’un groupe humain à une situation qui ne
l’est pas moins. Par exemple, les pratiques traditionnelles de désalinisation des sols par les Indiens
Chipayas, en Bolivie, ont généré des paysages a priori bien modestes, mais qui reposent sur une
inventivité et un degré d’adaptation à un territoire extrême, tout à fait uniques et exceptionnels.

34
 Ces patrimoines de la satisfaction des besoins vitaux doivent êtres complétés des réalisations de
sécurité face à l’eau et à ses différentes manifestations naturelles, qu’elles soient permanentes ou
exceptionnelles. Il s’agit par exemple d’ensemble de digues et de fossés drainant contre les crues,
la maîtrise d’un bassin versant et la conservation des sols en cas de pluies torrentielles, etc. C’est
un type de patrimoine résultant d’un système sociotechnique adapté à des situations données de
risques. Il suppose des techniques et des savoir-faire spécifiques, parfois sophistiqués, mais aussi
toute une organisation sociale à la fois stricte et équitable au service de ces ensembles, au sens
d’un bien collectif nécessaire à la vie du groupe, là dans le domaine de la protection contre les
excès et la brutalité des eaux.

Les rapports d’une société à son patrimoine quotidien de l’eau ou à son côté menaçant et
accidentel génèrent eux aussi des systèmes de représentations qui participent à la structuration
sociale et éventuellement religieuse du groupe humain, en s’agrégeant souvent à d’autres
croyances, à d’autres systèmes de référence pour former des ensembles de valeurs immatérielles.

6 L’évaluation des patrimoines culturels de l’eau, leur intégrité et leur authenticité

Comme pour tout bien désireux de connaître ses possibilités d’accéder à la Liste du patrimoine
mondial, une analyse des éléments susceptibles de le composer est en premier lieu nécessaire. Le
format général du dossier présenté dans les Orientations propose les grandes étapes successives
de la démarche à entreprendre. La première partie repose sur un travail d’inventaire et de
description des éléments constitutifs, puis de leur compréhension historique et contextuelle. Pour
les patrimoines de l’eau, il s’agit de présenter leur conception, leur réalisation, leurs
aménagements successifs. Il faut ensuite décrire leurs usages et leurs rôles socioéconomiques au
cours des âges, les éléments de régulation et de contrôle, enfin les éléments immatériels associés
aux attributs matériels, tant dans le domaine de la connaissance et des savoir-faire que dans celui
des croyances et des coutumes. La démarche conduit à une seconde étape d’établissement de la
valeur du bien par l’analyse de l’intégrité et de l’authenticité des éléments le composant.

Dans le cas des patrimoines de l’eau, la question de l’intégrité et de l’authenticité des biens prend
un relief particulier. En effet, comme la plupart des patrimoines technologiques, ils sont soumis à
une double contrainte : d’une part l’entretien avec son cortège de travaux et de possibles
modifications et, d’autre part, l’adaptation à la demande et à l’évolution des usages. Nous savons
tous que le besoin d’entretien des patrimoines hydrauliques vivants est une donnée très importante
de leur conservation fonctionnelle, donc de leur intégrité. Par nature, un patrimoine hydraulique a
besoin de réparations et de réfections périodiques, par exemple pour l’étanchéité, l’envasement,
les mécanismes hydrauliques, etc. Il faut considérer un système hydraulique comme une machine
fonctionnelle fixe, dont les parties interagissent entre elles. Le disfonctionnement ou la faiblesse
d’un élément entraîne des conséquences dans le fonctionnement des autres comme dans la
performance d’ensemble. Un système hydraulique, plus largement tout système technique, est un
ensemble dynamique et ses gestionnaires en ont forcément une approche globale et
fonctionnaliste. Réduire un bien hydraulique à une intégrité architecturale statique, surtout pour un
bien vivant, est très insuffisant. L’intégrité fonctionnelle est une notion ici essentielle, et elle se
base sur des données techniques que le dossier se doit d’aborder. Il en va de même pour la notion
d’authenticité, l’authenticité des usages en particulier, c'est-à-dire leur conformité présente à des
pratiques traditionnelles. Cela conduit à une histoire de l’entretien et de l’adaptation du réseau, qui
rejoint l’idée générale d’histoire de la conservation. Nous soulignons ensuite l’importance d’une
histoire des usages et de leurs évolutions dans l’établissement de l’authenticité, qui n’est pas
seulement un inventaire chronologique de la construction de l’existant, quand elle est connue, mais
une mise en perspective historique des usages de l’eau et de leur contexte.

35
Un arrêt de la gestion technique d’un ensemble hydraulique, lié à une situation de troubles sociaux
ou de guerre, peut entraîner d’importantes dégradations, parfois en quelques années voire en
quelques mois. Toute reprise de service nécessite des travaux de remise en état et, parfois, des
changements techniques, des extensions de réseaux, des refontes de dispositifs jugés obsolètes
ou mal adaptés à l’évolution des usages. C’est un terme commun à l’histoire du patrimoine
industriel qui commence à être bien connu.

Plus largement, un ensemble hydraulique est destiné à évoluer au cours du temps et à s’adapter à
des situations qui peuvent changer à différents niveaux techniques ou sociaux, et en suivant des
temporalités variables : conditions hydrologiques et climatiques, variations des nappes
phréatiques, changements démographiques locaux et régional, évolutions des besoins humains,
transformations agronomiques ou urbaines, pollution et dégradation de la qualité des eaux, etc.
C’est le lot de tout système hydraulique vivant ; il ne cesse d’être réajusté à la demande des
usagers en fonction des ressources accessibles. Cette capacité à s’adapter est une condition de la
pérennité du système ; mais les résultats matériels et techniques qui en découlent s’ajoutent aux
résultats de l’entretien. C’est une difficulté majeure pour leur évaluation en termes d’intégrité et
d’authenticité, ce qui renforce le besoin d’une histoire technique et d’une histoire sociale de
l’ensemble hydraulique ; l’une ne va pas sans l’autre. Les évolutions et les changements
techniques font partie intégrante de leur histoire, qui n’est pas seulement celle de leur conception
ou de leur moment d’origine, parfois plus supposé que réellement démontré. Ces adaptations aux
circonstances sont consubstantielles à la valeur même du bien, et elles sont intervenues tant pour
des patrimoines encore vivants que pour ceux aujourd’hui à l’état de vestiges archéologiques ou
de paysages reliques. Cela entraîne quelques remarques complémentaires.

Pour les systèmes hydrauliques anciens encore en usage, et ils sont nombreux, les adaptations et
les extensions qui ont accompagné la révolution technologique liée à l’industrialisation du XIXe et
du XXe siècle ont pu modifier de manière importante un certain nombre de paramètres de
l’authenticité, en particulier les matériaux et, partant, les formes et les apparences. L’usage du
métal, puis celui du béton et du béton armé, les imperméabilisants chimiques, etc., ont pu
révolutionner certaines pratiques techniques. Il en va de même pour la mécanisation et ses
différentes strates de motorisation du pompage. Ces facteurs ont pu modifier en profondeur
certains éléments des systèmes hydrauliques, littéralement les refonder. Ils ont pu en particulier
permettre des installations jusque-là impensables, et dénaturer assez profondément les
caractéristiques initiales du bien proposé, ou bien les compléter, formant des ensembles
compréhensibles au service du même but hydraulique. Nous pensons par exemple au polder de
Kinderdijk-Elshout, inscrit sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial (Pays-Bas, 1997), où les moulins à
vent de la période moderne (XVIe – XVIIe siècles) viennent compléter les systèmes de drains et de
vannes remontant au Moyen Âge ; ils sont complétés par la machine à vapeur (XIXe – début XXe
siècles), puis par les pompes électriques contemporaines à vis d’Archimède. Une analyse
technique fine des changements intervenus doit être conduite, non pour arriver à la conclusion
fatale que beaucoup d’éléments constitutifs ne sont pas des originaux, et donc pas authentiques,
mais plutôt pour évaluer en quoi l’intégrité du concept initial a été maintenu et l’esprit technologique
de l’ensemble conservé. Il est nécessaire de savoir s’il y a continuité du système technique de
l’eau mise en place au cours des âges ou si une rupture trop importante est intervenue qui en
dénature la compréhension profonde et donc l’expression des valeurs patrimoniales. Dans le
même esprit, l’analyse des conditions sociales de l’usage de l’eau, dans le système traditionnel et
dans celui d’aujourd’hui, conduit à une dimension importante de l’authenticité d’usage. De ce point
de vue, le lien entre changement technique et changement du droit de l’eau est un point important
à envisager.

Dans une dernière phase de l’analyse de la valeur vient l’étude comparative avec des biens
similaires, déjà reconnus ou plus anonymes, dans l’environnement proche ou dans celui de la
région, puis à plus grande échelle dans des domaines comparables. Jointe aux éléments

36
 descriptifs et évaluatifs précédents, elle permet de déterminer si le bien a une Valeur Universelle
Exceptionnelle et suivant quels critères, ou s’il est plus simplement un bien d’ordre régional ou
local. Pour approfondir cela, nous renvoyons notamment à la publication de l’ICOMOS : « What is
3
OUV ? » .

La dernière partie du dossier est constituée par les questions de protection, de conservation et de
gestion du bien, formant une série d’engagements au sein d’un système de gestion et de suivi du
bien clairement établi.

7 Choix du sujet de l’étude thématique et choix d’une première région

Partant de l’évidence de la richesse des patrimoines de l’eau, il est nécessaire de rechercher un
thème cohérent et donc limité, car tout ne peut être étudié en même temps sous peine de
confusion. Il est ensuite nécessaire d’envisager une étude régionale de ce thème, pour lui donner
une cohérence, notamment culturelle, et une échelle de faisabilité. Plusieurs grandes voies
d’approche et quelques remarques méthodologiques nous aident à préciser un premier cadre
général pour l’étude des patrimoines de l’eau, et une région d’application.

Nous éliminons d’emblé l’étude chronologique des systèmes hydrauliques, peu pertinente tant les
techniques à l’œuvre semblent transcender les périodisations pour s’inscrire dans la longue durée
de l’histoire. Par ailleurs, ces techniques ont un caractère assez spontanément universel, au sens
où elles sont partagées peu ou prou par tous les groupes humains, par des cultures de toutes les
époques et de toutes les civilisations, mais dans des formes pratiques aux nombreuses variations.
Nous sommes bien dans l’approche de l’un des déterminants fondamentaux de la relation de
l’Homme avec la Nature ; déterminants dont la maîtrise durable forme les patrimoines de l’eau.
Deux grandes voies possible s’ouvrent à notre réflexion : 1) l’approche anthropique du couple
besoins - réalisations humaines ; 2) l’approche géographique et climatique des conditions
imposées par son environnement à l’Homme dans sa maîtrise de l’eau. Mais elles sont intimement
complémentaires, très générales, et elles ne permettent pas de définir un cadre thématique à elles
seules. Il faut aller plus loin.

L’approche par catégories thématiques du rapport de l’Homme à l’eau est une voie possible,
séduisante même car, d’échelle plus réduite, elle cerne assez bien les limites d’un sujet et elle
semble conduire à des distinctions claires et simples à comprendre. Ce serait suivre par exemple
la typologie générale mise en avant au point 3 de ce document : « les techniques d’acquisition et
de gestion de l’eau par l’Homme », ou bien choisir des sous-thèmes plus précis qui rejoindraient
les catégories de patrimoines évoquées en 4 : « l’eau et l’urbanisme », « l’agriculture et l’eau »,
« le thermalisme », etc. C’est au fond la démarche que nous avons connue dans les années 1990
avec le sujet des « canaux de transport », introduit comme exemple typologique dans les annexes
des Orientations. Sans du tout disqualifier cette possibilité d’étude thématique, elle nous semble
souffrir aujourd’hui de deux limites. La première, déjà indiquée, est que, dans de nombreux cas, les
biens appartiennent à plusieurs catégories, simultanément, et ils forment des ensembles dont la
valeur n’est pas convenablement analysée dans un tel cadre, trop restrictif. La seconde est que la
dimension majoritairement immatérielle de certaines de ces catégories tend à les marginaliser et à
les couper des précédentes, comme « les connaissances et les savoir-faire de l’eau ». C’est une
démarche qui doit plutôt être retenue pour aider à inventorier et à classifier un existant patrimonial,
au sein d’une vue générale subrégionale, mais non pour définir un sujet d’étude.
La démarche anthropique nous conduit cependant à des approches plus large que celles que nous
venons d’évoquer, déjà abordées au chapitre 4 de ce document, comme « les monuments de

3http://www.international.icomos.org/publications/monuments_and_sites/16/pdf/Monuments_and_Sites_16_What_is_OUV

.pdf

37
l’eau » ou « les paysages de l’eau ». Nous avons vu qu’il est possible de distinguer des biens
hydrauliques en tant que tels répondant à ces catégories, mais cela restait relativement
exceptionnel. Du coup, des biens aux composantes plus larges ou plus complexes sont moins bien
compris et leurs caractéristiques ont du mal à être bien prises en compte. Dans l’autre sens, des
éléments d’échelle plus réduite ou plus répétitifs peuvent êtres marginalisés, voire oubliés, à moins
de les traiter comme des sous-catégories qui rejoignent celles du point précédent. Cela reste une
approche patrimoniale traditionnelle, surtout fructueuse pour des sites bien typés où les aspects
monumentaux ou paysagers sont dominants.

Les catégories géo-climatiques forment une seconde générale option d’approche, par l’angle des
conditions environnementales, et elle semble fructueuse à envisager. Elle perd, bien entendu, les
clarifications catégorielles précédentes, mais elle nous permet a priori d’envisager les sujets
complexes à classifier par les approches précédemment envisagées. Elle délimite le sujet par des
conditions hydrologiques et climatiques similaires, c'est-à-dire un type de défi que la Nature pose
au développement pérenne des groupes humains. Un tel sujet revient à prendre comme point de
départ le cadre de la relation de l’Homme à l’eau. La démarche devrait permettre d’observer les
résultats de l’adaptation des groupes humains régionaux à la question de l’eau, au cours des
différentes phases de leur histoire. Elle oriente la lecture du patrimoine vers la description de
systèmes sociotechniques aptes à répondre à une situation géo-climatique donnée, à percevoir
des ensembles à l’échelle de territoires, enfin à en identifier les meilleurs témoignages. Cette
approche du patrimoine de l’eau vise à identifier les formes stables et durables plus que les
représentants exceptionnels. Elle nous propose une nouvelle valeur d’appréciation du patrimoine,
par le témoignage d’une adaptation réussie des rapports d’un groupe humain aux ressources
hydriques de son territoire. C’est aussi une appréciation des difficultés de cette adaptation, de ses
contraintes, comme des menaces auxquelles elle est soumise. C’est ce qu’il est possible de
nommer un patrimoine du développement durable. Nous suggérons, notamment pour les
patrimoines vivants, de les étudier comme tels.

De ce point de vue, nous identifions assez simplement :

- Les régions arides, les déserts

- Les régions semi-arides (steppes, savanes…)
- Les régions de climat méditerranéen
- Les régions tropicales et subtropicales humides
- Les régions équatoriales
- Les régions tempérées humides
- Les régions nordiques

Arrivé à ce point, il nous semble possible de délimiter un premier grand cadre thématique
regroupant les trois premières catégories, c’est-à-dire les régions où l’eau est rare d’une manière
permanente ou temporaire. Elles correspondent à un premier grand thème des patrimoines de
l’eau, quand celle-ci est rare, à des degrés divers. Nous pouvons l’étudier sous le titre général :
« Les patrimoines culturels de l'eau dans les régions arides, semi-arides et
méditerranéennes ». Deux autres grands thèmes seront à examiner ultérieurement : les régions
tropicales et équatoriales d’une part, les régions tempérées humides et les régions nordiques
d’autre part.

L’intérêt de ce premier grand cadre thématique est renforcé par plusieurs remarques. Ces régions
sont aujourd’hui en expansion démographique, comme le reste de la planète, bien entendu, mais
les besoins d’eau douce y sont amplifiés et exacerbés par la rareté. Les populations directement
concernées par ces patrimoines sont nombreuses, et il s’agit pour elles de questions de
développement absolument cruciales. La diversité des régions géographiques concernées est très

38
 importante, comme le montre la cartographie, et les comparaisons peuvent être des plus riches,
tant en termes de patrimoine, d’histoire que d’exemples de développement.

L’étude cartographique d’ensemble que nous avons réalisée, et qui se retrouve dans cette
publication, montre que toutes les grandes régions du monde sont concernées. Une étude
générale serait donc très lourde à conduire et il nous a semblé plus pertinent de sélectionner une
région, si possible emblématique dans son ensemble de ces questions. La région du Moyen-
Orient et du Maghreb répond à ce critère et elle offre a priori un ensemble d’avantages qui nous
ont semblé déterminants pour lancer une première étude thématique au sein du cadre général de
l’eau rare. La région est bien délimitée, ses conditions géo-climatiques dominantes sont assez
homogènes et elles correspondent pleinement au cadre établi. Seule la question du climat
méditerranéen pourrait être discriminant et pose question, car tous les pays de la région ne le
partagent pas, alors que les conditions arides et semi-arides sont communes à tous, à un degré ou
à un autre. C’est par ailleurs un climat-charnière que l’on retrouvera dans d’autres grandes régions,
mais sans du tout les caractériser dans leur ensemble. Fallait-il l’exclure au sein de la région pour
n’en traiter qu’une partie ? Cela nous a paru arbitraire et démenti par l’histoire régionale,
introduisant une coupure fictive au sein même des Etats parties. Le long héritage partagé de la
civilisation arabo-islamique, et d’une diffusion remarquable de ses techniques hydrauliques en son
sein et au-delà, a en outre été crucial dans le choix de cette première étude thématique, lui
donnant une unité et un cadre culturel exceptionnellement homogènes.

8 Conclusion
L’étude thématique proposée doit pouvoir fournir les éléments pour identifier et pour décrire les
patrimoines de l’eau. Nous avons essayé de dresser un inventaire typologique qui doit surtout être
une aide méthodologique pour tous ceux qui voudront bien se pencher sur ces questions, que ce
soit dans le but d’une reconnaissance et d’une protection de ces patrimoines par la Liste du
patrimoine mondial ou dans celui d’une protection dans un cadre national.

Nous avons bien conscience d’un double défi : d’une part, le patrimoine de l’eau est très diffus et il
est présent partout où l’Homme s’est implanté, ce qui constitue un véritable challenge pour son
authentification et son analyse comme patrimoine. D’autre part, un nombre relativement important
de biens déjà inscrits sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial possèdent des éléments hydrauliques
importants qu’il serait bon de mieux mettre en lumière, notamment lors des révisions périodiques et
des éventuelles réécritures de la Déclaration de Valeur Universelle Exceptionnelle.

Finalement, dans le cadre de cette première étude thématique, la distinction entre patrimoine
archéologique et patrimoine vivant est essentielle. Le premier sera, bien entendu, très présent, et il
est essentiel dans une région baignée par une protohistoire et une histoire en tous points
remarquables. Il importe donc d’établir le bilan de ce patrimoine avec le plus grand soin. Toutefois,
les patrimoines vivants de l’eau représentent pour nous un enjeu vital, dans un contexte d’eau rare
et de pression accrue de la demande, notamment depuis le milieu du XXe siècle avec le
développement de technologies modernes par le pompage mécanique, l’accès aux nappes
profondes et l’usage de nouveaux matériaux comme le béton armé, l’acier, etc. Une forme de
négation, voire d’ignorance des patrimoines matériels et immatériels anciens de l’eau a souvent
prévalu. Il y eut souvent un abandon ou des restructurations plus ou moins radicales de l’existant,
au préjudice de solutions dont la durabilité avait cependant fait ses preuves. Notre étude sur les
patrimoines vivants de l’eau doit prendre en compte ces questions pour en dresser le bilan, mais
cette fois non du point de vue des systèmes actuels, mais du point de vue des Anciens sur les
Modernes tout en les confrontant aux enjeux du futur. Notre hypothèse est qu’il existe un
patrimoine du développement durable dans le domaine de l’eau, et qu’il nous appartient de
l’identifier et de l’étudier au profit de tous.

39
Sub-region A : Atlantic Maghreb
Les patrimoines de l’eau au Maroc
Patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Mauritanie
Les patrimoines culturels de l’eau au Maroc
Mohammed El Faïz
Professeur à l’université cadi Ayyad de Marrakech

1 Caractéristiques générales

1.1 Les données climatiques et hydrologiques générales

Comparé aux autres pays du Maghreb, le Maroc dispose des eaux de surface les plus
importantes. Cette situation privilégiée, il la doit à sa façade atlantique et à l’importance de ses
chaînes de montagne, plus particulièrement l’Atlas. Il est à la fois méditerranéen et atlantique,
tempéré et saharien, maritime et continental. Cependant, le contexte hydrologique est marqué
par la variabilité et l’irrégularité des précipitations et l’occurrence des cycles de sécheresse ce qui
le classe parmi les pays arides et semi-arides. Le potentiel hydraulique du Maroc est appréciable,
mais périssable : 20 Milliards de m3 par an répartis entre eaux souterraines (4 Mds de m3) et
eaux de surface (16 Mds de m3). Aujourd’hui, les eaux souterraines sont utilisées à 67% de leur
capacité (soit 2,7 Mds sur 4Mds de m3) ainsi que les eaux de surface (10,75 sur 16 Mds de m3).
Le capital hydraulique est en diminution croissante du fait des usages agricoles, urbains et
touristiques. Les belles nappes phréatiques qui ont rendu possible par le passé la révolution de la
technologie des Qanats (ou khettara ; foggara) sont menacées d’extinction du fait de l’extension
des pompages. Quant aux séguias (canaux traditionnels) qui ont étendu la conquête des
irrigations jusqu’aux déserts et crêtes des montagnes, leur culture ne résistera pas longtemps à
l’impact des grands barrages réservoirs. Cette situation qui risque de devenir tragique impose
l’engagement de mesures urgentes et efficaces pour la sauvegarde du patrimoine hydraulique,
mesures dont nous parlerons à la fin de ce rapport.

Figure 1. Carte des ressources hydrauliques du Maroc (ABHT-Marrakech)

43
1.2 Relations culturelles et échanges techniques avec les zones voisines
Le Maroc fait partie de l’aire géographique et culturelle du monde arabo-musulman. Les contacts
avec l’Ifriqiya (Tunisie actuelle) et Al Andalus (Espagne musulmane) ont été importants au cours
de l’histoire. L’approche du patrimoine hydraulique gagnerait à être intégrée dans les apports de
la civilisation arabo-musulmane qui a permis aux cultures de l’eau de voyager et constituer
l’héritage partagé entre le Moyen Orient et l’Afrique du Nord.

2 Sites connus et sites importants du patrimoine culturel de l’eau

2.1 Les sites à caractère archéologique

Le complexe hydro-agricole de Sidi Bouathmane (XIIe siècle)

C’est à Sidi Bouathmane (40 km au nord de Marrakech) que les ingénieurs de la dynastie
almohade (XIIe siècle) ont érigé un complexe hydraulique et agricole formé de barrages, de
bassins de décantation et de neuf citernes d’une capacité totale de 3254000 litres. Ce complexe
était destiné à capter les eaux de ruissellement et à les acheminer vers de grands réservoirs pour
satisfaire les besoins de l’armée et des caravanes en déplacement vers le nord. Le site
archéologique étendu sur 1230m² représente un exemple du génie hydraulique qui a doté une
steppe aride d’eau pérenne et permis aux techniques de stockage de satisfaire des besoins
alimentaires et agricoles.

Figure 2. Les citernes de Sidi Bouathmane (archive M. El Faïz)

L’aqueduc de l’Oued Ouaar (XIIe siècle) (région de Taroudant)

On peut citer dans le même cadre, la réalisation du bassin de Gaba et de l’aqueduc de l’Oued
Ouaar à l’ouest de Taroudant dans le sud du Maroc. Le bassin de Gaba, de forme circulaire,
avait un diamètre moyen de 250m, une superficie approximative de 50000m², soit pour une
profondeur de un mètre, une capacité totale de 100000m3. L’aqueduc construit sur l’Oued Ouaar

44
avait, quant à lui, 100 mètres de longueur. Porté par des arches sur une hauteur de 15 mètres, il
constitue un ouvrage à usage multiple, à la fois monumental et gracieux.

Figure 3. Aqueduc Oued Ouaar (archive M. El Faïz)

Figure 4. Carte des sites des sucreries du Maroc (Paul Berthier, Les sucreries au Maroc, op.cit.)

Le patrimoine hydraulique des sucreries du Maroc (XVIe siècle)

La dynastie des Saadiens (XVI-XVIIe siècles) a doté le Maroc d’un héritage hydraulique et
industriel des plus importants. Quatorze sucreries réparties sur quatre sites archéologiques

45
(Chichaoua, Sidi Chiker, Essaouira, Agadir) témoignent de la maîtrise du machinisme
hydraulique à des fins agricoles (culture de la canne à sucre) et industrielles (force motrice pour
les pressoirs et la fabrication de pins de sucre).

Chaque site se distingue par ses ouvrages de prise de l’eau, ses barrages de dérivation, ses
ouvrages de franchissement (aqueducs portés sur des arches), ses bassins d’accumulation, ses
salles de machines (broyeurs et canaux d’écoulement), sa salle de fours et les ruines
majestueuses de ses sucreries. A cet héritage exceptionnel, s’ajoutent 150 km de séguias
(canaux) qui témoignent de l’évolution de l’ingénierie de l’eau.

Les tours élévatrices de l’eau de Tamesloht (région de Marrakech, fin du XIXe siècle)
Dans le vallonnement qui mène à l’entrée de la commune de Tamesloht, on distingue une ligne
de tours carrées construites en briques et pouvant atteindre la hauteur d’une dizaine de mètres.
Elles sont creuses et disposant chacune de deux tuyaux en céramique avec des diamètres
variant de 0,40 mètres pour le plus grand à 0,21 mètre pour le plus petit. L’eau parvient à la base
des tours par une canalisation enterrée. Elle emprunte le premier tuyau et, arrivée au sommet,
elle se déverse dans le second et redescend au pied de la tour d’où elle est reconduite via la
canalisation souterraine jusqu’à la seconde tour. (Figure 5 - les tours de Tamesloht). Le réseau
de deux kilomètres environ est ainsi parsemé de 13 colonnes qui fonctionnent comme des vases
communicants destinés à alimenter le Palais et les jardins. La plupart des tours sont en bon état
de conservation. Mais l’extension urbaine de la commune de Tamesloht menace la tour la plus
proche du centre. D’où l’intérêt de la présentation d’un dossier de classement au titre du
patrimoine hydraulique national.

Figure 5. Tours élévatrices de l’eau à Tamesloht (archive M. El Faïz)

Le barrage d’Irara dans le Tafilalet (près de Rissani)

Le Barrage d’Irara fut édifié au XVIIe siècle sur l’oued Ziz. Long de 1701 mètres et haut de 10
mètres, il fut construit en gradins à contreforts et en maçonnerie à la chaux. Ouvrage
monumental, il constitue un chef d’œuvre de l’hydraulique des crues dont la région du Tafilalet fut
le berceau. Le barrage est en bon état de conservation et continue à jouer son rôle lors des

46
 crues. Un dossier de classement au titre du patrimoine hydraulique national est nécessaire pour
la sauvegarde et valorisation de ce monument.

Figure 6. Barrage d’Irara (archive M. El Faïz)

Les khettaras de Fezna (près d’Erfoud)

L’oasis de Fezna fut tributaire de 15 khettaras (galeries drainantes souterraines appelées ailleurs
foggaras, aflaj, kahriz ou qanat), taries et abandonnées depuis longtemps. Ce qui est important
dans ce site, c’est l’alignement impressionnant des puits des galeries souterraines qui témoigne à
la fois de l’ingéniosité des bâtisseurs des khettaras et des leçons que l’humanité peut tirer de
leur tragique assèchement.

Figure7. Vue des khettaras asséchées de Fezna (archive M. El Faïz)

2.2 Les sites vivants, toujours utilisés ou partiellement réutilisés

L’oasis de Jorf : un patrimoine d’eau, de palmes et d’ingéniosité humaine

Le site de Jorf constitue l’exemple le plus représentatif d’oasis tributaire de khettaras dans toute
la région de Tafilalet. Plusieurs galeries de captage et drainantes de l’eau exploitaient depuis des
siècles l’aquifère. Ce qui est remarquable, c’est qu’en plus des réalisations techniques, nous

47
trouvons encore vivantes les règles de l’organisation sociale de la gestion de l’eau, les savoir-
faire, les coutumes et représentations sociales. L’organisation sociale chargée de l’édification du
réseau, de son entretien, de la répartition de l’eau et du règlement des conflits est marquée par
l’intervention du Cheikh (premier responsable) des khettaras. Ce dernier, aidé de Mezregs
(collaborateurs) joue un rôle fondamental dans la gestion du réseau hydraulique. Il s’agit d’une
gestion appuyée sur les principes de la législation islamique et des coutumes locales orientée
vers la recherche du consensus et l’application de solutions négociées et solidaires. Les
paysages culturels liés à l’eau conservent leur authenticité et font de cette commune un
patrimoine d’eau, de palmes et d’ingéniosité humaine. La construction des premières khettaras
remonte à la fin du XVIIe siècle.

Figure8. Vue des cheikhs de khettara qui incarnent la gestion patrimoniale de l’eau
(archive M. El Faïz)

Les jardins historiques de l’Agdal et de la Ménara à Marrakech :

le miracle de l’eau en zone aride
L’Agdal et la Ménara constituent les « monuments verts » les plus importants du Maroc. Ils
représentent du point de vue de l’histoire et de l’art des jardins un intérêt considérable. Construits
au XIIe siècle, à la même période que la Koutoubia de Marrakech et la Giralda de Séville, ils
constituent aujourd’hui les plus vieux jardins encore vivants du Monde Arabe. Tout le réseau
hydraulique ancien, formé par des séguias et des khettaras, des aqueducs, des tours élévatrices
de l’eau, des sahrij (réservoirs) monumentaux, des bassins de décantation, mérite d’être
restauré. C’est ce patrimoine hydraulique qui constitue l’une des originalités de l’Agdal et de la
Ménara. Ces deux jardins peuvent, de nos jours, constituer le plus grand musée vivant de l’eau et
des techniques hydrauliques au Maroc et dans le Monde Arabe.

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 Figure9. Vue de l’Agdal avec ses deux bassins (archive M. El Faïz)

Fès : son réseau hydraulique et ses fontaines : un « don » de la rivière des perles (oued al-
jawâhir)
Fès constitue une véritable cité de l’eau dans la mesure où non seulement son développement,
mais aussi sa création furent largement conditionnés par la maîtrise des phénomènes
hydrauliques. Un réseau primaire formé par les grandes dérivations de l’Oued Fès, un réseau
secondaire constitué par des canalisations en poterie (kawâdis) qui assurent la liaison entre les
canaux principaux et les bâtiments et installations desservies, un réseau tertiaire composé de
conduites de différents diamètres et assumant la double fonction de l’alimentation en eau potable
et de l’assainissement aux échelons les plus élémentaires du maillage hydraulique (habitations,
moulins, édifices religieux, bains publics, etc. ), tels sont les caractères qui méritent sauvegarde
et réhabilitation avec les restes de leur organisation sociale et humaine. Rappelons ici que Fès
fut la première ville du Maroc a être classée au Patrimoine de l’humanité (en 1981 avec les
critères (ii) et (v)). Cependant, le patrimoine hydraulique de la ville, malgré son importance, ne fut
pas apprécié à sa juste valeur.

3 Documentation existante

3.1 Il n’y a pas à ma connaissance d’Inventaires du patrimoine culturel de l’eau, de cartographie

récente ou de base de données fiable et accessible.
3.2 Les documents d’archives, cartographie et plans anciens, doivent exister mais éparpillés dans
des bibliothèques, non catalogués ou ordonnés.
3.3 Des collections photographiques anciennes et récentes en relation avec le patrimoine culturel et
naturel de l’eau doivent exister en partie à la Bibliothèque Nationale de Rabat et dans des fonds
privés. Elles ne sont ni cataloguées, ni organisées pas thème et disponibles.

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3.4 Fouilles archéologiques : les seuls exemples que nous connaissons concernent les sucreries du
Maroc qui remontent aux années 1960. Aucune suite ne fut donnée à ce travail pionnier mené
par Paul Berthier.
Les fouilles plus récentes concernent le système hydraulique de Tamesloht menées en 2002 par
le ministère de la Culture. Mais les résultats ne furent pas publiés.

4 L’état de la connaissance historique et technique sur le patrimoine de l’eau

Il reste général et éparpillé dans des études académiques, des thèses et mémoires de master.

4.1 On peut trouver dans les Maîtres de l’eau (op.cit.) une périodisation du patrimoine hydraulique
suivant les dynasties régnantes au Maroc. On note un enrichissement à l’époque almohade (XII-
XIIIe siècles) et saâdienne (XVIe siècle) et des abandons au XIVe siècle et XIXe siècle.

4.2 Les recherches actuelles sont marquées par l’absence d’études archéologiques et d’inventaires
spécifiquement consacrés au domaine du patrimoine culturel de l’eau. Les études historiques et
académiques abordent cette question parmi d’autres sans approfondir le sujet ou proposer un
état des lieux complet et satisfaisant.

5 Menaces s’exerçant sur le patrimoine de l’eau

Dans les villes, le patrimoine hydraulique est menacé par les extensions urbaines souvent
anarchiques et peu soucieuses de la mémoire des lieux. L’exemple des jardins historiques de
l’Agdal et la Ménara est édifiant à cet égard. Le spectacle « son et lumières » érigé à la Ménara
en 2003 et abandonné depuis, la tranchée ouverte au sud de l’Agdal, l’urbanisation d’une partie
de la zone tampon de l’Agdal extérieur, toutes ces opérations constituent des infractions à
l’intégrité des paysages culturels de l’eau et menacent de les faire disparaître.

Les sites des sucreries sont soumis au pillage de leurs pierres par les chantiers de construction
et l’infrastructure routière.

La surexploitation de la nappe phréatique constitue la menace la plus grave pour l’avenir de la

technologie des galeries drainantes souterraines et risque à terme de les détruire.

6 Protection légale en vigueur

On peut relever pour le Maroc le paradoxe de la situation qui protège quelques fontaines
urbaines au titre du patrimoine national alors que les khettaras ne disposent d’aucune législation
protectrice. La même remarque est valable pour l’hydraulique des sucreries, les aqueducs et le
reste des monuments de l’eau (séguias historiques, siphons, tours élévatrices de l’eau, etc.).
L’absence de code du patrimoine, de loi sur le paysage, de zone de protection du patrimoine
urbain architectural et paysager, constitue les grandes lacunes au Maroc qui menacent de faire
disparaître à plus ou moins longue échéance les patrimoines culturels de l’eau.

7 Conservation et gestion des patrimoines de l’eau

Absence de vision d’ensemble de la conservation des patrimoines culturels de l’eau et de leurs
paysages caractéristiques.

Les sites archéologiques relèvent principalement du ministère de la Culture du Maroc. Ils n’ont
pas de plan de gestion. Les sites vivants connaissent quant à eux plusieurs intervenants :

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 Ministère de la Culture ; Ministre déléguée auprès du Ministre de l’Energie, des Mines, de l’Eau et
de l’Environnement chargée de l’Environnement ; Agence nationale pour le développement des
zones oasiennes et de l’arganier ; Ministère de l’Habitat, de l’Urbanisme et de la Politique de la
ville. Tous ces intervenants agissent sans coordination.

Les sites du patrimoine culturel de l’eau montrent tout le parti que les communes et certaines
villes peuvent tirer de leur sauvegarde et valorisation dans la perspective du développement
durable. En l’absence de législation protectrice de ce patrimoine spécifique, les sites concernés
sont menacés de disparition à plus où moins longue échéance.

8 Conclusion
Le Maroc peut se prévaloir d’un patrimoine hydraulique des plus impressionnants dans la région
du Monde Arabe. La présence d’un pouvoir central qui se renouvelle au cours des siècles et
l’impact limité des guerres ont favorisé la conservation des héritages du passé. Mais l’absence
d’un code de l’urbanisme qui puisse maîtriser l’évolution des villes et des campagnes, l’existence
d’un lobby immobilier très fort, l’absence de code du patrimoine et de lois sur le paysage, tous
ces éléments constituent les grands handicaps du Maroc et peuvent conduire à une issue
tragique pour ses patrimoines (hydrauliques ou autres).

Les besoins pressants en termes de protection et conservation de l’héritage hydraulique

consistent à doter le pays des codes dont nous avons parlé (urbanisme, patrimoine, paysage). Le
Maroc dispose d’une loi de l’eau 10/1995 qui a pour objectif la gestion intégrée des ressources
hydrauliques et leur protection. Il faut la rendre effective et instaurer des périmètres de protection
sévère dans les sites où l’eau a une haute valeur patrimoniale.

Les recommandations qui me semblent essentielles pour l’ensemble des pays se trouvant dans
des zones arides et semi arides, sont :

- Généralisation des lois de l’eau visant à protéger les eaux souterraines et instaurer une
gestion participative et concertée des ressources hydrauliques ;
- Faire des études hydrogéologiques le préalable à toute proposition d’inscription ou
classement au titre du patrimonial national ou mondial ;
- Imposer à la promotion immobilière publique ou privée la prise en considération du
patrimoine des cultures de l’eau et l’intégration d’une clause de sauvegarde dans les zones
soumises aux pressions immobilières ;
- Etant donné l’urgence de la situation et le risque de disparition du patrimoine des cultures de
l’eau, un mémorandum doit être rédigé à l’intention de tous les ministères de la culture
concernés pour les pousser à faire un inventaire urgent de leur patrimoine hydraulique et à
renforcer les règles locales de protection en attendant la mise en œuvre des codes dont
nous avons parlé.

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9 Bibliographie

Allain, Charles, « Reconnaissances archéologiques dans le massif des Rehamna et la Bahira »,

et « Une organisation agricole almohade dans la Bahira », Hespéris, 3e et 4e trim, 1954, +
fig.et planches.
Berthier, Paul, « Les anciennes sucreries du Maroc et leurs réseaux hydrauliques », mémoire, 2
tomes, Rabat, 1966.
Doudani, Z., « Les fontaines publiques traditionnelles de Marrakech », mémoire INSAP, 1993-94.
El Faïz, Mohamed, Les Maîtres de l’eau : histoire de l’hydraulique arabe, édition Actes Sud,
Paris, 2005.
- Les jardins historiques de Marrakech: mémoire écologique d’une ville impériale, éd.
EDIFIR, Florence, 1996.
- Les jardins de Marrakech, éd. Actes-Sud, Arles, 2000.
- « Les jardins historiques de l’Agdal (1157-2007) : Etude préalable à la sauvegarde et
valorisation d’un jardin exceptionnel », par l’Association Ibn Al ‘Awwam, convention
Municipalité Mechouar-Kasbah-Wilaya de Marrakech, 2008.
El Mesbahi L., « L’hydraulique traditionnelle à Salé », mémoire INSAP, Rabat, 1989-90.
Ftaïta, Toufik, Anthropologie de l'irrigation : les oasis de Tiznit au Maroc, édition l’Harmattan,
2006.
Gantouri, Aïcha, « Le moulin hydraulique de Fès », 2 vol, thèse de doctorat à l’Université Paris I,
Panthéon- Sorbonne, 1989- 90.
Louhmadi, Bahija, « Archéologie hydraulique : canalisation et anciennes structures agraires dans
le bassin de la Tassaout aux époques médiévale et Moderne (Maroc central) », thèse de
Doctorat (nouveau régime), Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, 1997.
Madani, Tariq, « L’eau dans le monde musulman médiéval : l’exemple de Fès et de sa région »,
2 vol., Thèse de doctorat de l’Université de Lyon, 2003.
Margat, Jean, « La mise en valeur des régions sahariennes », in BESM (bulletin économique et
social du Maroc), 1955.

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Etude de cas
Les jardins historiques de l’Agdal de Marrakech (1157-2014) : un conservatoire
national du patrimoine hydraulique

L’Agdal est un jardin historique au sens où le définit la charte de Florence de 1982. Il est remarquable
à la fois par son ancienneté, l’originalité de son style, la valeur inégalée au Maroc de son patrimoine
hydraulique et l’intérêt de ses compositions végétales et paysagères. Crée en 1157, il a le même âge
que la Koutoubia de Marrakech, la Tour Hassan de Rabat et la Giralda de Séville. Sur les 403 jardins
historiques recensés dans le Monde Arabe, il est l’unique témoin du XIIe siècle.

La création de ce jardin s’est effectuée de manière progressive durant les règnes du calife Abd al-
Mu’min (1133-1163) et de son fils Abû Ya’qûb Yûsuf (1163-1184). Outre les facteurs liés à la stabilité
et à la richesse du jeune empire de la dynastie des Almohades, on peut relever le rôle joué par les
architectes et les ingénieurs hydrauliciens dans la conception et la réalisation de ce modèle.

C’est l’intérêt de ce jardin et sa fonction de conservatoire national du patrimoine hydraulique qui m’ont
déterminé à lui consacrer la plus grande partie de mes recherches (cf. Bibliographie). Grâce à ces
travaux et à la collaboration de collègues de notre université et du ministère de la Culture, l’Agdal fut
distingué par l’attribution du XIème Prix International Carlo Scarpa des Jardins (Trévise, Italie, mai
2000). L’action de la sensibilisation s’est prolongée par la création en 2005 de l’Association Ibn Al
‘Awwâm pour la sauvegarde du patrimoine de l’eau, des jardins et des paysages et la réalisation de
la première étude préalable à la sauvegarde et valorisation de l’Agdal (2008).

Toutes ces connaissances sont aujourd’hui nécessaires pour envisager la sauvegarde du patrimoine
hydraulique de l’Agdal et sa valorisation dans la perspective d’un développement durable.

Le patrimoine hydraulique de l’Agdal comporte les éléments suivants :

1 La séguia Tasoultant (canal royal) construite au XIIe siècle sur une distance de 25 km. Elle
comporte des ouvrages de franchissement (aqueducs, siphons) et des équipements
industriels (moulins à eau) qui méritent d’être entretenus et restaurés.
2 Cinq khettaras (Ayn Dar, lalla chafia, Zemzamia, Berda jdida, Berda Kdima) ou galeries
drainantes qui constituent des exemples du génie des eaux souterraines.
3 L’art des saharij (bassins) constitue une des grandes originalités de l’Agdal. Les grands
bassins et les petits (chouirjat), les fontaines et les vasques, tous ces monuments érigés à la
gloire de l’eau, varient à l’infini les paysages de ce jardin construit à l’échelle de la ville. Outre
ces éléments fondamentaux, qui ont très peu varié au cours du temps, l’Agdal nous a
conservé les techniques d’irrigation et les pratiques de jardinage héritées du Moyen-Age
arabe.

Le bassin de Dar Al Hana et celui d’AL Gharsia qui emmagasinent dans leurs réservoirs près de
160000 m3 d’eau doivent bénéficier d’une action prioritaire pour les entretenir et les sauvegarder en
tant que monuments de l’eau.

En plus des répartiteurs de l’eau (ma’ida), qui sont des monuments de l’architecture hydraulique,
l’Agdal dispose d’un grand canal de décantation des eaux et de moulins qui constituent les éléments
du patrimoine industriel du Maroc.

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 Figure 10. Le bassin de décantation des eaux de l’Agdal (archive M. El Faïz)

Nos travaux ont montré combien la longue histoire de l’Agdal fut tributaire de la maîtrise des
techniques hydrauliques. C’est grâce à la mobilisation des eaux de surface (séguias) et des eaux
souterraines (khettara) que la création des enclos jardinés fut possible dans le milieu aride et semi
aride de Marrakech. Dans cette histoire nous devons rappeler le souvenir des ingénieurs
hydrauliciens, tél Al Haj Ya’ish de Malaga, qui furent les bâtisseurs oubliés de cette hydraulique des
Empires.

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Le patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Mauritanie
Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed Ahmed Yehdhih et Assane Gaye

1 Caractéristiques générales de la Mauritanie

La République islamique de Mauritanie est située en Afrique de l’Ouest entre le 15e et le 17e
degré de latitude Nord et le 5e et 7e degré de longitude Ouest, avec une superficie de 1 030 700
2
km . Le pays est limité au nord-ouest par le Royaume du Maroc, au nord par l'Algérie, à l'est et
au sud-est par le Mali et au sud-ouest par le Sénégal et s’ouvre à l’Ouest sur une façade
atlantique de plus de 700 km.

Figure 1. Carte de situation de la Mauritanie
 (ISESCO / SMRRC : Plan

d’action dans le contexte du Post-HFA 2015, mars 2014)

Le climat, saharien au nord et sahélien au sud, est généralement chaud et sec. Les maxima
dépassent 44°C en mai-juin, et les minima peuvent descendre jusqu’à 10°C en janvier et février.
Les vents, à dominance nord-est, sont très fréquents et favorisent la progression de
l’ensablement. La saison des pluies, qui conditionne en grande partie la production
agropastorale, est très irrégulière dans le temps et l’espace.

1.1 Climat et hydrologie

La Mauritanie se divise en quatre régions naturelles :
- La région centrale est parsemée de plateaux escarpés : à l’est s’ouvrent de larges cuvettes
dunaires ;
- Le fleuve Sénégal a creusé une vallée le long de la frontière sud du pays ;
- L'est est constitué de zones de pâturage, alors que le sud constitue la zone agricole grâce aux
alluvions du fleuve Sénégal ;
- La majorité du territoire se trouve dans le désert du Sahara avec des plaines et des reliefs peu
accidentés avec quelques regs (roches). Pourtant au Nord, il existe de hauts plateaux avec un
sommet à 915 m d'altitude : Le mont Kedia d'Idjil. Dans le centre du pays, la cuvette du Hodh
est bordée au sud-est par des plateaux gréseux (Adrar, Tagant). La façade maritime a une

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 longue bande de dunes de sable.

Climat
Le climat de Mauritanie est régi par trois centres d’action (Diagana M. Y., 1998) :
- L’anticyclone des Açores, centré au sud-ouest de l’archipel des Açores;
- L’alizé maritime issu de cet anticyclone souffle de manière permanente sur le littoral
mauritanien de direction nord, nord-ouest ;
- L’anticyclone de Sainte Hélène ou mousson : centré sur l’Atlantique Sud, il souffle de direction
sud ou sud-ouest. Il est responsable des pluies estivales.

L’action de ces différents courants d’air engendre une grande variabilité annuelle des
précipitations.

La saison des pluies est très hétérogène dans le temps et dans l’espace. Elle s’étend sur une
période de quatre mois, de juin à septembre, selon un gradient nord-sud et ouest-est de
quelques millimètres à 450 mm/an. La variabilité interannuelle des pluies est d’autant plus forte
que les pluies sont peu abondantes (Nation Unies 2001).

Figure 2. Répartition spatiale des précipitations
 (ISESCO / SMRRC

: Plan d’action dans le contexte du Post-HFA 2015, mars 2014)

La Mauritanie est habituellement divisée en quatre zones écologiques :

- La zone aride ou saharienne correspond à la façade maritime et couvre 75 % de la superficie
du pays. Elle demeure exposée à l'ensablement et à l'érosion hydrique ;
- La zone sahélienne se trouve entre les isohyètes 200 et 400 mm et couvre 16 % de la
superficie du pays. C'est une zone essentiellement sylvo-pastorale avec néanmoins une
activité croissante de cultures derrière barrages ;
- La zone du fleuve couvre 2% de la superficie du territoire et elle est le siège traditionnel
d'activités agro-sylvo-pastorales du pays ;
2
- La façade maritime s'étend sur une superficie de 25 000 km et de 50 km de large. Elle abrite
deux parcs naturels: le Banc d'Arguin et le Diawling.

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 Figure 3. Carte de localisation des zones écologiques en Mauritanie

(ISESCO / SMRRC : Plan d’action dans le contexte du Post-HFA 2015,
mars 2014)

Hydrologie
La Mauritanie recèle près de 320 zones humides continentales d’environ 320 000 ha,
principalement localisées dans les parties sud et sud-est du pays. Il s’agit le plus souvent de
zones inondées d’eau douce, situées en domaines alluvial ou lacustre, quelques fois palustres, à
caractère permanent ou temporaire (Grezoh, 2002).

Le pays recèle également d’importantes ressources en eau souterraine, caractérisées toutefois

par de grandes disparités géographiques. Le contexte apparaît favorable dans le sud-ouest, le
sud et le sud-est et moins favorable dans le reste du pays.

La mise en œuvre de cette eau souterraine est confrontée au problème de la répartition

géographique : certains des aquifères les plus importants se trouvent dans les zones désertiques
éloignées des centres urbains.

Le réseau hydrographique de surface est peu développé et est constitué essentiellement par le
fleuve Sénégal et les 405 retenues d’eau (barrages et digues) qui constituent la principale
possibilité de mobilisation des eaux de surface temporaires.
La gestion du fleuve, ressource partagée entre le Mali, la Mauritanie et le Sénégal, est accordée
à l’Organisation de Mise en Valeur du fleuve Sénégal (OMVS).

1.2 Relations culturelles et échanges techniques avec les zones voisines

L’histoire des sites du patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Mauritanie est intimement liée à celle de
l'espace urbain traditionnel, inscrit dans celui des oasis et de la vie des nomades éleveurs de
Mauritanie.

L'économie traditionnelle, essentiellement pastorale, était fondée sur une double

complémentarité : élevage-agriculture, campement-cité car le pasteur nomade avait également
besoin du commerçant citadin et du paysan qui le nourrissait de son mil et de son sorgho.

Ainsi, les antiques cités, Chinguetti, Ouadane, Tichitt et Oualataqui ont été pendant des siècles
des foyers de rayonnement culturel et spirituel à travers lesquels des échanges multiformes se
sont développés. Ce sont à la fois des oasis et des étapes obligées sur les longues pistes
caravanières qui relient le Soudan au Maghreb.

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 Les « Anciens ksour de Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt et Oualata » ont été classés par le Comité
du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO comme patrimoine culturel de l’humanité en 1996 (critères
(iii) (iv) (v)). Ces cités appartiennent à l’ancienne Afrique des cités commerçantes et savantes
implantées sur les pourtours du Sahara, à des époques où le commerce transsaharien irrigue le
continent africain.

Elles ont été des villes très actives qui ont fondé leur accumulation historique (accumulation de
savoir, de richesses monétaires, de constructions et d’ouvrages urbains) sur des flux
internationaux auxquels elles offraient en retour la vente de services (soins sanitaires,
hébergement, services intellectuels, sécurité, réconfort, gardiennage des denrées, courtage,
groupage, services bancaires, etc.) de fournitures indispensables (vivres, animaux de charge,
eau, etc.) ou de force de travail. Il arrivait que certaines cités produisent certaines denrées, et
font extraire le sel dont elles chargeaient leurs propres caravanes participant ainsi au grand
commerce saharien (par opposition au petit commerce local).

2 Sites culturel de l’eau

Ce sont essentiellement des sites de points d’eau naturels ou façonnés par l’homme tel que puits
et autres creusés et exploités autrefois avec des moyens d’exhaure traditionnels liés à l’histoire
de l’usage de l’eau pratiqué dans les cités anciennes et le milieu nomade. C’est ainsi que l’eau
est levée dans le delou soit à bras d’homme, ou par traction animale au moyen d’une poulie ou
d’un shadouf de contrepoids surtout dans les oasis.

2.1 Les principaux sites importants du patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Mauritanie.

Les sites situés dans les quatre cités anciennes sont essentiellement des puits:

Puits de Oualata
Autrefois appelée Birou (mot soninké signifiant «puits»), Oualata était une ville saturée de puits.
Chaque maison, dit-on, avait son propre puits. Et selon une tradition locale, il y aurait eu jusqu'à
150 puits disséminés dans la Batha de Birou.

De ce patrimoine «puisatier», il ne reste aujourd'hui que neuf puits dans la Batha et le puits
central de la ville historique. Ce dernier, appelé Bir M’bouyé foré en 1845 (année de la soif), est
actuellement utilisé par certains pour enfouir les déchets, bien qu’il ait bénéficié de certaines
tentatives de réhabilitation dans le cadre de la mise en valeur du patrimoine culturel de la ville
ancienne, parfois maladroites et non entretenues sur le plan patrimonial. Les autres puits, d'une
profondeur pouvant aller jusqu'à plus de 30 mètres, servent pour l'essentiel au bétail après
assèchement des eaux de surface retenues par le barrage.

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 Le potentiel hydraulique de Oualata

Figure 4. Plan de situation de Oualata (Projet Sauvegarde et Valorisation du Patrimoine

Culturel Mauritanien rapport général, mars 2005)

Les eaux de surface

Situé sur un versant ressemblant à un cratère, Oualata présente un réseau hydrographique
simple : les eaux sont drainées au fond du vallon par un cours d'eau unique collectant les
ruissellements. Sur les versants, les écoulements peuvent être violents, du fait des pentes
abruptes et de la nature rocheuse du terrain. Ce qui présente l'avantage de limiter le temps de
filtration des eaux et d'augmenter les volumes ruisselés, mais aussi l'inconvénient, par rapport à
l'infrastructure urbaine et les ouvrages de retenue d’eau, d'une intense activité érosive.

Les eaux souterraines

Fortement influencées par les écoulements de l'unique cours d'eau et des recharges obtenues
par le barrage, les eaux souterraines de Oualata sont emmagasinées dans une nappe phréatique
et un réseau de failles géologiques. Ce qui révèle à la fois le caractère saisonnier et discontinu
des capacités de cette ressource renouvelable.

Puits de Ouadane
Le système d’exploitation d’eau à Ouadane était basé autrefois sur les puits dont on peut citer, le
puits fortifié de Garn El Kasba situé dans la Batha, à une vingtaine de mètres de la muraille, et
est relié à la ville par un corridor fortifié. Au droit de ce puits, deux maisons de surveillance,
desservies par l'une des principales artères de l'ancienne cité qui permettaient de contrôler les
allées et venues dans la cité.

Le potentiel hydraulique de Ouadane

Les eaux de surface
Les eaux de l'oued de Ouadane, passant au pied de la falaise, débouchent dans une cuvette,
cultivable en décrue, située à une quinzaine de kilomètres de la ville.

Les eaux souterraines

Les eaux souterraines sont constituées par la nappe phréatique alimentée par l'oued de
Ouadane et par un réseau de failles dans le socle gréseux. Bien qu'estimées « importantes », les
ressources en eau ont fortement diminué ces trente dernières années du fait de la sécheresse.

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 Figure 5. Plan de situation de Ouadane (Projet
Sauvegarde et Valorisation du Patrimoine Culturel
Mauritanien rapport général, mars 2005)

Puits de Tichitt
Un réseau de puits dans la palmeraie capte la nappe phréatique pour l'irrigation et parfois
l'alimentation en eau potable. Situés dans la Sebkha, deux puits captent une nappe saumâtre
servant à l'alimentation du bétail, en particulier les nombreux troupeaux camelins qui viennent
«pâturer» la saline.

Puits de Chinguetti
Avant l’aménagement du premier réseau de Chinguetti, dans les années 1970, l’exploitation des
eaux était basée sur les puits et puisards. Ce qui permettait à la fois de répondre aux besoins de
consommation humaine et d’arrosage d’appoint aux palmiers. L’essentiel des puits est disséminé
le long de l’oued, et encore, aujourd’hui certains de ces puits sont exploités.

Sites du Parc National du Banc d’Arguin

Le parc national du Banc d’Arguin (PNBA), site inscrit sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial naturel
de l’UNESCO, longe le littoral atlantique mauritanien sur 180 km et couvre une superficie de
2
12 000 km , répartie entre un domaine maritime et un domaine terrestre. Ce dernier appartient au
Tasiast, secteur à vocation pastorale qui a longtemps constitué une étape importante des
parcours pastoraux camelins en Mauritanie. Mais la sécheresse survenue a entraîné une
irrégularité des parcours et une désaffection de ce territoire par une grande partie des pasteurs
nomades et leurs troupeaux.

Les Puits du PNBA

Le parc national du Banc d’Arguin (PNBA) et ses environs immédiats offraient plusieurs oglats
(trou d’eau temporaire creusé généralement en hivernage dans la terre ou le sable jusqu’à
atteindre la nappe) et neuf puits (hassi). Ces puits, autrefois peu profonds, contenaient de l’eau
douce et de l’eau saumâtre permettant un abreuvement rapide des animaux.

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Avec la sécheresse, plus de la moitié des puits ont tari, et pour le reste, l’eau est devenue salée.
Seuls trois puits étaient opérationnels en 2002, avec un faible débit et une grande profondeur (40
à 60 m). La fréquence actuelle des abreuvements des dromadaires est variable en fonction des
saisons.

Moyens d’exhaure
L’eau est levée à bras d’homme ou par traction animale au moyen d’une poulie et d’un delou
(outre) de 20 à 30 litres (Figure 4). En saison sèche chaude (saïf), avec la forte densité de bétail
aux alentours des puits, les jours de grande affluence, beaucoup de troupeaux sont contraints
d’attendre leur tour loin du puits. Pendant cette saison, pour éviter les heures d’attente aux puits
et les longues journées de marche, certains pasteurs nomades laissent leurs dromadaires en
libre pâture non loin de leur campement situé à proximité des puits, puisque leurs animaux ont
l’habitude de revenir toujours au même puits.

Figure 6. Exhaure de l’eau à bras d’homme à l’aide d’une poulie avec un delou (outre) au puits
de Bouir-Ed-déri Parc National du Banc d’Arguin
 (Sécheresse, 2008, Volume 19, Numéro 4)

Le paysage de l’eau dans les zones humides

Les zones humides font partie intégrante du paysage de l’eau en Mauritanie bien qu’elles soient
généralement très peu connues. L'Est mauritanien dont la pluviométrie est plus ou moins
importante, combine des conditions environnementales et sociales qui font des zones humides
des ressources uniques, hautement diversifiées, multifonctionnelles mais vulnérables. Elles
fournissent des ressources naturelles aux populations sédentaires et nomades, et possèdent
également des fonctions vitales en termes de maintien de la biodiversité.

Ces îlots, qui constituent une grande valeur écologique mais également un potentiel économique
et hydrique important, sont extrêmement diversifiés du point de vue de leurs caractéristiques
physiques et de leurs usages, ainsi que du point de vue de la flore et la faune qu'elles hébergent.

Une prospection des zones humides réalisé par la Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) en 2001 a permis de répertorier 244 sites dans l'Est mauritanien : 64 en
Assaba, 151 dans le Hodh El Gharbi et 29 dans le Hodh Ech Chargui.

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 Figure 7. Vue plongeante sur une tamourt dans le Hod Ech Chargui (Rapport zones
humides dans le Hodh El Gharbi mauritanien, février 2007)

Figure 8. Puits traditionnel sur une tamourt (Rapport zones humides dans le Hodh El
Gharbi mauritanien, février 2007)

2.2 Les sites vivants, toujours utilisés ou partiellement utilisés

Site des oasis

En Mauritanie l’activité oasienne continue à s’exercer pour les besoins de l’agriculture maraichère
sous palmiers et de la Guetna, saison de la cueillette des dattes où les Mauritaniens font des
cures de repos, de loisirs. Cette période s’étend de fin juin à fin août de chaque année.
Les Mauritaniens entretiennent une longue histoire avec leurs palmiers dattiers. Conjuguant
l'image des nuits calmes du désert, des douces brises, de la fraîcheur de l'air et des étoiles
brillantes, les dattes et la Guetna ont été célébrées dans la littérature mauritanienne depuis des
décennies. Les jeunes générations s'intéressent également à la dimension culturelle,
économique et sociale de cette tradition.

Les puits en zones oasiennes

Dans les zones oasiennes arides en Mauritanie, les eaux de surfaces étant incertaines et rares,
la seule ressource est l’eau souterraine. Celle-ci se présente en deux catégories : les nappes
phréatiques inter dunaires et les nappes profondes. Les premières sont exploitées à l’aide de
puits et les secondes requièrent la réalisation de forages.

Types de puits
C’est dans la région de l’Adrar qu’on rencontre des ouvrages de qualité, construits
essentiellement en pierres taillées ou en cuvelage en béton armé, avec un grand réservoir d’eau.
Dans le Tagant et les Hodhs, les puits sont aussi en pierres, mais de plus petits diamètres en
général. Dans l’Assaba, la moitié des périmètres ne possèdent que des puisards en branchage.

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Figure 8. Photo de puits en pierre taillée en Adrar (http://www.lestoilesmaures.net/sous-le-soleil
-des-perles-de-pluie.html)

Les moyens d’exhaure dans les oasis

L’exhaure traditionnelle au shadouf, qui est en voie de disparition dans l’Adrar, est pratiquée
couramment dans les régions du Tagant, les Hodhs et l’Assaba. On s’en sert principalement pour
arroser les palmiers. Elle consiste à puiser l’eau grâce à un pivot muni d’un contrepoids.

Figure 9. Schéma d’un système d’irrigation traditionnel amélioré avec shadouf (rapport Seyfoullah EL
Abass / projet oasis, octobre 2009)

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Figure 10. Système d’exhaure au shadouf dans une Oasis de Chinguitti
(http://issanlat.free.fr/mauritanie.html)

Site de l’oasis de Terjit

« C’est une espèce de grotte béante, ouverte au beau milieu d’un vallon, couverte par des
stalactites vertes et où coule une eau pure, intarissable. Elle coule doucereusement de la
montagne. Terjit est un petit miracle au beau milieu d’un désert pierreux. Le climat y est doux en
toute saison et les effluves du ruisseau y caressent la vue et tempèrent les sens».
(http://www.idoumou.com/la-guetna-en-adrar, 2012).

Figure 11. Oasis de Terjit (http://www.panoramio.com/user/782549/tags/Mauritanie)

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 Figure 12. Versant de la source de Terjit (www.Wikipedia.org)

Régime hydrique des zones humides et dynamique

La majorité des zones humides de l'Est et du Sud-Est Mauritanien correspondent à des systèmes
hydrographiques fermés endoréiques, c'est-à-dire qu'elles constituent le point final de
l'écoulement et du ruissellement de l'eau de surface : l'eau s'écoule dans les oueds situés dans le
bassin versant de la zone humide, et est ensuite bloquée par un cordon dunaire pour finalement
aboutir dans des mares ou des lacs fermés.

La différence entre les apports et les pertes d'eau détermine la taille, la profondeur et la
permanence de la zone humide. L'alimentation en eau des zones humides se fait par les
précipitations, les flux de surface et les flux souterrains. L'intensité des pluies et la capacité
d'infiltration du sol déterminent l'équilibre entre ces deux flux. Les pentes douces, les sols
perméables et le couvert végétal augmentent l'infiltration et réduisent donc le ruissellement et les
flux de surface.

Les sorties d'eau se font par évapotranspiration, évaporation, infiltration et consommation. Les
zones humides ouvertes telles que les oueds perdent aussi leurs eaux par écoulement au profit
de zones en système fermé. En climat aride, l'évaporation est la principale perte d'eau : elle est
colossale en saison sèche, en particulier sous l'effet du vent. Elle varie saisonnièrement selon la
couverture végétale. La consommation par les animaux, pour l’usage domestique et pour
l'irrigation est négligeable comparée aux apports d'eau.

L'extraction d'eau en zone humide

L'eau est extraite des zones humides pour l'abreuvement des animaux, la consommation
humaine, les usages domestiques et l'irrigation des jardins potagers. L'extraction due à ces
activités est négligeable par rapport au volume d'eau total, mais peut devenir plus importante
durant les années de sécheresse. L’extraction à grande échelle de l'eau en provenance des
zones humides pour la construction de routes et d'autres infrastructures ont des effets mitigés.

2.3 Les paysages culturels liés à l’eau

La ville est souvent implantée face au désert mais au beau milieu d’un terroir agricole et
d’élevage prospère ou qui a été prospère. Ces grands sites sont la première richesse
patrimoniale de ces villes anciennes.

Dans le passé, les ressources hydrauliques des cités anciennes étaient constituées de réseaux

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 de cours d’eau développés et pérennes qui permettaient une intense activité agricole, des
puisards de faible profondeur creusés dans l’affluent des oueds et des puits creusés dans le
rocher qui servait à l’alimentation en eau potable surtout en période de soudure en été.

De ces infrastructures hydrauliques et archéologiques, il ne reste que quelques vestiges dans les
cités anciennes à savoir le puits fortifié de Garn El Kasba de la ville de Ouadane situé dans la
Batha, qui est relié à la ville par un corridor fortifié et le puits (Bir) M'bouyé à Oualata.

Figure 13. Muraille et puits fortifié (Projet Sauvegarde et Valorisation du

Patrimoine Culturel Mauritanien, rapport général mars 2005)

Le premier est entouré d’un corridor fortifié assurant sa protection alors que le second le Bir de
M'bouyé à Oualata ne jouit d’aucune protection et est menacé de destruction complète.

3 Documentation existante
L’inventaire exhaustif du patrimoine culturel de l’eau n’a jamais était réalisé dans le pays. Et
aucune base de données ni cartographique récente n’est disponible. Cependant on note à côté
des puits situés dans les villes anciennes et la zone côtière (Banc d’ Arguin), l’existence des
sources d’eau au niveau des oasis de l’Adrar et du Tagant ainsi que dans les zones humides du
Sud-Est du pays. Quelques manuscrits anciens mentionnent les usages de l’eau par les
populations urbaines ou nomades.

4 L’état de la connaissance historique et technique sur le patrimoine de l’eau

en Mauritanie
Il faut partager la vie des nomades pour prendre conscience d'une vérité première : l'eau que les
Regueibat du Grand Nord mauritanien appellent rahma, la miséricorde de Dieu, est l'élément
structurant fondamental de l'espace nomade.

Les puits sont donc creusés soit au pied des versants de roches tendres et des éboulis, soit dans
les couloirs inter-dunaires, soit le plus souvent le long des oueds. Il convient de distinguer le
puisard (ogol, pl. oglat) de faible profondeur vite creusé pour un stationnement bref, et le puits
(bir, pl. ebyar) profond de plus de 10 m qu'il faut donc coffrer avec des fascines ou des pierres
pour éviter les éboulements et qui est le point de convergence des troupeaux. « L'ancienneté,

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 attestée par les traditions, de nombreux puits coffrés, leur localisation dans des régions
dépourvues de nos jours d'un écoulement saisonnier incitent à penser qu'ils ont été creusés à
une époque moins aride, au cours de laquelle le niveau piézométrique était plus élevé
qu'actuellement et surtout un niveau superficiel saisonnier pouvait guider le choix des sites à
forer » (Charles Toupet, 1983).

Le problème de l'exhaure est fondamental. Le récipient utilisé est le delou fabriqué dans une
peau de chèvre et dont l'ouverture est maintenue par un cercle de fer. Sur les puisards, le
puisage est effectué uniquement par les hommes. Sur les puits profonds équipés de poulies
taillées dans le Balanites aegyptiaca, l'exhaure est assurée par la traction animale : bœufs, ânes
ou chameaux.

Les Mauritaniens ont su étendre, dans des limites resserrées, cet espace restreint : dans le
domaine de la culture sous pluie en établissant leurs champs dans des cuvettes au pied des
versants afin de les faire bénéficier du ruissellement; dans le domaine de la culture de décrue, en
construisant des barrages.

Il convient de faire une place à part aux oasis où, à l'ombre des palmiers-dattiers, de petits carrés
formant une mosaïque colorée sont intensivement jardinés : blé et orge l'hiver, mil l'été, légumes
et fourrages en toutes saisons. Les rigoles creusées à la houe, qui entourent ces planches de
cultures, sont irriguées par gravité à partir d'un bassin (hodh) qui alimente un puits à balancier
(achilal ou shadouf) creusé dans la nappe alluviale. Il est à noter, en effet que la majorité des
palmeraies mauritaniennes sont situées le long des oueds.

Dans l'espace urbain traditionnel, les ressources en eau ont joué un grand rôle dans le
développement historique des cités archéologique du pays qui constituait des centres culturels et
de commerce transsahariens importants.

Ainsi, au niveau de Ouadane les ressources d’eau de surface permettaient aux populations
Bafour, ancien peuple de la cité, de mener des activités agricoles. Le puits fortifié de Garn El
Kasba, de la ville de Ouadane situé dans la Batha, est relié à la ville par un corridor fortifié qui
jouissait d’un contrôle strict de la part des responsables de la ville.

Au niveau de Oualata, les ressources en eau constituaient un enjeu capital pour le

développement de la cité. Autrefois appelée Birou (mot soninké signifiant «puits»), Oualata était
une ville de puits. Ces derniers sont construits dans des rochers ce qui leur ont permis de résister
aux intempéries.

4.1 Périodisation du rapport de l’homme à l’eau

L'on sait que la faiblesse des pluies, leur extrême irrégularité et la précarité des pâturages dans
les zones semi-arides contraignent les éleveurs à effectuer des migrations pastorales. Les
citernes naturelles sont exceptionnelles et le plus souvent temporaires : mares égrenées le long
des oueds, gueltas tapies au pied des escarpements. Il lui faut donc, pour conduire son troupeau
vers les pâturages que la pluie aura fécondés, observer avec vigilance l'état du ciel et interpréter
comme autant de signes indicatifs la saute de vent, la baisse de température, l'apparition
attendue du premier nuage. Il lui faut aussi jalonner son itinéraire de points d'eau : une longue
expérience transmise de père en fils et consignée dans les chroniques tribales lui permettra de
choisir les lieux de puisage les plus sûrs en fonction de la topographie, de la nature de la roche,
de la répartition de la couverture végétale et du comportement des animaux sauvages. Un vieux
proverbe malicieux rappelle que sept éléments sont nécessaires à l'établissement d'un
campement émiral : un mallem (forgeron), un médecin, un enseignant, un qadi (juge), un
puisatier, un pâtre et, en dernier lieu, un émir (chef de tribu guerrière).

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 Une brève description de l'économie de l'eau dans la société traditionnelle Mauritanienne de
l’époque, montre qu’elle était caractérisée par les principaux aspects suivants :

L'aspect primordial était que les hommes exerçaient une pression faible sur un milieu naturel
fragile et qu'ils ne portaient donc pas atteinte aux réserves en eau. Cela est évident pour les
nomades, du fait de leurs déplacements continuels mais ce l'est aussi pour les citadins car les
villes, peu nombreuses et peu importantes, à l’époque voyaient leur population varier souvent au
cours de l'année tant les échanges ville-campagne étaient fréquents. Le second aspect, qui était
lié au premier, était une exploitation parcimonieuse de l'eau. La distanciation entre le point d'eau
et l'habitat, qu'il s'agissait du campement ou de la maison urbaine, était un phénomène constant.

Les raisons qui tenaient à la sécurité, à la salubrité, à la commodité, étaient nombreuses et elles
entraînaient inexorablement une économie de consommation. Il faut ajouter que le citadin ne se
distinguait pas du nomade par son niveau de vie; il était également frugal. Un troisième trait
concernait le régime juridique. On sait que le droit musulman fonde la propriété sur l'effort : le
puits appartenait donc à la tribu de celui qui l'a creusé. En général le droit de puisage était
accordé gracieusement aux autres tribus qui en faisaient la demande, mais en période de
sécheresse, des conflits surgissaient. Il y avait d'autres sources de contestation qui peuvent
dégénérer en échauffourées sanglantes : utilisation d'un même point d'eau par des éleveurs et
des cultivateurs ; établissement de plusieurs barrages sur le cours d'un même oued, le
remplissage du barrage amont se faisant au détriment de l'alimentation du barrage aval. Le
dernier aspect était le rôle fondamental que les esclaves et les affranchis jouaient dans l'exhaure
de l'eau : c'était là un trait majeur qui reliait la société maure traditionnelle à toutes les sociétés
méditerranéennes et orientales héritières à la fois des traditions gréco-romaines et arabes
(Charles Toupet, 1983).

4.2 Etat des recherches actuelles

Il n’existe pas de recherche spécifique au thème patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Mauritanie.
Cependant, nous pouvons signaler plusieurs études réalisées dans le cadre général du
patrimoine culturel de la Mauritanie qui font mention souvent des sites culturels de l’eau.
Plus spécifiquement, au début des années 2000, sur la base d’un cofinancement de l’Etat
Mauritanien et de la Banque Mondiale, est mis sur pied le « Projet Pilote de Sauvegarde et
Développement des villes du Patrimoine Mondial de Mauritanie» placé sous la responsabilité de
l’Autorité «Programme Sauvegarde Valorisation du Patrimoine Culturel Mauritanien» (PSVPCM).
Les objectifs du projet sont de déterminer l’état des lieux des villes anciennes à savoir, (i) les
méthodes de sauvegarde et développement de ces cités, (ii) le cadre institutionnel et juridique
adéquat pour la sauvegarde et développement de ces cités.

5 Menaces s’exerçant sur le patrimoine de l’eau

Située en zone saharo-sahélienne, la Mauritanie se caractérise par la faiblesse de ses
ressources hydriques, qu’il s’agisse des eaux souterraines ou des eaux de surface. La vague de
sécheresse du début des années 1980 a profondément ébranlé la société traditionnelle fondée
sur le pastoralisme et la culture du palmier dattier dans les oasis. Le développement du
maraîchage a été fortement encouragé par l’Etat mauritanien afin de procurer aux anciens
éleveurs un moyen de subsistance, et ainsi les maintenir dans les territoires de l’intérieur. Cela a
entraîné d’importants programmes de pompage.

Les menaces anthropiques

En milieu oasien le développement du maraîchage, dans un contexte de raréfaction de la
ressource en eau, n’a pu se faire que grâce à la substitution de l’exhaure traditionnelle (shadouf)
par des motopompes, dans les années 1970. Ces motopompes, de débit important (environ

68
 40 m3/heure), ont procuré aux maraîchers d’importantes quantités d’eau, en dépit de
l’augmentation sensible des surfaces cultivées, mais au prix de graves perturbations pour
l’environnement hydrogéologique de certaines oasis.

L’effet conjugué de la vague de sécheresse du début des années 1980 et la surexploitation de la

ressource, au moyen de motopompes à haut débit, met en péril le développement des oasis
notamment dans les régions du nord Mauritanien où la ressource est déjà rare.

En zone humide, le développement accéléré de l'agriculture peut altérer et détruire les

écosystèmes. L'expansion de cette activité implique le défrichement de la végétation naturelle de
ces zones fragiles pour la mise en culture des terres. En même temps, si des barrages sont
construits à des fins agricoles en amont des zones humides, la dynamique hydrologique est
complètement perturbée : l'eau est déviée, ce qui empêche le remplissage de la zone.
L'expansion de l'agriculture de décrue par le captage de l'eau des zones humides a pour
conséquence une capacité de stockage réduite et une diminution de la recharge souterraine.

Le pâturage et l'abreuvement des animaux constituent un usage fréquent dans les zones
humides de l'Est mauritanien.

Elles constituent aussi des endroits idéaux pour s'installer, du fait de leur richesse en ressources
pastorales et botaniques et de la présence de terres fertiles pour l'agriculture. L'intensification des
pressions humaines sur les zones humides, conséquence de la sédentarisation, entraîne la
dégradation de l'environnement des ressources.

Les menaces naturelles

Certains sites connaissent une intense activité érosive d'origine éolienne, qui contribue à
ensabler de nombreux puits, sites oasiens et zones humides. Aujourd’hui, certains sites sont
entièrement ensevelis par le sable. Outre cette implication sur les sites, l'ensablement modifie
continuellement les axes naturels d'écoulements d’eau et provoque le tarissement des puits et
l’assèchement de certaines mares des zones humides.

De par leurs situations géographiques, les villes anciennes sont soumises à l'action des vents qui
génèrent un ensablement touchant les sites d’eau. L'origine de l'ensablement provient de la
Majabat El Koubra et Lemreyé en passant par le plateau pour se déposer sur certains endroits.
Ceci est visible au Sud du périmètre maraîcher de Oualata, où on observe des cordons dunaires
pour l’instant de tailles inférieures à ceux observés à Tichitt et Chinguetti. Ils sont généralement
orientés est - ouest.

La ville de Oualata est exposée à l'ensablement dans toutes ses parties. Mais sa partie Nord-Est
est spécialement ensablée au point de gêner la circulation et de menacer la stabilité des
bâtiments. On passe d'une érosion en nappe à des dunes à crêtes bien marquées. La hauteur
des dunes varie entre 0.5 et 1.5 m.

6 Protection légale en vigueur

Sites logés dans les villes anciennes :

Ses sites doivent bénéficier de la protection légale du patrimoine des villes anciennes ainsi
libellée :

- En 1989 les sites du patrimoine de l’eau situés dans le Parc National du Banc d’Arguin,
sont inscrits sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial. Les puits installés au Parc National du

69
 Banc d’Arguin font partie du patrimoine de ce Parc et bénéficient de son statut de
protection ;
- En 1993, la création de la Fondation Nationale pour la Sauvegarde des Villes Anciennes
(FNSVA), établissement public chargé de piloter la campagne de sauvegarde et de
promotion des dites cités ;
- En 1995, le classement dans le patrimoine national de la ville de Chinguetti en même
temps que les trois autres villes anciennes : cet arrêté de classement pris en application de
la loi du 31 juillet 1972 relative à la mise en valeur du patrimoine culturel, architectural et
archéologique mauritanien, procède au classement des trois autres villes anciennes :
Ouadane, Tichitt et Oualata ;
- Enfin, en décembre 1996, inscription sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial de Chinguetti,
Ouadane, Tichitt et Oualata.

Sites zone humide

Les zones humides bénéficient de la protection du Code pastoral mauritanien, qui permet et
incite à une plus grande prise de responsabilité des communautés locales dans la gestion de leur
environnement. Il offre en effet une place importante à la concertation entre les usagers des
ressources naturelles au niveau local et au niveau communal.

Sites des oasis

Les sites des oasis hors territoire des villes anciennes ne bénéficient pas de protection à part
celle des propriétaires surtout pour ceux qui sont encore opérationnels et qui contribuent à
l’entretien des palmiers à moindre coût.

7 Conservation et gestion du patrimoine de l’eau

Très tôt après l’indépendance et en quête de valorisation de son patrimoine culturel, historique et
naturel, la Mauritanie, prit la mesure de son passé. Les quatre villes anciennes de Chinguetti,
Ouadane, Tichitt et Oualata, seules villes de la Mauritanie à avoir été habitées sans interruption
depuis le Moyen âge jusqu'à nos jours furent prises comme des références. Il s'agissait de les
sauvegarder. La démarche de leur inscription sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial, obtenue en
1996 a marqué une étape importante dans ce processus de conservation. Le Parc National du
Banc d’Arguin, inscrit sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial dès 1989 comme bien naturel est
également repéré comme site de valeur naturelle exceptionnelle à préserver, comprenant un
important patrimoine de l’eau.

Globalement, l’idée de sauvegarde et de mise en valeur patrimoniale en Mauritanie est une idée
neuve que peu de gens comprennent et acceptent; il s’agit d’une idée à expliquer, à concrétiser,
à répandre et à faire accepter par tous. Les personnes, les familles, les groupes nationaux
mauritaniens font sans cesse référence à leurs origines, à leur histoire mais manifestent peu
d’intérêt pour la conservation de leur patrimoine immobilier et la perpétuation de leur passé sous
la forme de monuments.

Les programmes actuellement en cours et envisagés devant bénéficier au patrimoine culturel de

l’eau sont les suivants :

- Projet pilote de Sauvegarde et Développement des villes du Patrimoine mondial de

Mauritanie pour les villes d’Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt et Oualata, rapport final 2003 ;
- Bet ACT Consultants et Tasmim : ville de Ouadane, novembre 2004 ;
- Act Consultants - Tasmim - Atelier Michel Dupin – villes de Chinguetti, Tichitt, Oualata,
février 2005.

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8 Conclusion
La société traditionnelle mauritanienne a fondé l'organisation de son espace sur une utilisation
diversifiée et parcimonieuse de l'eau. Les bouleversements sociaux et la sécheresse ont entraîné
une nouvelle structuration de l'espace avec ses espoirs et ses contradictions. Toutes ces
mutations ont été accélérées et amplifiées sous l'effet de l'effroyable sécheresse vécue de 1971
jusqu’aux années 1990.

La réaction des populations désemparées au déficit pluviométrique d'une ampleur et d'une durée
sans précédent a engendré une désertification généralisée et une nouvelle occupation de
l'espace qui résume toutes les contradictions accumulées à la fois par l'évolution de la société et
par l'impact du cataclysme.

Les marques de cette désertification sont inscrites dans le paysage : massifs dunaires jadis fixés,
aujourd'hui découverts et remaniés constamment par le vent, destruction des peuplements
arborisés, en particulier des gommiers, nombreux puits abandonnés ou comblés marquant le
tarissement de la nappe phréatique ou l'abaissement de son niveau.

Cette situation n’a pas empêché l’Etat de préserver les cités culturelles, les parcs naturels et les
oasis qui accueillent les sites culturels de l’eau. Ainsi, nous pouvons considérer comme sites
vivants récupérables, en milieu urbain les puits des villes anciennes, en milieu nomade les puits
du Banc d’Arguin, en milieu oasien la source de Terjit et en zone humide Tamourt N’aj.

Par la valorisation de ses sites, la Mauritanie peut reconstituer son patrimoine culturel de l’eau
dans une optique de développement durable axé sur la particularité climatique du pays.

9 Bibliographie

9.1 Ouvrages généraux à caractère historique et ethnographique

Pierre Bonte, « L'émirat de l'Adrâr. Histoire et anthropologie d'une société tribale du Sahara
occidental », Thèse de doctorat d'État en ethnologie et anthropologie sociale, EHESS. 1998 (à
paraître aux PUF, sous le même titre).
Pierre Bonte, (avec H. Claudot-Hawad), « Savoirs et pouvoirs au Sahara, formation et
transformation des élites du monde nomade chez les Touaregs et les Maures », Nomadic
Peoples, 2 (1-2), ns, 1999.
Odette du Puigaudeau, Pieds nus à travers la Mauritanie, 1933-34, éditions Phébus, 259 p., 1992
(comportant quelques cartes et un lexique).
Christine Daure-Sarfaty, La Mauritanie, L’Harmattan, Paris, 1993, tentative de description socio-
géographique de la Mauritanie actuelle.
Théodore Monod, Méharées, Actes Sud, 1989, qui est une reprise de notes et d’articles des
années 30, dont certaines concernent les villes anciennes de la Mauritanie.
Ibn Battûta, Voyages, tome 3 Inde, Extrême orient, Espagne et Soudan, La Découverte éditeur,
Paris 1982, 450 pages, notes de Stéphane Yerasimos, grand connaisseur des villes de
l’espace musulman et de l’espace turc, voir les passages concernant le séjour d’Ibn Battûta à
Îouâlâten (Oualata ou Walata) considéré comme un lieu de transition avec le Mâlli, en fait la
première ville sous influence (il serait risqué de parler d’administration) de l’empire du Mâlli.
Mohamed Saïd Ould Hamody, Bibliographie générale de la Mauritanie, 580 pages, 1995, Sépia,
ouvrage incontournable, malheureusement ne parle pas de l’ouvrage de Denise Jacques-
Meunié sur les cités anciennes.

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9.2 Monographies et études techniques
John Libbey, Eurotext, « Organisation spatiale et stratégie d’adaptation des nomades du Parc
National du Banc d’Arguin à la Sécheresse »; Sécheresse, 2008, Volume 19, Numéro 4.
Seyfoullah EL Abass, « Systèmes d’irrigation dans les oasis de Mauritanie : problèmes de
pompage et tentatives de réalimentation des nappes phréatiques » Journées internationales
sur l’Agriculture et la gastronomie des Oasis (cure des dattes).
Charles Toupet, « L'eau et l'espace au Sahel : l'exemple de la Mauritanie », Revue de
géographie de Lyon, vol. 58 n°3, 1983. pp. 277-285.
ISESCO, La stratégie Mauritanienne pour la réduction des risques et des catastrophes : et plan
d’action dans le contexte du Post-HFA 2015 (Mars 2014).
Marie Fayein et Etienne Mouchard / Coopération Technique Allemande (GTZ), Conservation et
utilisation des Zones Humides dans le Hodh El Gharbi mauritanien février 2007.

72
Etude de cas
Paysages culturels liés à l’eau, cas de la ville de Oualata : le puits Bir M'bouyé

Lieu
Willaya Hod Chargui

Historique
La cité de Oualata fut créée au VIIIe siècle, appelée à cette époque Birou et attachée à l’Émirat
Koumbi Saleh, habitée par les Soninkés au XIIe siècle ; on note l'installation de populations berbères
puis arabes qui auraient bâti leur propre ville de « loualaten », à côté de l'ancienne localité. Entre le
XIIe et le XIIIe siècle, la cité a connu son apogée et se développe intellectuellement et
commercialement et devient une grande cité caravanière. A partir du XVIIIe siècle, Oualata perd de
son ampleur et s'efface progressivement au profit de Néma, point terminal de la piste de Saint-Louis
ancienne capitale de la Mauritanie à l’époque coloniale.

Après quelques décennies d'isolement, la ville commence à bénéficier d'une nouvelle aura, d'une
nouvelle dimension culturelle et historique qui lui a permis en décembre 1996, avec Chinguetti,
Ouadane et Tichitt, d’être classée par l'UNESCO sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial en tant que bien
culturel.

Le patrimoine culturel de l’eau de la cité de Oualata

L’eau représente une partie des valeurs culturelles parmi les plus importantes de cette cité ; son
histoire s’est manifestée lors de l’islamisation de la cité par Yahya el Kébir ben Chouâb Ben Moussa
el Kadhem, arrivé de Bagdad.

C’est ainsi qu’on raconte, que Yahya et ses compagnons sont arrivés à Birou en plein jour. Le disciple
est parti demander aux habitants une corde pour puiser l'eau. Comme ceux-ci refusèrent, Yahya
donna trois pierres à ses disciples pour qu'ils les jettent dans le puits. Quand la première pierre fut
jetée, l'eau jaillit et déborda jusqu'au niveau du sol. Quand la deuxième pierre fut lancée, l'eau se
transforma en sang; et quand la troisième pierre tomba, le sang se transforma en sable. Les habitants
de Birou qui assistaient à la scène, s'effrayèrent. Ils s'écrièrent: 'Tahabreït" (injonction à des
voyageurs qu'on ne peut pas supporter), et à leur tour supplièrent Yahya de les laisser puiser l'eau
dont ils auraient besoin pour trois jours, et de les laisser quitter les lieux. Alors Yahya les rassura et
les invita à embrasser l'Islam, et tous ensemble ils restèrent (ACT Consultants - Tasmim - Atelier
Michel Dupin - Dossier ville Oualata - Février 2005).

Ce patrimoine culturel de l’eau s’est développé et il est constitué :

1 Des réseaux de cours d’eau de surface développés dans la vallée témoignant d’une époque
ancienne pluvieuse qui permettait une activité agricole et assuraient l’alimentation en eau des
populations de la cité et des animaux pendant l’hivernage et même une partie de la période d’été ;
2 Des eaux souterraines exploitées par de nombreux puisards environ 150 puits de faible profondeur
(environ 3m) creusés dans l’affluent des oueds dans les alluvions sablonneuses qui se détruisent
lors des inondations issues de l’hivernage. Entre temps de les reconstruire, la population se
ravitaille avec les eaux de surface issues des pluies, et des puits creusés dans le rocher et coffrés
avec des fascines ou des pierres pour éviter les éboulements qui servaient à l’alimentation en eau
des populations et bétails surtout en période de soudure en été. Il s’agit des puits de Bir M'bouyé
ce puits fut foré en 1845 (année de la soif) et les puits de la Batha.

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 Figure 1. Puits (Bir M'bouyé) situé à droite de la photo (Projet Sauvegarde et Valorisation du
Patrimoine Culturel Mauritanien, rapport état de lieu Oualata)

Le delou (récipient en peau de chèvre) est le type d’exhaure utilisé pour contenir l’eau tirée du puits. Il
est fabriqué dans une peau de chèvre et dont l'ouverture est maintenue par un cercle en bois ou en
fer. Sur les puisards, le puisage est effectué par les hommes. Sur les puits profonds équipés de
poulies, l'exhaure est assurée par la traction animale : bœufs, ânes ou chameaux.

Chaque famille disposait de son propre puits. Seul le puits Bir M'bouyé subsiste mais dans un état
lamentable malgré quelques tentatives de restauration pour des fins de conservation du puits
historique. Pour la préservation de ce site, un effort doit être fait pour sauvegarder ce monument
culturel qui peut être intégré dans une composante patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Mauritanie.

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 Sub-region B : Mediterranean Maghreb
Le patrimoine de l’eau en Algérie : une succession d’héritages
Les patrimoines cultures de l’eau, l’exemple de la Tunisie
Le patrimoine de l’eau en Algérie : une succession d’héritages
Yamna Djellouli-Tabet
Professeur des universités, ESO-UMR 6590- CNRS
Université du Maine, Le Mans

Proverbe écossais « Ce n’est que lorsque le puits s’assèche que l’on découvre la
valeur de l’eau ».

1 Introduction :
bref historique de l’alimentation et du partage de l’eau en Algérie
Depuis la préhistoire, la région méditerranéenne méridionale, est l’une des régions où
l’environnement et les activités humaines sont fortement perturbés par le déséquilibre entre les
besoins en eau et les ressources disponibles. Aujourd’hui, plusieurs facteurs accentuent ce
déséquilibre : le réchauffement climatique et la démographie en forte expansion. Les populations
sont soumises à un stress hydrique considérable ce qui peut accentuer fortement la pauvreté.

Le présent article se concentrera sur le patrimoine de l’eau en Algérie en distinguant dans ce

pays immense ce qui est le plus significatif dans la partie nord du pays d’une part et dans la
partie sud d’autre part.

La partie nord est essentiellement marquée par les apports techniques et architecturaux
successifs des Romains puis des Ottomans, les Français et, de nos jours, les Algériens. La partie
sud du pays et en particulier dans les régions sahariennes désertiques du Centre et du Sud
Ouest algériens des spécificités séculaires, telles les foggaras, existent et la gouvernance
traditionnelle de l’eau peut apporter aujourd’hui des réponses de durabilité de la ressource.

2 Le patrimoine de l’eau au Nord de l’Algérie

2.1 L’héritage romain

Si les populations locales berbères, peu nombreuses, pouvaient se contenter des sources
abondantes et pérennes des montagnes et des plateaux du Nord de l’Algérie, l’arrivée des
romains dès la fin du Ie siècle s’accompagna d’une forte urbanisation comme en témoignent les
remarquables sites que sont Djemila (à l’Est de Sétif), Thamugadi (près de Timgad), Tipaza (près
d’Alger), pour ne citer que ces exemples.
1
La colonie de Cuicul/Djemila s’est établie à 900 mètres d’altitude, sur une dorsale montagneuse
entourée de ravins. La ville, difficile d’accès et donc facile à défendre fut fondée à la fin du Ie
2
siècle (vers 96) probablement par les vétérans de l’empereur Nerva . C'est avant Thamugadi
(près de Timgad) fondée par l'empereur Trajan en l’an 100, l'une des dernières colonies de
garnison en Afrique romaine.

1 Le nom de Cuicul est celui d’un village ou d’un lieu berbère qui n’avait pas encore été latinisé en Djemila.
2
Nerva, né 8 novembre 30 à Narniet mort le 27 janvier 98 à Rome, est empereur romain du 18 septembre 96 jusqu'à sa mort.

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 Sous les Antonins (96 à 192) Djemila s’embellit dans le sud de la ville, d’un forum, d’un capitole,
1
de plusieurs temples, d’une curie, d’un marché, d’un théâtre et de grands thermes (sous le règne
2
de l’empereur Commode ). Ces travaux d’urbanisation comportaient d’importants aménagements
hydrauliques depuis le captage des sources abondantes et pérennes dans la haute vallée de
l’oued Guergour jusqu’à la construction de réservoirs de stockage et l’établissement d’un réseau
de distribution : une fontaine (Photo 1.a) aux larges bassins jouait le rôle de château d’eau d’où
partaient les canalisations vers les quartiers, les thermes (Photo 1.b et 1c) et les immeubles. Le
système assurait à la population un ravitaillement régulier en eau pure et les moyens de pratiquer
3
quotidiennement des bains comme il était d’usage à l’époque .

L’évacuation des eaux usées se faisait dans toute la ville par des égouts qui se dirigeaient vers
les vallons de l’oued en aval.

Photo 1.a. La fontaine conique Photo 1.b. Les thermes vus depuis le baptistère de Djémila,
de Djémila Yellès Cyril Preiss 2008

Sous les Sévères (192 à 235) de nouveaux quartiers s’organisent au sud du forum, autour d'une
vaste place, de nouvelles rues sont tracées, et la ville devient peu à peu une cité où il fait bon
vivre, où se développent de luxueuses demeures.

Vers le milieu du IIIe siècle, une crise économique faisant suite à de mauvaises récoltes paralysa
le commerce et freina le développement de la ville. Cuicul se voit continuer une vie urbaine
dynamique. Au IVe siècle, la conversion de la population au christianisme insuffla un regain
d'activité et d'expansion urbanistique avec l'érection d'un quartier chrétien. Un baptistère et une
basilique s'implantent à l'extrémité sud de la ville. Les maisons luxueuses des notables ne
cessent d'être développées atteignant des superficies considérables, s'équipant même en
thermes privés.

1
Les bains publics sont connus sous le nom de Thermes de Caracalla. Ils occupent une surface de 2600 m2.
2
Commode (31 août 161 - 31 décembre192) est un empereur romain qui régna de180 à 192.
3
Pour les anciens Romains, en particulier les hommes, le bain était à la fois une occupation quotidienne et un loisir collectif.

79
 Photo 1.c. Les thermes de Djémila (vue partielle), UNESCO Photo 2. Thermes romains à
Tipasa, UNESCO

4
Cuicul est occupée en 431 par les Vandales qui y persécutent les catholiques jusqu’à leur départ
5
après les accords conclus avec Genséric en 442.

Lorsque la ville fut reconquise par les Byzantins, elle retrouva un semblant de stabilité et
d’activité, mais tomba dans l’oubli à la fin du VIe siècle.

Au vu de l'état de conservation des ruines, Djémila a été inscrite par l’Unesco sur La liste du
patrimoine mondial en 1982.

De même, la ville de Thamugadi/Timgad, construite par l’empereur Trajan disposait aussi

d’infrastructures : de bains publics et d’un système de toilettes avec eau, canaux et bassins. Elle
est inscrite sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial depuis 1982.

Tipasa, située sur le littoral ouest à une quarantaine de kilomètres d’Alger également équipée de
thermes (Photo 2), bains publics, était un important comptoir commercial punique à l’époque
Romaine. Elle fut également inscrite en 1982 sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial.

La ville d’Alger (al Djazair) est peu développée à l’époque Romaine. Cependant, des besoins en
eau grandissant se font sentir et les faibles apports des cours d'eau qui l’alimentent se révèlent
vite insuffisants. Les ingénieurs romains étudient donc la possibilité de faire venir davantage
d'eau dans la ville au moyen d'aqueducs.

2.2 L’héritage ottoman

Si les premiers aqueducs d'Alger sont d’origine romaine, le développement de ce mode
d’alimentation en eau de la ville est l’oeuvre des Ottomans. Selon des sources historiques,

4
Les Vandales sont un peuple germanique oriental. Ils conquirent successivement la Gaule, la Galice et la
Bétique (sud de l'Espagne), l'Afrique du Nord et les îles de la Méditerranée occidentale lors des Grandes
invasions, au Vème siècle. Ils fondèrent également le « royaume vandale d'Afrique » (439–534).
5
Genséric est roi des Vandales de 427 à 477. Il est l’un des principaux personnages de la période qui voit la
chute de l’empire romain au Vème siècle.

80
 épigraphiques arabes et turques, la présence de fontaines et de réseau et système hydraulique à
Alger est important. Al Bakri, grand géographe andalou, décrit fin du XIe siècle le port de la ville
et sa source « Le port est bien abrité et possède une source d’eau douce, il est très fréquenté
par les marins de Ilfrikiya, d’al Andalous et autres ». Si l’eau fournie aux citadins provenant de
sources et les puits situés à l’intérieur de la ville, Léon l’Africain de passage à Alger indique qu’en
1516, la ville utilisait l’eau de la rivière qui donna plus tard son nom à une des portes d’Alger
« Bab el Oued ». Nicolas de Nicolay (1550) rapporte que le but de la forteresse de l’Empereur
était de défendre les sources qui fournissaient Alger en eau par des canalisations. Les Ottomans
vont construire quatre aqueducs (Figure 1) pour remplacer les antiques puits et les citernes
(djeb).

Figure 1. Schéma des aqueducs de l’algérois (Y. Djellouli et F. Mesner, 2014, ESO 6590)

1 L'aqueduc du Télemly, un des premiers travaux hydrauliques dans l’enceinte d’Alger (XVIe
siècle), serait l’œuvre de Hasan Khair ad-Din, long de 2 km et avec un débit estimé à plus de
3
500 m /jour il puisait son eau dans le quartier Mustapha supérieur, depuis une source. A partir
de cet aqueduc, Alger devient une des rares grandes villes du monde arabe à être alimentée
par un ensemble de canalisations provenant de sources (dont celle située non loin de la
colline de Kudiat al-Sâbün) à l’extérieur de ses remparts.

2 L'aqueduc du Hamma de 5 km de longueur rentre en ville par le quartier Bab Azzoun. On

attribue le début de sa construction dès 1662 par l'Andalou Mûsa al Andalousi architecte
fuyant l’Espagne, puis consolidé en 1758 par Ali Pasha. Il ramenait l’eau de la source du
3 6
Hamma, son débit était de plus de 700 m /jour (Anonyme) .

3 L’aqueduc d’Aïn-Zeboudja (source de l’olivier sauvage), appelé aujourd’hui aqueduc du Val

d’Hydra, en raison de son emplacement dans ce quartier nouvellement urbanisé d’Alger, a été
construit entre 1619 et 1639, du temps de la régence d’Alger. Il est l’oeuvre de Mussa el
Andaloussi, un de ces nombreux réfugiés ayant fui l’Andalousie pour trouver refuge dans les
villes du Maghreb où ils contribuèrent, grâce à leur savoir-faire, à l’aménagement de ces cités
et particulièrement à leur approvisionnement en eau. L’aqueduc captait les eaux des sources

6
Anonyme : Le système de l’eau à Alger pendant la période ottomane (XIème-XIXème siècles).
Archinet.org/system/publications/contents/4394/original/DPC0824.pdf. pp. 42-53.

81
 naturelles du plateau de Ben Aknoun et de Dely-Ibrahim situées à environ 10 kilomètres de la
médina pour les y acheminer. Long de 12 km, il alimentait la casbah, en passant par les
3
Tagarins (haut de la Casbah). On estime que son débit était de plus de 700 m par jour. Cet
aqueduc (photo 3) était d’autant plus important qu’il alimentait la Citadelle, siège du pouvoir de
la Régence, de même que 14 fontaines de la Casbah (on comptait près d’une centaine au
XVIIe siècle), les fontaines publiques, ainsi que les jardins luxuriants qui l’entouraient et
contribuaient à la réputation de la ville.

Dès les premières années de la colonisation française, Gobot, peintre militaire chargé de faire
le relevé des monuments de la Régence, en a fait une représentation dans un tableau
toujours visible au musée des Beaux-arts d’Alger, où il apparaît dans toute sa splendeur.

C’est le seul aqueduc ottoman dont il reste aujourd’hui des vestiges, lesquels ont été classés
monument national (depuis janvier 2008 seulement). Dans ce cadre l’aqueduc d’Aïn-
Zeboudja, fait actuellement l’objet d’une opération de confortement initiée par la Direction de
la culture de la wilaya d’Alger. L’opération est louable, on peut l’applaudir puisqu’elle est en
cours et on se félicite du classement du monument et de la mise en valeur de ce patrimoine
7
historique et archéologique. C’est un témoin notable du système hydraulique d’El-Djazaïr .
L’aqueduc d’Aïn-Zeboudja faisait partie de l’ensemble des quatre grands aqueducs
convergeant vers la Casbah avec l’aqueduc du Hamma au sud de la ville, celui de Birtraria qui
pénétrait à la Casbah par le nord-ouest et celui du Telemly qui y arrivait par le nord-est. Les
eaux ainsi acheminées jaillissaient alors des nombreuses fontaines réparties dans chacun des
quartiers de la médina. Les aqueducs du Télemly, du Hamma et de Birtraria ne sont plus
visibles aujourd’hui.

4 L'aqueduc de Birtraria qui amenait son eau à la porte de Bab el oued, captant plusieurs
3
sources, est le plus court des aqueducs d’Alger et a une capacité de plus de 100 m /jour. Il a
été représenté en timbre d’Algérie 1830 (photo 4).

Photo 3. Vestiges de l’aqueduc d’Aïn Zeboudja à Photo 4. Vue figurée de l’aqueduc de Birtraria
Alger (Aghiles, 2009) en 1830, représenté sur un timbre

Avant la mise en place des aqueducs, l’eau Avant la mise en place des aqueducs, l’eau
consommée à Alger provenait essentiellement des sources à l’extérieur de la ville et était
transportée par des porteurs d’eau (esclaves, salariés, marchands, etc.) qui constituaient une
corporation d’autant plus vaste que les besoins augmentaient. Une partie de l’approvisionnement
provenait aussi des citernes recueillant l’eau de pluie et des antiques puits dont l’eau était
saumâtre du fait de la proximité de la mer.

82
 A l’époque ottomane, la multiplication des aqueducs transforma profondément cette corporation.
En effet, les distances à parcourir sont plus réduites à celles des fontaines (publiques) aux
usagers, qu’il s’agisse des palais, de hammams (bains), des jardins ou de particuliers. Les
aqueducs et les fontaines nécessitaient de l’entretien, lequel était assuré à la fois par les services
urbains sous l’autorité du Dey et par les individus usagers qui étaient souvent mobilisés par les
mosquées au nom du rôle purificateur de l’eau dans la religion musulmane. Intervenaient
également dans les investissements comme dans l’entretien, du mécénat de la part des riches
personnalités de la ville.

2.3 L’héritage de la colonisation française

L’étude du système de l’eau hérité de la période ottomane se heurte à quelques difficultés dont
celle du réseau qui se dégrade. Il reste à Alger quelques fontaines et vestiges à l’intérieur de la
ville et les anciens aqueducs venant de l’extérieur. Le réseau a été modernisé durant l’époque
coloniale française, surtout au XXe siècle, répondant ainsi à une demande fortement croissante.
A l’époque de la conquête française, l’aqueduc du Télexer apportait son eau à vingt neuf
fontaines et l’aqueduc d’Ain Zéboudja en alimentait quatorze à l’intérieur de la ville.

En arrivant, le colonisateur français voyait surtout l’espace rural algérien comme un grenier à blé
pour la métropole. La loi du 16 juin 1851 classait toutes les eaux d’Algérie dans le domaine
public, d’où le conflit structurel avec le droit coutumier musulman. Ceci facilita l’accès aux terres
irriguées pour les colons. Mais les limites des réserves des bonnes terres irriguées ou irrigables
amènent à réaliser la première génération des barrages réservoirs (deuxième moitié du XIXe
siècle) et une petite hydraulique fondée sur le principe « pour faire une bonne colonisation il fallait
faire une bonne hydraulique agricole ». Cependant ces barrages construits trop rapidement, ont
connu des problèmes multiples, exemple des ruptures de digues ; cette politique hydraulique
agricole coloniale fut un échec. Ce n’est qu’après la première guerre mondiale que les grands
travaux hydrauliques de grands barrages, seront lancés avec le programme dit de 1920
constituant une oeuvre remarquable : Les barrages construits dans le nord du pays, (barrages de
Béni-Bahdel, de Bou-Hanifia, de Bakhadda, de l'Oued-Fodda, du Ghrib, du Ksob, des Zardézas
et de Foutu-el-Gueiss) constituent un ensemble considérable, qui a augmenté d’une façon
importante le potentiel économique de l'Algérie, grâce à la législation spéciale sur l'exploitation de
l'irrigation (décret-loi du 30 octobre 1935). Cette politique de grande hydraulique se poursuivra
jusqu’à l’indépendance où on comptait une vingtaine de grands barrages réservoirs, avec une
3
capacité de 1452 millions de m et un potentiel irrigable de 128 000 ha. De plus la petite et
moyenne hydraulique a été développée avec des barrages réservoirs, des barrages de déviation
et des barrages collinaires), des pompages et des forages, et la création de points d’eau pour
l’alimentation (humaine et pastorale). Même si des ouvrages existent encore, le résultat est
mitigé pour la politique hydro-agricole coloniale. Dans les villes, un réseau d’eau d’alimentation
en eau potable et un réseau d’assainissement ont été mis en place, surtout dans les quartiers
dits « européens ». Ces réseaux représentent un patrimoine de modernisation dans les villes ; ils
ont continué à servir jusque longtemps après l’indépendance, même parfois dans la vétusté.

Actuellement la volonté du ministère des Ressources en Eau a permis de mettre des moyens
colossaux pour la construction de nouveaux barrages. De même, les transferts d’eau vers les
régions où la ressource manque (eau de pluie ou eau fossile) se multiplient y compris dans le
Sahara, par exemple le transfert, par canalisations souterraines, de l’eau fossile du forage d’Ain
Salah vers la ville de Tamanrasset (740 km). Plusieurs infrastructures (grands et petits barrages,
retenues) sont en chantier ou construites, on attend plus de quatre vingt barrages pour 2030
selon ce ministère, ceci serait en prévision des changements climatiques annoncés (entre autre).

7
Nom Turc d’Alger.

83
3 Le patrimoine de l’eau au Sud de l’Algérie : les foggaras
3.1 Aspects généraux et historiques

Dans les zones arides, les hommes ont réussi à relever des défis d’une implantation humaine
durable, particulièrement dans les oasis, en utilisant d’ingénieux procédés de captage de l’eau :
les foggaras, considérées comme patrimoniales. Elles sont nommées (avec plus de 27 noms) :
8
kanats (ou qanats) en Iran , foggaras en Algérie, en Tunisie, khettaras au Maroc, Kriga en
Tunisie, Karez (Kariz) en Chine, en Azerbaijan, au Pakistan et en Afghanistan, Sahridj au Yémen,
falaj aux Emirats Arabes Unis et à Oman, ...

Les foggaras, système traditionnel de captage et de partage des eaux, sont considérées comme
l’organe principal pour la vie dans le désert.

Cette technique ancienne de plus de mille ans est née dans la Perse antique, où l’oasis d’Irbil (en
zone aride d’Iran) semble être la première, à la fin du VIIe siècle av. J-C à l’utiliser. Cette
technique s’est propagée dans des pays du même continent, en Inde et en Chine, au Moyen
Orient, puis en Afrique du Nord où elle a été introduite par les musulmans Almoravides au cours
des Xe, XIe et XIIe siècles.

Dans le Sahara algérien, plus spécifiquement, les foggaras auraient été introduites au XIe et XIIe
siècle par El Malik El Mansour, qui aurait creusé la première foggara à 15 km d’Adrar au lieu dit
Tamantit (Hassani 1988). Ensuite, les foggaras ont été développées dans le Touat et le Gourara
par des tribus arabo-berbères sur la base de l’esclavage de la main d’oeuvre noire (Harratine)
locale ou provenant des régions voisines du Mali, du Niger et du Soudan (Bisson, 1992 ; Arrus,
1985).

Dans le Sahara algérien le passage du nomadisme à la sédentarisation a été favorisé par le

système d’irrigation traditionnel des foggaras. Ce système ingénieux a permis d’installer et de
maintenir des oasis, qui jouaient le rôle d’étape pour les voyageurs, passagers, caravaniers,
avant la traversée du désert du Sahara.

Selon Ansari (2005) l’ingéniosité du procédé réside dans sa conception et son adaptation aux
conditions de la vie et du climat sahariens : il supprimait les corvées d’eau épuisantes, qui
prenaient l’essentiel du temps des habitants, et assurait un approvisionnement sans risque de
tarir la nappe d’eau.

On compte aujourd’hui en Algérie plusieurs centaines de foggaras, actives ou taries : sur les
1400 foggaras 907 sont pérennes et en service et malheureusement 493 taries selon l’Agence
Nationale des Ressources Hydrauliques (ANRH) de l’Adrar (Ansari, 2005).

8
Elles sont en diminution puisque sur les 50.000 utilisées en Iran, seules 20.000 sont encore fonctionnelles (Kheirabadi,
Masoud, 1991).

84
 3.2 Fonctionnement des foggaras

Figure 2. Schéma du fonctionnement normal d’une foggara

(Michel Janvois: http://zoumine.free.fr/tt/sahara/donnees_geo_clim_bota/foggara.jpg)

9
Etablir une foggara consiste à créer une « source » artificielle en creusant des galeries en pente
très faible qui vont rejoindre et pénétrer en amont la nappe aquifère du plateau. L'eau de la
nappe suinte le long des parois des galeries et y forme un ruisseau permanent (Figure 2).

Ces galeries souterraines sont marquées en surface par des regards qui permettent l’entretien et
l’évacuation périodique du sable encombrant les galeries. Un survol du bassin de capture d’une
10
foggara montre l'ampleur du réseau ainsi créé (photos 5a, 5b)

Photo 5.a. Vue aérienne des regards d’entretien Photo 5.b. Vue au sol des regards d’entretien d’une
d’une foggara, N.O Timimoune, Georges Steinmetz, foggara (Algérie, Terre d’Afrique 2011)
2007.

L’ingéniosité du procédé de captage réside dans sa conception et son adaptation aux conditions
de la vie et du climat sahariens.

9
Le travail de creusement est évidemment colossal et n'a pu se faire sans le travail de très nombreuses
personnes.
10
On estime à des milliers de kilomètres l'ensemble des Foggaras du Gourara et du Touat.

85
 L’approvisionnement en eau est assuré à débit constant, sans risque de tarir la nappe.
L’évaporation est limitée au minimum. Le débit des foggaras a fait l’objet de nombreuses études
à toutes les époques, car il représente le principal facteur de l’économie des communautés de
3
ces régions. Nous retiendrons quelques chiffres globaux : 0,83 m /seconde au Gourara, 1,80
3 3
m /seconde au Touat et 0,58 m /seconde au Tidikelt. Ces chiffres doivent être pris avec
11
précaution car la mesure de référence traditionnelle le « habba » varie selon les lieux. Les
systèmes de mesure de l’eau sont eux-mêmes variables comme les appareils de mesure de
12
l’eau . Dans le Tidikelt, le Touat et le Gourara, les communautés se sont dotées d’un mesureur
de l’eau (kiyâl el ma, en arabe) pourvu d’un appareil appelé chegfa ou el kîl al-asfer (« la mesure
13
jaune ») .

L'apport hydraulique de la foggara règle l'extension et la géométrie de l'espace cultivé, dont la

structure résulte d'un réseau de canaux de distribution ainsi que de la quantité d'eau disponible.
Le sol n'a donc ici aucune valeur, car c'est l'eau qui en détermine la possibilité d'utilisation et la
propriété. Les titres de propriété de l’eau au Tidikelt étaient ainsi évalués en habba. La qualité
d’une foggara dépend :

- des formations géologiques qui renferment la nappe d’eau. Pour les foggaras qui drainent les
eaux de la nappe d’eau du continental intercalaire (CI), système aquifère non renouvelable,
chaque volume d’eau extrait influe sur le volume global ce qui se traduit par le rabattement
continu du niveau statique de la nappe aquifère ;

- des forages d’eau avoisinant ;

- de la longueur de la partie inactive et la perte par infiltration et évaporation (limitée du fait que
la conduite est enterrée).

Le système de captage de l’eau de la foggara se prolonge au-delà du débouché à l’air libre par le
système de partage et de distribution de l’eau, se faisant par un système de peignes ou kasria et
de canaux (Figure 3 et photo 6).

Figure 3. Schéma du système

de partage de l’eau dans une
foggara (M. Gast, 1998)

11
Autour de 3,3 litres par minute.
12
Ou du temps d’arrosage. En Ahaggar, c’est le temps de remplissage du bassin de stockage (majen) et de son
utilisation pour l’arrosage, qui représente l’unité de base, quel que soit le débit de l’eau.
13
Le chegfa qui est un cylindre de cuivre percé sur sa surface latérale de trous de différents calibres. La méthode
de mesure consiste à faire passer toute l’eau dans les trous du cylindre, en bouchant le nombre de trous
nécessaires pour que le niveau de l’eau ainsi arrêtée reste constant dans le cylindre. L’on fait alors la somme des
orifices par lesquels l’eau s’écoule pour connaître la valeur du débit.

86
 Photo 6. Kasriate et Seguias (Pietro Laureano).

L’élément essentiel du système de partage et de distribution de l’eau arrivée au niveau des

14 15
Ksour et des jardins est l’utilisation de peignes distributeurs en cascades : les kasriates
(Figure 3 et photo 6). L’eau est acheminée jusqu’au niveau des utilisateurs via les seguias
(canaux répartiteurs). Deux méthodes de partage sont utilisées : soit volumique et soit horaire
(Remini et al., 2010).

En Algérie c’est la méthode volumique qui est le type de partage le plus répandu dans toutes les
oasis à foggaras albiennes. Chaque copropriétaire est destinataire d’un volume d’eau déterminé
selon des normes établies par les oasiens eux-mêmes, en général en fonction de sa contribution
à l’entretien et à la maintenance de la foggara.

La méthode horaire est caractéristique des foggaras des sources des montagnes et des oueds.
Elle est basée sur l’unité de temps utile pour irriguer les jardins tour à tour. On retrouve ce
procédé pour les foggaras de Moghrar au pied du Mont des Ksours de l’Atlas saharien. Remini et
al., (2010) indiquent que dans la région d’Adrar, le partage des eaux de la foggara de Hanou, qui
est une foggara horaire, s’effectue au tour à tour. Il n’y a pas de kasriates comme dans les autres
foggaras avoisinantes. Les seguias relativement importantes partent directement d’un grand
madjen (réservoir). La foggara est obstruée une à deux fois par jour pour permettre de
reconstituer le niveau requis, puis l’eau est libérée pour un temps donné, proportionnel à la
contribution financière versée par le bénéficiaire (Oleil, 1994).

Dans une oasis, le sol n'est pas la valeur principale, car c'est l'eau qui en détermine la possibilité
d'utilisation et la propriété. Le système de répartition de l’eau et de calcul des contributions
influence par conséquent la totalité de la société oasienne tant dans ses valeurs économiques
que dans ses qualités esthétiques et ses références symboliques. Dans ce cadre, la « source »
artificielle (ou débouché de la galerie de la foggara) acquière une dimension quasi sacrale. C’est
ainsi que lui sont accolés mausolées, fontaines, vasques ornementales et autres monuments.

Dans l’ensemble saharien, plusieurs types de foggaras sont recensés en Algérie (Figure 4).
Certaines, captent les eaux de la nappe fossile albienne, d’autres les eaux de sources ou des

14
Pluriel de Ksar (village traditionnel en général fortifié).
15
Pluriel de Kasria.

87
 bassins versants de montagnes comme celles de l’Atlas saharien (Mont des Ksours), d’autres
plus originales et même uniques au monde, captent les eaux de pluie et les collectent pour les
redistribuer comme celle de Ghardaia.

Figure 4. Carte de l’Algérie (avec les villes et l’emplacement de foggaras ici figurés
superposés) Y. Djellouli et S. Angonnet, ESO UMR 6590.

4 La documentation sur le patrimoine de l’eau

Le patrimoine de l’eau en Algérie est sous la responsabilité du ministère de la Culture qui a établi
une liste des sites et monuments classés. Cette liste est disponible sur :
16
http://www.m-culture.gov.dz/mc2/fr/sitesetetmonuments.php#

Dans cette liste, on retiendra, pour ce qui est du patrimoine de l’eau :

- Fontaines arabe et marabout ou Hamma lieu dit « les Platanes au jardin d'Essai, ouvrage
hydraulique, Mon.Fun/Mod à Sidi-M'hamed.
- Fontaine de la cale aux vins, ouvrage hydraulique médiéval, à Oued Koriche, Casbah
- Fontaine de l'Amirauté, oeuvre d'art, à Oued Koriche, Casbah
- Bain Maure Thermes médiévaux à Nedroma, Wilaya de Tlemcen
- Ain El Fouara Fontaine, oeuvre d'art/Mediéval, Setif

16
Cette liste est reprise par le site Wikipedia avec, à chaque fois que cela est possible, une photo (dans le cas
contraire un appel à contribution est posté).

88
 - Citerne d'Hippone, ouvrage hydraulique antique, Annaba
- Aqueduc romain, ouvrage hydraulique antique, Constantine

- Bains dits de « Emir AbdeEl Kader Thermes/Mod, à Sidi Kada, Mostaganem

- Aqueduc antique à Sidi Ammar, ouvrage hydraulique antique à Sidi Ammar, Cherchell
- Aqueduc à 5 Km de Cherchell, ouvrage hydraulique antique
- Château d'eau, ouvrage hydraulique antique à Hadjout
- Bains de Pomperianus, Thermes antiques à Oued Athmania, Wilaya de Mila

Ce ministère de la Culture possède une Médiathèque du patrimoine qui comporte une « Base
Mémoire » constituée d’importantes archives photographiques.

La conduite des travaux de recherche et de conservation du patrimoine est confiée au Centre

National de Recherches Préhistoriques, Anthropologiques et Historiques (CNRPH) qui dépend de
ce même ministère.

5 L’état de conservation et les facteurs affectant le patrimoine, protections

légales, réhabilitation des foggaras

5.1 L’état de conservation et les facteurs affectant le patrimoine

L’état de conservation du patrimoine identifié et classé est très varié et dépend de l’attention qui
lui est porté par les pouvoirs publics et des ressources qui lui sont consacrées. Si au lendemain
de l’indépendance du pays, la conservation du patrimoine n’a pas été une priorité, l’identification,
le classement et la mobilisation de la documentation des sites ont fait des progrès considérables
aidés en cela par la coopération bilatérale (de la France notamment), multilatérale (Union
européenne) et internationale (UNESCO).

Un bon exemple est celui des fontaines, comme celui de la « fontaine jaune » de la Casbah
d’Alger (photo 7).

Selon Boualem Demdoum (2012) : « Six seulement des quelque deux cents fontaines datant du
XVIe siècle ont résisté à l’usure du temps et continuent d’alimenter les gens en eau potable
fraîche : Aïn Sidi Ramdan, Aïn M’zaouqua, Aïn Bir Djebah, Aïn Sidi M’hamed Chérif, Aïn Sidi
Benali et Aïn Bir Chebana. Ces « sources de vie » d’antan, qui portent des noms calligraphiés sur
de la céramique pour certaines, des carreaux de faïence d’origine ou encore des colonnes en
marbre pour d’autres, coulent en continu pour le plus grand bonheur des riverains comme des
simples passants… Les six fontaines donnent, à première vue, l’apparence de petits monuments
historiques bien conservés n’étaient-ce les touffes de mousse qui les envahissent ici et là, les
carreaux de faïence fissurés pour certaines ou carrément décollés par endroits pour d’autres…
L’historien Abderrahmane Khelifa, rappelle que la Casbah d’Alger comptait à l’origine 175
fontaines intégrées dans un système hydraulique « très élaboré » et alimentées par quatre
aqueducs… L’architecte Nabila Chérif (2008) travaillant sur les bains et les fontaines d’Alger de
l’époque ottomane, affirme qu’il n’y a aucune difficulté technique à restaurer ces fontaines…
Entre utilité, efficacité, esthétique et nostalgie, les fontaines encore « vivantes » de la Casbah
d’Alger interpellent les regards, font oublier, le temps d’une visite, l’état délabré dans lequel se
trouve la plus grande partie de l’ancienne médina et redonnent l’espoir de revoir un jour ce site
historique renaître de ses cendres ».

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 Photo 7. La fontaine jaune de la Casbah d’Alger (Le Midi Libre, Algérie, 19 mai, 2012)

Une partie importante du patrimoine non classé a été vouée à l’abandon pur et simple (cas de
nombreuses foggaras) voire à sa destruction pour faire place à de nouvelles constructions. Les
matériaux récupérés ont été recyclés de différentes manières y compris pour des usages privés.

Parallèlement à la mobilisation du ministère de la Culture, des associations locales comme

l’Association de protection et de promotion des sites et monuments historiques de la Région de
Sédrata (Wilaya de Souk Ahras) se mobilisent pour redonner vie au patrimoine dont il existe
encore des traces.

5.2 Les protections légales

L’Ordonnance n°67-281 du 20 décembre 1967 est le texte fondamental qui organise les fouilles
et la protection des sites et monuments historiques et naturels en Algérie.

Cette Ordonnance concerne les biens mobiliers et immobiliers présentant un intérêt national du
point de vue de l’histoire, de l’art et de l’archéologie qu’ils existent sur le domaine public et privé
de l’Etat comme appartenant à des particuliers. Il indique les procédures de classement ainsi que
les servitudes qu’entraîne le classement. Bien évidemment, le déplacement ou la destruction des
dits biens est interdite et les contrevenants passibles de sanctions. Les monuments historiques
font partie intégrante du patrimoine national et sont placés sous la sauvegarde de l’Etat. Des
collections nationales sont constituées dans le but de préservation et de protection. Aucune
construction nouvelle ne peut être adossée à un monument classé ni élevé dans son champ de
visibilité. Les travaux d’entretien demeurent à la charge des propriétaires ou affectataires publics
ou privés mais les travaux autorisés par le ministère. Les différents services de l’Etat, des
Départements et des Communes sont quant à eux tenus d’assurer la garde et la conservation
des immeubles et objets mobiliers dont ils sont propriétaires, affectataires ou dépositaires. Les
dépenses nécessitées par ces mesures sont, à l’exception des frais de construction ou de
reconstruction, obligatoirement inscrites à leur budget.

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5.3 La réhabilitation des foggaras
Beaucoup de spécialistes sont inquiets de la lente déchéance de ce système plusieurs fois
millénaire de partage des eaux qui pourrait faire partie du patrimoine national, du désintérêt des
jeunes et des pompages excessifs dans l’eau fossile de la nappe albienne qui mettent en danger
les foggaras.

Il faut dire que l’entretien des foggaras par les procédés traditionnels de curage est fastidieux et
pénible. Il exige une main-d’œuvre spécialisée apte à effectuer ce type de travail et disponible
(Khadraoui, 2007). Le savoir-faire est en train de se perdre et cet état de fait a largement
contribué à la crise profonde qu’ont connu dans les années 1980, les foggaras d’Algérie.
Beaucoup ont été délaissées voire abandonnées. Ce patrimoine important a perdu sa grandeur
d’antan.

Des actions de réhabilitation des foggaras ont cependant été initiées par différents intervenants
soit dans une logique économique soit au titre de la sauvegarde du patrimoine national matériel
et immatériel.

A titre d’exemple, on peut citer le commissariat au développement de l'agriculture dans les

régions sud qui a lancé en 2007 un important projet de réaménagement des palmeraies du
Tidikelt à travers l'exploitation et la valorisation des oasis existantes. L'objectif de ce vaste projet
est de renforcer les investissements en vue de rationaliser la gestion des ressources naturelles et
notamment de l'eau, à travers des actions visant les forages (le diagnostic et la réfection des
forages existants), la réalisation de nouveaux forages de remplacement, l'électrification et
l'équipement des forages et puits existants, l'amélioration des réseaux de drainage, ainsi que la
préservation et le renforcement des foggaras.

Plusieurs solutions techniques permettent de restaurer et/ou d’améliorer et/ou de sauvegarder les
débits des foggaras. Lorsqu’une foggara en bon état est fonctionnellement morte, c’est que le
niveau de la nappe aquifère a baissé et que la partie drainante de la foggara ne pénètre plus la
nappe d’eau. Une solution, traditionnelle, d’extraction de l’eau présente dans le sous-sol d’une
foggara fonctionnellement morte est d’installer des puits à balancier (photo 8) au niveau même
de la Palmeraie ou du jardin. Ces puits peuvent être motorisés.

Les méthodes modernes permettent soit de profiter de la partie drainante existante et d’en
17
extraire l’eau pour irriguer des terrains implantés dans le voisinage soit de « corriger » le débit
de la foggara vivante en y injectant de l’eau pompée dans la nappe aquifère (éventuellement
profonde) via des forages annexes. L’installation des motopompes utilise les puits d’aération et
d’entretien de la foggara (Figure 6).

17
Les aménagements agricoles récents, gros consommateurs ont imposé la généralisation des motopompes, greffées parfois
directement sur un conduit de la Foggara et ont, en quelque sorte, révolutionné le système de l’agriculture oasien et des
terres ont été mises en valeur en dehors des palmeraies traditionnelles. Parallèlement, l’accès à la propriété foncière agricole
a été encouragé par l’Etat algérien, d’où un système économique agricole de plus en plus productif (de fruits, de légumes et
de dattes) pour la consommation locale et pour l’exportation, utilisant les facilités d’accès à l’eau dans les puits à
motopompes, ce qui rend quelque peu obsolètes les formes d’agriculture oasienne traditionnelle.

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Photo 8. Puits à balancier, Joseph Chauveau, 2010.

Figure 6. Réhabilitation d’une foggara avec des moyens

techniques modernes (M. Gast, 1998).

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 La réhabilitation des foggaras est essentielle pour l’agriculture oasienne et pour la stabilisation
des populations sahariennes. Il faut non seulement restaurer et sauvegarder les infrastructures
mais aussi adopter des pratiques de gestion de l’eau, spécifiques aux milieux hostiles en
s’inspirant des pratiques traditionnelles héritées. L’exemple des projets dans la wilaya d’Adrar (El
Mansour, Charouine et Tmainout El Kbira) montre que, suite aux travaux de réhabilitation de
leurs foggaras, les oasis avec des palmeraies sur plus de 600 ha et 3.000 palmiers dattiers ont
pu être sauvés, d’autres palmeraies ont pu être sauvées comme témoigne le président de
l’Association des Amis de Timimoun, septembre 2014.

Les travaux de sauvetage et/ou de réhabilitation de ce patrimoine culturel de l’eau qui permet de
maintenir la vie dans le Sahara et le système traditionnel oasien sont pris en charge soit par l’Etat
18
algérien soit par des partenaires nationaux ou internationaux (UNESCO, PNUD et Commission
Européenne notamment).

6 Conclusion
Vaste pays aride au quatre cinquième, en Algérie les populations ont toujours eu le génie de
trouver des solutions de vie, voire de survie, y compris dans les sites les plus reculés. D’époque
en époque, les héritages d’alimentation en eau, de construction d’ouvrages, parfois sophistiqués
comme le système des foggaras, se succèdent. Depuis l’époque romaine avec la construction de
réservoirs de stockage, de réseaux de distribution, de fontaines et de thermes, … jusqu’à
l’époque ottomane où des ouvrages grandioses ont été érigés avec des aqueducs amenant l’eau
depuis de longues distances pour alimenter les cités et répondre aux besoins des populations, le
défi est permanent. Les sites romains sont labellisés par l’UNESCO, comme ceux de Djémila
(1982) et les aqueducs font l’objet de classement au niveau national comme l’aqueduc de
Zeboudja en 2008. L’époque coloniale française s’est d’abord intéressée aux zones rurales avec
la construction de barrages, dont certains disparus aujourd’hui, d’autres demeurent dans un état
de dégradation telle que leur réhabilitation coûterait plus que la construction d’un nouveau
barrage. Le patrimoine de l’eau dans le sud algérien est le plus original car unique au monde
pour le cas du système de captage des eaux de crues au M’zab à Ghardaïa, avec les anciens
puits (dans l’oasis ou dans les ksours) qui méritent d’être réhabilités. De même les foggaras du
sud ouest algérien, captant des eaux superficielles, ou de montagnes de l’Atlas saharien ou
surtout des nappes fossiles qui affleurent, représentent un véritable patrimoine qui mérite une
attention particulière et au moins une inscription au patrimoine national.

7 Bibliographie
Ansari T. The traditional use of groundwater system (foggara). Proceedings of international-
conference on groundwater resources of the Sahara CIRESS, Ouargla, 12 and 13 December
2005, 194 p.
Anonyme – Le système de l’eau à Alger pendant la période ottomane (Xième-XIXème siècles),In
« La fondacion de Madrid y el agua en el urbanismo islamici y Mediterraneo », Madrid, 22-26
octobre 1990, pp. 42-53.
Arrus R. - L’eau en Algérie, Office des publications Universitaires, Alger, 1985.
Bellil R. - Les zénètes du Gourara d’hier à aujourd’hui. Passerelles, 24, 2002, 5 p.
Bisson J. - Le Gourera, étude de géographie humaine, Mémoire de l’Institut de
recherches sahariennes, 1958. Alger.
Bisson J. - Les foggara du Sahara algérien : déclin ou renouveau ? Les eaux cachées. Études
géographiques sur les galeries drainantes souterraines réunies par les soins de Balland D.,
Paris, Université de Paris-Sorbonne, 1992, p. 7-31.

18
Les services de l’Etat contribuent avec des moyens financiers et humains, les propriétaires des foggaras
fournissent la main d’œuvre et le savoir faire traditionnel nécessaire.

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Bisson J.- Gourara in 21 Gland-Hadjarien, Aix-en-Provence, Edisud, volume n°21, 1999.
Demdoum B.- Les fontaines de la Casbah d’Alger : source de vie et … d’espoir pour le
renouveau de la vieille médina. Le Midi Libre, Algérie, 19 mai, 2012.
Dubost et Moguedet G. - Un patrimoine menacé : les foggaras du Touat. N° spécial Oasis,
Sécheresse, 1998, 9 (2) : 117-122.
Gast, M. - « Foggara », Encyclopédie berbère, 19 | Filage – Gastel, Aix-en-Provence, Edisud,
1998, p. 2868-2880.
Guillermou Y. - Survie et ordre social au Sahara. Les oasis du Touat-Gourara--
Tidikelt en Algérie» Cah. Sci. Hum., 1993 721-738 p.125.
Hassani I. - Les méthodes traditionnelles de captage des eaux souterraines dans le Sahara
algérien. Rev. Tech. Sci., 1988, 6, 20-24.
Khadraoui A. - La foggara dans les Oasis du Touat, Gourara et de Tidikelt Définition -
propositions de réhabilitation et de sauvegarde, Note, 9 p. ministère des Ressources en Eau,
Agence de Bassin Hydrologique Sahara, 2007, 9 p..
Kheirabadi, Masoud - Iranian Cities: Formation and Development. University of Texas Press.,
1991, ISBN 0-292-78517-8.
Oleil J. - Les juifs au Sahara. Le Touat au Moyen Age, Paris, CNRS Edition, 1984 188 p.
Remini B., Achour B. et Kechad R. - La foggara en Algérie : un patrimoine hydraulique mondial.
Revue des sciences de l'eau / Journal of Water Science, vol. 23, n° 2, 2010, p. 105-117. URI:
http://id.erudit.org/iderudit/039903ar

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Etude de cas N1
Les foggaras de la Vallée du M’zab

Le système de partage des eaux pluviales, particulier et unique au monde est situé à Ghardaïa dans
la partie centrale du Sahara septentrional algérien. Ce système a été mis en place depuis plus de sept
siècles, par deux savants et a permis aux Mozabites la mise en valeur de la vallée du M’zab depuis le
XIe siècle. La vallée du M’zab avec ses cinq ksour dont Ghardaïa, est classée au patrimoine national
(1971) et au patrimoine de l’Humanité par l’UNESCO en 1982. Avec son paysage historique et sa
culture, elle constitue le berceau d’une civilisation ksourienne millénaire. A l’origine, la sédentarisation
dans la vallée du M’Zab était fondée sur le concept oasien avec l’association symbiotique dans un
même lieu de trois éléments fondamentaux : l'eau, la palmeraie et le ksar, éléments contigus, l'un
protégeant l'autre et l'un profitant des effets positifs de l'autre; ce qui a permis à l'homme de vivre et
de s’adapter aux conditions environnementales de l'hostilité saharienne des siècles durant. De nos
jours la vallée du M’zab est une référence dans la parfaite harmonie entre l’organisation sociale, le
système d’urbanisation, la typologie architecturale, la maîtrise des ressources hydriques et l’équilibre
écologique. Le label de l’UNESCO lui est dédié pour l’ingéniosité du système d’urbanisation dans la
maîtrise de la structuration territoriale et le savoir-faire architectural.

Le système hydraulique consiste à récupérer, en amont de la palmeraie, les eaux des crues dans des
canaux, qui vont par la suite les acheminer vers l’ouvrage de partage des eaux, (photo 9a et 9b) pour
l’épandage dans les parcelles agricoles et le remplissage de la nappe. Ce système est subdivisé en
deux parties essentielles où l’une collecte et canalise les eaux ruisselées vers l’ouvrage de partage, et
l’autre distribue équitablement, dans les jardins de la palmeraie les eaux collectées. Les Oumanas
Essail, association séculaire, assure le contrôle du fonctionnement du système traditionnel et de son
entretien.

Photos 9a et 9b. Arrivée de l’eau dans l’exutoire canal Bouchemdjen (Y. Djellouli, 2009)

On note deux éléments fondamentaux dans cet aménagement ancestral : des diguettes et des puits
capteurs.

- Une série de diguettes installées le long de l’oued, dans la traversée de la palmeraie, ayant un rôle
important en cas de fortes crues. Les Oumanas essail comptaient 15 diguettes, dont il ne reste
trace que de trois ouvrages où seuls deux sont fonctionnels.
- Une série de puits capteurs d’eau qui atteignent le Turonien et qui ont la faculté d’absorber toute
l’eau qui leur est déversée. Ces puits sont alimentés soit par le réseau de canaux de l’ouvrage de
partage, soit par l’effet des seuils d’épandage des diguettes. Notre enquête auprès des Oumanas

95
 essail (février 2010), indique que la palmeraie de Ghardaïa comptait plus de 120 puits capteurs,
aujourd’hui dégradés pour la plupart.

Tous ces aménagements hydrauliques ingénieux méritent d’être plus valorisés pour récupérer tous les
ruissellements, de la taille la plus faible jusqu’aux eaux de crues dévastatrices. La moindre goutte
d’eau ruisselée en amont est récupérée dans des canaux et déviée vers l’ouvrage de partage des
eaux pour la submersion des jardins. En cas de crues, l’excédent d’eau est complètement recueilli.
Malheureusement, ces puits de captage ont été abandonnés, voire détruits ou remplis de béton. Des
associations locales œuvrent pour leur réhabilitation.

Ce système de partage des eaux a continué à être unique jusque dans les années 1960. Depuis, la
population ne cesse d’augmenter, entraînant l’extension de nombreuses parcelles agricoles, sur des
sols arides, irriguées par l’eau fossile. Les travaux hydrogéologiques (ANRH) montrent que la région
de Ghardaïa satisfait ses besoins en eau potable et pour l’irrigation à partir de la nappe du Continental
Intercalaire et du complexe terminal. Pour répondre à la demande en eau, des moyens importants
sont déployés pour mobiliser des capacités de plus en plus accrues. De plus, le nombre de forages
augmente de dix par an (on compte 288 forages en 1999 et 379 en 2008), et des milliers de puits
agraires puisent dans les nappes directement. Pour préserver la ville de Ghardaïa des événements
exceptionnels comme l’inondation d’octobre 2008, des aménagements ont été proposés. La
canalisation de l’oued M’zab qui traverse la ville et la « bétonisation » du lit mineur, sont des
aménagements coûteux qui ont montré leurs limites. Ces actions menées rapidement, ne sont pas en
adéquation avec la démarche du développement durable, alors que depuis des siècles d’ingénieux
ouvrages respectaient l’environnement et répondaient à la demande sociale.

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Etude de cas N2
Les foggaras du Sud-Ouest algérien

Les foggaras du sud ouest algérien (Figure 5) comme celles du Touat, de Gourara et de Tidikelt (sud-
19
ouest du Grand Erg Occidental) captent les eaux de la nappe fossile albienne qui affleure dans cette
région et qui alimente aussi les forages et les puits (Bisson 1958 et 1992; Gaillermou, 1993). Le
plateau de Tadmaït constitue un véritable château d’eau.

Selon Dubost et Moguedet (1998), les oasis du Touat comptent 531 foggaras, dont 358 en activité.
Les superficies irriguées par cette technique varient entre 7.000 ha et 3.000 ha, dont la production
agricole est très variée avec des cultures « à trois étages » : le palmier dattier, les fruitiers et les
céréales, légumineuses, cultures maraîchères, l’écoulement est souvent continu toute l’année, mais
présente quelques interruptions.

Dans la région d'Adrar presque 300.000 personnes utilisent en agriculture les systèmes d'adduction
de l'eau produite par les foggaras (Photo 10).

Photo 10. Jardins de la région de Reggane irrigués par les foggaras (Association
Yeu-Mali, 2009)

Dans quelque cas, les habitations sont rafraîchies par les galeries souterraines et alimentées par les
ramifications d'eau potable. Un articulé système de répartition et calcul de la distribution hydraulique
selon une répartition horaire ou continue du flux intéresse le réseau tout entier des cultures qui résulte
par conséquent influencé dans sa forme, ses qualités esthétiques et sa valence symbolique. En
général, le point de débouche de la galerie est significatif autant au point de vue sacral que de
l'habitat. A savoir, il est caractérisé par mausolées, fontaines, vasques pour l'eau ou d'autres
monuments.

19
Il s’agit des eaux de la nappe du Continental Intercalaire du domaine du Système Aquifère du Sahara
Septentrional vaste système partagé avec d’autres pays maghrébins (Libye et Tunisie) et qui couvre une
superficie de près de 700.000 km2 en Algérie.

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Les foggaras de l’Erg captent les eaux de la nappe formée sous le Grand Erg Occidental, eau qui
s’écoule lentement sous l’Erg, dans les anciens cours d’eau en provenance de l’Atlas saharien. Le
débit est stationnaire durant toute l’année (contrairement aux foggaras de l’Albien), l’eau est moins
salée et de bonne qualité. Elles sont une centaine dans la région de Timimoun, dont moins de 80 sont
fonctionnelles. Pour certaines foggaras il est difficile de connaître leur longueur exacte; les galeries et
les puits se perdant sous les dunes du Grand Erg Occidental. Ce type de foggara est fortement
menacé par le phénomène d’ensablement (Remini et al.2010 et Bellil, 2002). Six des foggaras
constituent un cas particulier puisqu’elles sont creusées en aval des grandes foggaras de l’Albien
dans des oasis de Timimoun : elles captent uniquement les eaux d’infiltration et de drainage des eaux
d’irrigation en provenance des jardins en amont.

La foggara de Moghrar, située au piedmont sud de l’Atlas saharien, constitue un cas particulier unique
en son genre. Elle semble être à son dernier stade de conservation en raison de l’assèchement de la
nappe initiale qui l’alimentait de manière naturelle (sources de bassin versant du Mont des Ksours, de
l’Atlas saharien). Elle déverse l’eau dans le madjen (réservoir) collectif situé dans la palmeraie, avant
d’atteindre le réseau des seguias qui distribue l’eau dans les jardins. Pour préserver cette foggara,
excellent ouvrage, les habitants et les services des eaux ont fait appel à un forage qui utilise les
canalisations, canaux, rigoles et bassins de l’ancienne foggara.

Figure 5. Foggaras du sud-ouest algérien repris de Bisson, 1999

On note aussi le cas de la foggara de l’Erg qui capte les eaux de la nappe formée sous le Grand Erg
Occidental, grâce à l’eau qui s’écoule lentement sous l’Erg, dans les anciens cours d’eau en

98
provenance de l’Atlas saharien. Son débit est stationnaire durant toute l’année (contrairement à la
foggara de l’Albien), son eau est moins salée et de bonne qualité. Une centaine de ces foggaras, dont
moins de 80 sont fonctionnelles, dans la région de Timimoun. Mais il est très difficile de connaître la
longueur exacte de ce type de foggara ; les galeries et les puits sont perdus sous les dunes du Grand
Erg Occidental. Même les vieux oasiens n’arrivent pas à localiser le puits mère et même une partie de
la galerie. Ce type est fortement menacé par le phénomène d’ensablement (Remini et al.2010 et Bellil,
2002).

Les foggaras de la montagne alimentées par la nappe phréatique sont rares. Il en existent encore
quelques unes (Remini et al.,2010) comme celle de l’oasis de Taghit dont les eaux de ruissellement
proviennent du Djebel Marhoma dans la région de Beni Abbès. La foggara est caractérisée par une
longueur de la galerie de moins de 1 000 m. et plus large par rapport aux foggaras de l’Albien. Elles
sont malheureusement abandonnées actuellement.

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Les patrimoines culturels de l'eau, l’exemple de la Tunisie
Mustapha Khanoussi
Directeur de Recherche
Ancien Directeur des Monuments et des Sites
Spécialiste du patrimoine culturel
Institut National du Patrimoine
Tunis

1 Caractéristiques générales
La Tunisie appartient à la sous-région Maghreb. Couvrant une superficie de 163 610 km2, elle a
un climat qui varie grandement selon les régions et qui est de type méditerranéen au Nord et le
long des côtes, semi-aride à l'intérieur du pays et aride au Sud. Elle fait partie des pays les plus
pauvres en eau par habitant de la planète. En effet, selon l’indice de Felkenmark (eau disponible
per capita) la disponibilité en eau, par habitant et par an, n’est que de 450m³ et, suite à la
croissance de la population, elle est appelée à baisser encore dans les années à venir !

1.1 Les données climatiques et hydrologiques

générales
Avec une saison humide s’étendant de fin septembre au
mois d’avril et caractérisée par une irrégularité des
précipitations d’une saison à l’autre et d’une région à
l’autre, la nature du climat a été déterminante dans
l’occupation du sol et a conditionné le développement de
l’urbanisation et l’évolution de l’urbanisme. Le volume
global des pluies est, au total, faible en Tunisie. En effet,
bien qu’il ne soit pas rare d’enregistrer de 1000 à 1500
mm par an dans certaines régions du Nord-ouest, les
moyennes pluviométriques pour le reste du pays sont
nettement plus faibles. Ces moyennes sont celles de
plus des 2/3 du territoire national et oscillent entre 350
mm pour les régions relativement favorisées et 50 mm
pour celles qui sont situées dans l’extrême Sud ! Cette
pluviométrie capricieuse et peu abondante a engendré
un réseau hydrographique relativement lâche et pour
l’essentiel formé de cours d’eau à régime saisonnier.
Même l’oued Majrada, de loin le principal cours d’eau du
pays ne peut pas être qualifié de fleuve malgré ses 460
km de long, l’étendue de son bassin et le nombre élevé
de ses affluents.

Figure 1. Pluie annuelle et apports

des flux atmosphériques

Cette carence en eau n’a pas empêché le pays de connaître une occupation humaine précoce et
d’avoir une longue histoire. C’est ce qui a généré des patrimoines culturels liés à l’eau d’une
valeur exceptionnelle et d’une richesse incomparable.

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1.2 Relations culturelles et échanges techniques avec les zones voisines
Le patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Tunisie est à la fois le produit vernaculaire en réponse à un
milieu défavorable à l’occupation humaine et le fruit d’échanges culturels et techniques avec des
civilisations du pourtour méditerranéen, notamment la civilisation phénicienne et la civilisation
romaine pour la période antique, la civilisation arabo-islamique pour la période médiévale et la
civilisation européenne pour les périodes moderne et contemporaine.

2 Sites connus et sites importants du patrimoine culturel de l’eau

Cette place privilégiée pourrait être illustrée par le célèbre Hermaion d’El Guettar, petite oasis de
la région de Gafsa dans le Sud-ouest tunisien. Connu de tous les spécialistes de la Préhistoire et
datant d’environ 40 000 avant le Temps présent, il est considéré comme le plus ancien
témoignage du sentiment religieux connu à ce jour. Il consiste en un amas de forme conique
composé de galets grossièrement sphériques mélangés avec des silex taillés et des ossements
d’animaux. Il a été érigé auprès d’une source, aujourd’hui tarie, par dépôts successifs en
expression d’une dévotion au génie de la source.

Figure 2. Tunisie, sites du patrimoine culturel de l’eau

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 Cette relation précoce avec l’eau s’est diversifiée avec le temps et a généré un riche patrimoine
culturel d’une valeur inestimable et d’une grande variété typologique.

Comme il est aisé de l’imaginer, ce patrimoine a été d’une certaine manière une réponse aux
contraintes du milieu naturel et aux besoins des hommes. Considéré dans son ensemble et avec
ses différentes composantes, il mériterait d’être considéré comme l’une des formes les plus
élaborées et les plus expressives du génie créateur de l’homme.

2.1 Le patrimoine culturel vernaculaire de l’eau

Il s’agit d’une catégorie qui, bien que modeste dans son aspect et rudimentaire dans ses
techniques, ne présente pas moins un grand intérêt. Attestée principalement dans la partie
méridionale du pays, elle a fourni la réponse à un milieu aride et à une pluviométrie avare. Selon
les endroits, son but a été soit :

- retenir les eaux de ruissellement : les jessours. Il s’agit d’un aménagement hydraulique qui
est fréquent dans les régions arides du sud-est du pays. Il est d’autant plus nécessaire que
les rares pluies sont souvent torrentielles engendrant des ruissellements violents et par voie
de conséquence, une forte érosion. Aussi, pour pouvoir pratiquer l’agriculture, il a fallu barrer
les ravins et les vallées pour retenir l’eau et le sol et maîtriser le ruissellement. La solution
technique a consisté en une « belle invention » comme l’a qualifiée si joliment un grand
géographe tunisien contemporain, celle des jessours, de petites levées de terre placées
perpendiculairement à l’écoulement et munies de déversoirs et se succédant d’amont en aval
et marquant de la sorte le paysage.

- canaliser l’eau des sources : les seguias. Ce sont des canaux rudimentaires à ciel ouvert
d’usage courant dans les oasis. Formant un réseau capillaire, ils permettaient l’acheminement
de l’eau et l’irrigation des différentes parcelles. Avec le temps sa possession est devenue un
moyen de pouvoir et un symbole de richesse valant, dans beaucoup de cas, plus que la
possession de la terre.

- capter les eaux souterraines : les mkayel (singulier : mkoula). C’est un système d’une
remarquable ingéniosité qui est attesté dans la région d’El Guetar, à environ 20 km à l’Est de
Gafsa. Il consistait à capter l’eau d’une source artificielle et à la drainer en suivant une pente
naturelle jusqu’à atteindre la surface du sol pour ensuite s’écouler en canaux à travers l’oasis
et cela en creusant à intervalles plus ou moins réguliers des puits reliés par une galerie
souterraine permettant à un homme courbé d’y circuler pour pouvoir assurer l’entretien. Ce
système n’est pas cependant propre à cette région. Il se retrouve en Tunisie, dans le
Nefzaoua sous le nom de khrija et sous des appellations différentes dans d’autres pays
comme par exemples le sud algérien (foggara), le sud marocain (khattara), le sud-est de la
péninsule arabique (aflaj), l’Iran (karez).

2.2 Les sites à caractère archéologique

Leur nombre est incalculable en Tunisie et leur datation couvre une très longue période allant de
l’Antiquité jusqu’à la période contemporaine. Les plus anciens vestiges de cette catégorie de
patrimoine archéologique sont constitués par les citernes découvertes dans les maisons
puniques à Carthage et à Kerkouane et dont la datation se situe entre le IVe et le IIe siècle avant
J.-C. Ce savoir-faire punique a été introduit en pays numide comme en témoignent les exemples
de ce type qui ont été identifiés dans le site de Dougga et la batterie de citernes retrouvées dans
la forteresse punique de Kalaat Bezzaz, dans la délégation de Oued Meliz, dans le Nord-ouest du
pays. Cependant, c’est la période romaine qui a marqué d’une empreinte indélébile le sol avec le
nombre impressionnant des installations hydrauliques disséminées à travers tout le pays et qui
se caractérisent par leur richesse typologique et dont l’exemple le plus élaboré est, sans
conteste, le complexe hydraulique Zaghouan-Carthage avec ses trois composantes principales, à

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savoir le grand nymphée de départ, l’aqueduc long de plus de 130 km et les grandes citernes de
stockage.

Photo 1. Dougga, fontaine romaine de Terentius (M. Khanoussi)

Ce patrimoine archéologique des époques antique et médiévale consiste principalement en des :

- bassins de captage qui étaient nombreux mais dont la plupart a disparu suite à l’adoption de
normes moderne et aux travaux de réfection.

- puits qui sont nettement moins nombreux que les citernes et dont certains sont de nouveau
exploités après des siècles de comblement.

- aqueducs. Ils constituent l’apport le plus remarquable des Romains dans le domaine de
l’hydraulique en Tunisie. Leur construction a été rendue nécessaire pour pallier au manque
d’eau dans les villes qui a été engendré par la croissance de la population et, surtout, par la
très forte augmentation de la consommation causée en partie par la multiplication des
établissements thermaux publics.

Il existe cependant quelques aqueducs ou portions d’aqueduc qui datent d’une époque plus
récente comme par exemples, l’aqueduc de Chrechira dans la région de Kairouan datable de
l’époque aghlabide ou le tronçon ajouté à l’aqueduc romain Zaghouan-Carthage à l’époque
hafside pour amener ses eaux à la Manouba, dans la banlieue de Tunis.

- citernes et bassins qui forment le type le plus fréquent. On les trouve isolés, notamment
dans les demeures privées, ou en batterie pour celles publiques. Certaines avaient une
capacité de stockage impressionnante comme à l’exemple des citernes romaines de la
Maalga à Carthage qui pouvaient contenir jusqu’à 44000 m3 ! D’autres, de capacité moindre,
avaient cependant un rôle important dans l’approvisionnement de leurs villes en eau comme
c’était le cas pour les citernes de Bulla Regia, Carthage, Chimtou, Dougga, Henchir Douamis,
Le Kef, Rougga, Sousse, ou Tabarka.

- fontaines, nymphées, sbils que l’on trouve en règle générale dans les agglomérations
urbaines et qui jouaient à la fois le rôle de point d’approvisionnement pour ceux qui en
avaient besoin et, aussi, d’éléments de décor et d’embellissement de la ville.

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2.3 Les sites vivants, toujours utilisés ou partiellement réutilisés
Avec l’époque médiévale, une grande partie du patrimoine culturel de l’eau légué par la période
romaine est tombée en ruine. Les besoins en eau durant cette période et jusqu’au début de
l’époque moderne ont été satisfaits par les puits et, surtout, par les citernes privées et publiques,
que l’on trouvait aussi bien en milieu urbain, qu’en milieu rural. Un autre type dont l’origine
semble remonter à la période antique et qui a connu une large diffusion durant la période
médiévale dans les régions du centre et du sud du pays est constitué par les grands bassins à
ciel ouvert dont l’exemple le plus connu est celui des bassins aghlabides à Kairouan qui
constituent l’une des trois composantes du Bien inscrit en 1988 sous le nom de « Kairouan » sur
la Liste du patrimoine mondial naturel et culturel avec les critères (i) (ii) (iii) (v) et (vi). La
déclaration de la Valeur Universelle Exceptionnelle (VUE) du bien mentionne, quant à elle, le
patrimoine de l’eau en précisant que : « Les Bassins des Aghlabides, un réservoir à ciel ouvert
formé de deux citernes communiquant entre elles et qui remonte au IXe siècle, constituent un
des plus beaux ensembles hydrauliques conçus pour alimenter la ville en eau ».

Avec l’instauration du Protectorat français en Tunisie en 1881, on assiste à un changement

radical dans le rapport de l’homme avec l’eau. Comme l’écrit l’historien Béchir Yazidi, le « rapport
à l’eau » de la population se modifie lentement. L’équipement hydraulique, décidé par les
pouvoirs publics s’installe progressivement dans les villes. Toutefois, cette amenée massive
d’eau va changer les pratiques et les comportements". Les besoins croissants amèneront la
construction de grands barrages, la réalisation d’importants travaux d’adduction sur de longues
distances et l’édification de réservoirs de grande capacité et des châteaux d’eau avec des
matériaux nouvellement inventés (béton, béton armé). Toutefois hélas, cette catégorie de
constructions peine encore à être reconnue comme ayant une valeur patrimoniale !

2.4 Les paysages culturels liés à l’eau

Pratiquer l’agriculture dans un milieu hostile est l’un des défis que l’homme a relevés au prix
d’une ingéniosité sans borne et d’efforts physiques de forçats ! C’est ce qui a permis la création
de nombreux paysages culturels liés à l’eau, notamment dans les zones arides et du pré-désert.
Les oasis en constituent des exemples parmi les plus remarquables. À ce sujet, il convient de
mentionner l’inscription de l’oasis de Gabès sur la Liste indicative du patrimoine mondial culturel
et naturel et celle de Gafsa (voir étude de cas n°3) comme « Système Ingénieux du Patrimoine
Agricole Mondial ». S’étendant sur des dizaines d’hectares, ces deux oasis sont le produit de la
conjugaison de l’eau des sources et du labeur des hommes. C’est en effet la maîtrise millénaire
de cette eau, de sa distribution au moyen d’un système capillaire de canaux en terre et sa
répartition selon un mode de calcul d’une grande ingéniosité qui ont donné naissance à des
espaces cultivés dans des milieux naturels très défavorables. C’est aussi l’eau qui a déterminé
la forme de l’occupation du sol dans l’île de Djerba et qui en a fait le paysage culturel que l’on
connaît aujourd’hui et qui vient d’être, lui aussi, inscrit sur la Liste indicative du patrimoine
mondial culturel et naturel. Une pluviométrie avare et l’absence de sources ont imposé pendant
des siècles un mode d’occupation du sol très dispersé, les fameux menzel (champ agricole avec
habitation) et ont obligé les habitants à s’équiper d’installations hydrauliques de petites
dimensions pour recueillir et stocker les eaux des rares pluies qui tombaient.

3 Documentation existante
Le patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Tunisie est l’objet d’une documentation riche et variée qui
comprend aussi bien des descriptions de voyageurs des époques médiévales (Hassen al-
Wazzen alias Léon l’Africain, Description de l’Afrique. Paris, 1981 réimpression) et modernes
(Victor Guérin, Voyage dans la Régence de Tunis. Paris, 1872), que des études scientifiques
accompagnées de relevés d’architecture et de photographies (Gauckler P. (dir.), Enquête sur les
installations hydrauliques romaines en Tunisie. 3 vol. Tunis, 1899-1904), sans compter les

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 innombrables dessins peintures et même les films documentaires. Cette documentation demeure
toutefois très dispersée et attend toujours de faire l’objet d’un inventaire exhaustif.

3.1 Inventaires du patrimoine culturel de l’eau, cartographie récente, bases de données, etc.
Il n’existe pas à ce jour un inventaire exhaustif et spécifique pour le patrimoine culturel de l’eau
en Tunisie. Au lendemain de l’instauration du Protectorat français, un inventaire qui n’a porté que
sur les constructions d’époque romaine a été réalisé. Sous le titre d’Enquête sur les installations
hydrauliques romaines en Tunisie, ses résultats ont été publiés en trois volumes entre les années
1899-1904. Il a consisté en l’inventaire de ces installations avec une description le plus souvent
sommaire accompagnée quelquefois de dessins et de plans schématiques.

3.2 Documents d’archives, sources écrites, cartographie et plans anciens, etc.

D’Ibn Chabbat, mathématicien et hydraulicien avant la lettre du XIIe siècle qui dans un traité
célèbre a fixé le plan de partage des eaux et à l'optimisation de l'irrigation dans les oasis du
Jérid dans le Sud-ouest du pays et qui est resté en application jusqu’à une date récente, aux
documents d’archives conservés dans les établissements publics ou dans les collections privées,
en passant par la riche documentation graphique réalisée par des brigades topographiques de
l’armée française, c’est une très grande masse d’informations qui se trouve à la disposition de la
recherche auprès des Archives Nationales à Tunis, ou dans les archives de l’armée de terre
française au Château de Vincennes, dans les archives de l’Académie de Belles-Lettres à Paris et
dans les archives de l’Université d’Aix-en-Provence.

3.3 Collections photographiques anciennes et récentes en relation avec le patrimoine culturel

et naturel de l’eau
Les exemples les plus spectaculaires de ce patrimoine, tels que l’aqueduc romain de Zaghouan-
Carthage, le grand nymphée romain de Zaghouan plus connu sous le nom de « temple des
eaux », le bassin de captage antique de Gafsa, les bassins des Aghlabides à Kairouan, pour ne
citer que les plus célèbres ainsi qu’une infinité de monuments de notoriété nettement plus
modeste ont souvent retenu l’attention et ont bénéficié d’une documentation photographique
appréciable. Elle demeure toutefois très dispersée et peu utilisée dans les études, alors qu’elle
peut constituer une source d’information d’une grande valeur notamment pour évaluer l’ampleur
des changements intervenus dans le domaine et pour étudier des monuments disparus depuis.
La collection de photographies conservée dans la photothèque centrale de l’Institut National du
Patrimoine à Tunis constitue, à cet égard, une mine pour les chercheurs étudiant le patrimoine
architectural lié à l’eau.

3.4 Fouilles archéologiques, emplacement des résultats de fouille

De ce riche patrimoine, seulement un nombre extrêmement infime a fait l’objet d’investigations
archéologiques. On peut citer à ce propos et à titre d’exemples les travaux de fouilles et de
recherches qui ont intéressé :

- le complexe hydraulique romain de Zaghouan-Carthage ;

- l’aqueduc et les grandes citernes d’époque romaine de Chimtou (recherches inédites) ;
- l’aqueduc et les grandes citernes d’époque romaine de Dougga ;
- les citernes d’époque romaine de Bulla Regia, le Kef et Rougga, l’antique Bararus près
d’El Jem, dans le Sahel ;
- l’aqueduc et les citernes d’époque romaine de Henchir Douamis (thèse de Doctorat.
Tunis, Faculté des Sciences Humaines et Sociales, 2014) ;
- les nymphées et fontaines d’époque romaine en Tunisie (thèse de Doctorat. Paris,
Université de Paris-Sorbonne, 2014).

Les résultats de ces recherches ont été publiés dans les revues scientifiques spécialisées telles
que Africa (revue de l’Institut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie), les Cahiers de Tunisie (revue

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 de la Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines de Tunis, aujourd’hui Faculté des sciences
Humaines et sociales) ou le Römische Mitteilungen (Revue de l’Institut archéologique Allemand
de Rome). De nombreuses autres recherches ont consisté en des travaux de prospection dans
différentes régions du pays et ont intéressé des installations hydrauliques datant des époques
antiques et médiévales. Leurs résultats ont fait l’objet de mémoires de Mastère et de thèses de
Doctorat encore inédits.

3.5 Conclusion sur la documentation la plus appropriée pour effectuer des études
comparatives
La documentation la plus appropriée pour servir à des études comparatives est constituée par les
inventaires, les études scientifiques et les photographies.

4. L’état de la connaissance historique et technique sur le patrimoine de l’eau

en Tunisie

4.1 Périodisation du rapport de l’homme à l’eau

Les études effectuées depuis plus d’un siècle sur le patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Tunisie ont
permis des avancées très importantes dans le domaine de la connaissance historique et
technique des installations et aménagements hydrauliques. Si la présence humaine et
l’occupation du sol remontent en Tunisie aux premiers temps de la Préhistoire, il a fallu attendre
les temps historiques pour voir la construction des premières installations hydrauliques
permettant à l’homme de ne plus rester à la merci des eaux vives, des sources ou des cours
d’eau. Dans l’état actuel des connaissances, c’est aux Phéniciens venus de la côte orientale de
la mer Méditerranée qu’il faut attribuer la première grande phase de construction des installations
hydrauliques consistant en des puits et des citernes dont la grande majorité était à caractère
domestique. Toutefois, c’est la période romaine qui, de loin, est celle qui a vu la multiplication de
ce genre d’installations, leur extension géographique sur l’ensemble du territoire et la réalisation
des ouvrages les plus élaborés sur le plan technique. Le savoir-faire ainsi acquis s’est poursuivi,
mais avec une ampleur moindre, durant l’époque médiévale.

4.2 Etat des recherches actuelles concernant le patrimoine de l’eau et leur contexte
La recherche sur le patrimoine culturel de l’eau en Tunisie durant les différentes périodes
historiques n’a cessé de retenir l’attention des chercheurs depuis la fin du XIXe siècle. Cette
recherche a revêtu différentes formes : études archéologiques et historiques dont bon nombre
avait un caractère académique, et inventaires (voir bibliographie).

5 Menaces s’exerçant sur le patrimoine de l’eau

5.1 Menaces s’exerçant sur la conservation des sites archéologiques, action de l’homme et
action de la nature
Ayant perdu pour la plupart leurs fonctions premières, les installations hydrauliques des époques
antique, médiévale et moderne ont cessé de faire l’objet d’entretien et de réparation et sont
tombées en ruines. Leurs vestiges archéologiques sont aussi menacés de disparition suite à la
conjugaison de nombreux facteurs dont les principaux sont l’urbanisation et l’extension de
l’urbanisme, la modernisation de l’agriculture et sa mécanisation. Que faire devant cette situation
qui s’aggrave de jour en jour? Le plus urgent est d’étendre la protection juridique dont jouissent
de nombreuses installations hydrauliques des époques antique, médiévale aux installations de
type vernaculaire. Que l’on rencontre dans le sud du pays. Attestant de la grande faculté
d’adaptation de l’homme à son milieu et de son génie créateur sans limite, ces installations ont

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 été à l’origine de la formation des paysages culturels dont la valeur patrimoniale est
incontestable.

5.2 Sites et biens en usage présent : pression des réaménagements récents et impact des
techniques modernes d’exploitation et de gestion de l’eau
Depuis l’introduction dans le pays des techniques et matériaux modernes, le patrimoine culturel
de l’eau hérité des périodes précédentes ne cesse d’être l’objet d’altération, dégradation et
souvent même de destruction totale ou partielle. De même, la substitution généralisée d’une
gestion étatique aux modes de gestion traditionnels a fortement contribué à ces atteintes.

5.3 Abandon d’usage ou manque d’entretien

L’extension sans cesse plus grande des réseaux d’adduction moderne et la généralisation de
plus en plus grande de l’accès de la population à l’eau potable et d’irrigation à partir des réseaux
publics ont engendré la négligence de l’entretien des installations hydrauliques traditionnelles et
même, dans de très nombreux cas, leur abandon pur et simple.

5.4 Réutilisations inappropriées ou partiellement appropriées en regard de la conservation

des patrimoines culturels de l’eau
Si un grand nombre de monuments hydrauliques antiques sont aujourd’hui abandonnés et à l’état
de ruines, d’autres ont trouvé une nouvelle utilisation qui s’avère dans bien des cas inappropriée.
Dans les sites archéologiques de Bulla Regia, Dougga et Henchir Douamis, par exemple, des
citernes d’époque romaine ont été restaurées et servent depuis de réserves pour les objets
archéologiques et de dépôts pour le matériel et les matériaux. Dans la campagne de Chimtou, les
vestiges de grandes citernes romaines, bien que classés « monument historique », sont réutilisés
par les habitants du voisinage comme écurie pour leurs bétails. C’est, hélas, l’un de nombreux
cas constatés dans le pays où la protection juridique n’est pas une garantie pour assurer la
sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel bâti.

6 Protections légales en vigueur des monuments et des sites archéologiques

ou historiques
La protection juridique ne concerne qu’une partie de ce riche patrimoine. Cette protection, à
caractère général, est assurée par la loi 1994-35 du 24 février 1994 relative au code du
patrimoine archéologique, historique et des arts traditionnels, plus connue sous le nom de
« Code du patrimoine » et qui assure une protection juridique à ce patrimoine selon les
prescriptions des articles 1 et 4. Un petit nombre de composantes de ce patrimoine bénéficie
toutefois d’une protection juridique spécifique en tant que monuments historiques classés comme
par exemples, les citernes romaines de la Maalga à Carthage par le décret du 12 mai 1901, les
bassins de captage plus connus sous le nom de « piscines romaines » de Gafsa par le décret du
3 mars 1915, le temple des eaux de Zaghouan par le décret du 8 juin 1891, l’aqueduc romain de
Dougga par le décret du 8 juin 1891. Un nombre infime est classé patrimoine mondial comme les
installations hydrauliques appartenant aux sites archéologiques de Carthage, Dougga et
Kerkouane et aux médinas de Tunis, Kairouan et Sousse, ou comme l’oasis de Gafsa qui est
classée « Système Ingénieux du Patrimoine Agricole Mondial de l’UNESCO ». D’autres figurent
sur la Liste indicative du patrimoine mondial comme c’est le cas pour les installations
hydrauliques de l’île de Djerba, de la médina de Sfax, d’une partie des composantes du
complexe hydraulique de Zaghouan-Carthage et des carrières antiques de marbre numidique de
Chimtou.

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7 Bibliographie

El Amami S., Les aménagements hydrauliques traditionnels en Tunisie. Tunis, 1984.

Ferchiou N., Le Chant des Nymphes. Les aqueducs et les temples des eaux de Zaghouan à
Carthage. Tunis, 2008.
Gauckler P. (dir.), Enquête sur les installations hydrauliques romaines en Tunisie. 3 vol.Tunis,
1899-1904.
Hassen M. et alii, Eau et peuplement au Maghreb durant l’Antiquité et le Moyen âge. Tunis, 2009.
Henia L. (dir.), L’eau en Tunisie. Tunis, 2008.
Koohafkan P. et Altieri A., Système Ingénieux du Patrimoine Agricole Mondial. Rome, FAO. 2011.
Louati M., L’approvisionnement des villes tunisiennes en eau durant l’époque husseinite. Etude
historique et archéologique. Tunis, 2012 (en arabe).
Solignac M., Recherches sur les installations hydrauliques de Kairouan et des steppes
tunisiennes du VIIe au XIe s. Paris, 1953.
Tlili M. et Ben Taher J. (dir.), Histoire(s) d’eau en Tunisie et ailleurs. Tunis, 2011.

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Etude de cas N1
Le complexe hydraulique de Zaghouan-Carthage
Monia Adili
Chargée de Recherche,
archéologue spécialiste de l’hydraulique antique
Institut National du Patrimoine
Tunis

Classé sur la Liste indicative du patrimoine mondial culturel et naturel et classé « monuments
historiques » par les décrets du 8 juin 1891, 24 mars 1892, 12 mai 1901, 16 novembre 1928, et 27
août 1953, il s’agit du plus grand complexe du genre jamais réalisé en Tunisie et l’un des plus
importants de l’Empire romain. Construit au début du IIe siècle après J.-C., son lieu de départ est situé
sur le versant nord du jebel Zaghouan. Le complexe associe trois composantes essentielles : les
captages de quatre sources principales avec dotation d’un cadre monumental, le grand nymphée et le
bassin de captage de Aïn Jouggar, un aqueduc de 132 km dont de nombreux tronçons marquent à ce
jour le paysage en de nombreux endroits avec des arcades de plus de 20 m de hauteur, et les
citernes de stockage de la Maalga à Carthage, auxquelles il faut ajouter les grands thermes publics de
Carthage, dits thermes d’Antonin, situés en bord de mer et qui constituaient l’aboutissement de
l’ensemble.

Photo 2. Vue de l’aqueduc de Zaghouan-Carthage (M. Khanoussi)

Les bassins
Ils sont formés par :
- le « temple des eaux » qui est un monument de plan d’une grande originalité : une cella
précédée de gradins donnant sur une cour semi-circulaire entourée à l’Est et à l’Ouest de
portiques et au Sud d’un bassin en double cercle et encadré de deux escaliers

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 - et par le bassin de captage de la source de Aïn Jouggar. Englobé dans une forteresse
byzantine, il est formé d’une exèdre couverte par une semi-coupole et pourvue de trois niches
hautes et étroites. Une ouverture percée dans la partie inférieure de chaque niche permettait à
l’eau de s’écouler dans l’exèdre pour prendre ensuite son chemin vers l’aqueduc.

L’aqueduc
Du grand nymphée sort la principale branche de l’aqueduc qui se dirige ensuite vers Mogurone où
elle se joint à une deuxième branche venant de la source de Aïn Jouggar, longue de 33,64 km. Une
troisième branche prend sa source à Aïn Jour et, à quelques kilomètres au nord de Mogurone, rejoint
l’aqueduc. À partir du point de jonction, les trois branches constituent la conduite principale qui
amenait l’eau jusqu’à Carthage. Le tracé de l’aqueduc est souvent à fleur du sol ; mais il est tantôt
enterré, tantôt porté sur des piliers. Au total, 17 km du tracé sont portés, dans différentes sections sur
des arcades. Long de 4,5 m, le pont-aqueduc sur l’oued Miliane et dans sa plaine reste le plus
monumental. Son tronçon sur le lit de l’oued se distingue par ses deux étages d’une hauteur totale de
34 m. La conduite est dotée de dispositifs hydrauliques de contrôle, d’aération et de régulation dont
les uns sont jusqu’à nos jours en bon état de conservation. Il s’agit essentiellement de regards
généralement de forme circulaire et de bassins régulateurs. Protégés juridiquement suite à leur
classement comme « monument historique » depuis la période du Protectorat français (1881-1956),
ces vestiges qui sont conservés sur plus de 50% du parcours, appartiennent au domaine public. Leur
conservation est assurée par les services de l’Institut National du Patrimoine.
Après un parcours total d’environ 132 km, l’aqueduc arrive à Carthage, dans les citernes de la
Maalga, situées au nord-nord-ouest de la colline de Byrsa.

Figure 3. Plan indiquant le tracé de l’aqueduc de Zaghouan-Carthage

Les citernes de la Maalga

De forme rectangulaire de 130,75 m de long (Est-Ouest) et 101,95 m de large, l’ensemble est
composé de seize compartiments dont quinze, sont accolés longitudinalement et le seizième se
trouvant en position transversale. Exception faite du compartiment qui délimite à l’ouest le réservoir et
qui a 90 m de longueur, les compartiments longitudinaux ayant, chacun, 100 m de long sur 7,40 m de

110
large. Le compartiment transversal, d’orientation est-ouest ayant 132 m de long sur 3,5 m de large.
Chaque compartiment est doté d’une voûte en berceau reposant sur des murs pleins. Des portes de
communications sont percées dans les parties inférieures des murs mitoyens. Du côté nord, le mur
extérieur de l’ensemble s’appuie sur le flanc d’une petite colline et, pour renforcer le monument, les
murs extérieurs formant les autres côtés sont pourvus de contreforts. La capacité de ce réservoir est
évaluée à 44000 m3. Bien que tombé en abandon depuis de nombreux siècles, il se trouve
aujourd’hui dans un état de conservation relativement satisfaisant. Exception faite du compartiment
transversal qui a subi quelques dommages et de quelques voûtes couvrant les compartiments
longitudinaux qui sont en partie effondrées, le reste du monument garde encore intact son aspect
d’origine.

Figure 4. Plan général des citernes de la Maalga

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Photo 3. Vue générale des citernes de la Maalga (M. Khanoussi)

112
Etude de cas N2
Les bassins des Aghlabides de Kairouan
Mohamed Louati
Chargé de Recherche,
archéologue spécialiste de l’hydraulique médiévale
Institut National du Patrimoine
Tunis

Classés « monument historique » par le décret du 3 mars 1915 et « patrimoine mondial » en 1988
avec la médina de Kairouan (critères (i), (ii), (iii) (v) et (vi) http://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/499), les bassins
des Aghlabides, connus sous le nom de mawajil bab Tunis, sont situés à 750 m au Nord de la porte
Tunis. Ils ont été construits sous le règne de l’Emir aghlabide Abu Ibrahim Ahmed entre (242- 249 H /
856 - 863 après J- C).

Le monument se compose de trois éléments principaux: un petit bassin, un bassin principal et deux
citernes voûtées. Le petit bassin de décantation se trouve sur le côté nord du bassin principal. Il est de
forme circulaire, mesurant 34,80 m de diamètre, 5m de profondeur, et est doté de 17 contreforts de
l’intérieur et de 30 contreforts de l’extérieur avec une distance de séparation moyenne mesurant
3,10m et en alternance en termes de juxtaposition. A l’extérieur, le mur s'élève à 1,10 m du niveau du
sol.

Figure 1. Plan des bassins des Aghlabides

Le bassin principal se trouve au Sud du petit bassin. De forme circulaire et mesurant 128m de
diamètre et 4,80m de profondeur, il est entrecoupé de 64 contreforts intérieurs et de 118 contreforts
extérieurs. Il est d’une capacité d’environ 57000m3. Dans sa partie centrale, était édifié un dôme

113
sous lequel prenait place le prince, amené là par barque. Les colonnes de cet aménagement existent
encore aujourd’hui.

Les deux bassins communiquent entre eux par une ouverture rectangulaire, aménagée dans le mur
de séparation. Les deux bassins sont séparés par un mur d’une épaisseur de 1,50m, et qui s’élève
au-dessus du niveau du sol extérieur d’environ 1,10m.

Les deux citernes de puisage sont parallèles et indépendantes l’une de l’autre. Situées au Sud du
grand bassin, elles sont de forme rectangulaire et mesurent chacune de l’extérieur 32m de long et
10m de large. Le toit est couvert par de longues voûtes en berceau soutenues par des arcs sur des
piliers à section carrée. Chaque citerne est reliée avec le grand bassin par une baie pour assurer le
passage d’eau. Quatre escaliers de 4 marches chacun sont aménagés dans les quatre côtés de
chaque citerne. Six orifices de puisage de forme rectangulaire sont aménagés dans la partie
supérieure de chaque citerne. L’alimentation de ces citernes étaitt assurée par les eaux de pluie et par
cellee de l’oued Merguellil.

Photo 1. Vue aérienne des bassins des Aghlabides (M.-S. Bettaïeb)

Les bassins des Aghlabides sont considérés comme les plus grands en Tunisie et dans le monde
arabe. La période médiévale était très impressionnée par l'ampleur de l'ancienne architecture de
l’époque antique. Cela a incité Abu ‘Ubayd Allah al -Mahdi le Calife fatimide à dire: «j'ai vu deux
choses en Ifriqiya que je n'ai jamais vu de comparable en orient: l’une c’est le réservoir qui est près de
la porte de Tunis, et l’autre c’est le Qaçr el-bahar. Le château du lac qui se trouve dans la ville de
Raqqada » (près de Kairouan).

Les bassins ont été l’objet durant la période husseinite de travaux de restauration, et ont continué à
être exploités jusqu’au début de l’époque contemporaine comme cela ressort de la documentation des
époques médiévale et moderne. Pour leur entretien régulier, un agent était en charge de la

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surveillance du remplissage et de la distribution de l’eau dans les différentes unités. Le souci majeur
était toutefois leur remplissage en période de sécheresse!

Après avoir joué un rôle d’une grande importance dans l’approvisionnement de l’agglomération et cela
en complément aux puits et aux citernes situés intramuros, les bassins aghlabides qui sont encore en
bon état de conservation ont perdu leur fonction première et ne sont plus qu’une attraction
touristique exploitée par l’Agence de Mise en Valeur du Patrimoine et de Promotion Culturelle
(AMVPPC). Propriété publique, leur conservation est assurée par les services de l’Institut National du
Patrimoine.

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Etude de cas N 3
Le système d’irrigation dans l’oasis de Gafsa
Mustapha Khanoussi

Gafsa est l’oasis la plus septentrionale de la Tunisie. Sa partie historique est classée par
l’Organisation des Nations-Unies pour l’Alimentation et l’Agriculture (FAO) « Système Ingénieux du
Patrimoine Agricole Mondial » (SIPAM). Elle est le don de sources pérennes dont les eaux ont servi
principalement à l’irrigation d’une agriculture étagée caractéristique des oasis qui a émerveillé les
Romains. Dans son Histoire naturelle, l’auteur latin Pline l’Ancien s’est fait l’écho de cet
émerveillement dans sa description de l’oasis de Tacapes / Gabès. Cette agriculture irriguée s’est
développée grâce à une ingéniosité exceptionnelle et à des efforts répétés contre l’hostilité du milieu
naturel. Le système d’irrigation repose sur un mode de gestion fondé sur deux principes essentiels :
l’espace et le temps.

Figure 1. Plan général du complexe hydraulique de Gafsa

Pour l’espace, l’eau de chaque source principale constituait une branche de laquelle se subdivisaient
des séguias (canaux à ciel ouvert) secondaires qui à leur tour se subdivisaient en séguias tertiaires et
quaternaires formant un réseau capillaire qui quadrillait tout l’espace de l’oasis et permettant ainsi à
l’eau d’arriver à chaque parcelle cultivée.

Quant au principe temps, un auteur anonyme du XIIe siècle dans un ouvrage intitulé Kitab al istibsar
(Le livre de l’élucidation) rapporte que "les gens de Gafsa avaient dans l’irrigation de leurs vergers un
grand génie avec des repères stricts et un calcul précis." Ce principe il était géré au moyen du
gadous, terme d’origine latine (cadus) désignant la cruche en poterie. C’était un récipient troué au
fond et qui, rempli d’eau, servait à mesurer le temps. L’eau était répartie entre les différentes parcelles
par fraction de temps calculée avec le gadous. L’usage de cette horloge hydraulique a disparu
aujourd’hui.

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Photo 1. Oasis de Gafsa, bassin de captage Photo 2. Oasis de Gafsa, canal traditionnel (M.
antique après tarissement des sources (M. Khanoussi)
Khanoussi)

La structure géologique de la région a favorisé la résurgence de nombreuses sources que les

habitants ont classées en deux catégories :

- la grande eau englobant les sources publiques accessibles à tous et se trouvaient pour la
plupart à l’intérieur de l’agglomération et dont les plus importantes étaient captées dans les
deux bassins datant depuis l’Antiquité et appelés communément « piscines romaines » et oued
el Kbir (le grand fleuve) et oued es-Sghir (le petit fleuve) ;
- la petite eau désignant des sources à débit faible appartenant à une ou à quelques familles
seulement.

Un rite païen qui a traversé les siècles : le sacrifice sanglant à l’occasion du curage des
bassins de Oued el Bey/ Piscines romaines
L’eau qui jaillissait des sources des « piscines romaines » était l’objet d’une attention particulière. Elle
participait pour part importante à l’irrigation de l’oasis. Aussi, le complexe a été placé à l’époque
romaine sous la protection du dieu Neptune et des Nymphes. Ce nom Neptune (Neptunus en latin) ne
devait pas désigner le Poséidon des Grecs, mais plutôt un génie berbère, protecteur des sources.
Pour s’assurer sa bienveillance et ses bonnes grâces, des sacrifices sanglants lui étaient offerts à
l’occasion du curage plus ou moins régulier des bassins. Dans une ambiance de fête et après avoir
été parés et promenés dans l’oasis, des bœufs étaient alors immolés et leur viande partagée entre les
membres de la communauté. Ce rite païen a traversé les siècles et a survécu à tous les
changements. Il est resté vivace jusqu’à la fin des années 60 du siècle dernier. Comme pour les
autres oasis, ce système d’irrigation plurimillénaire est devenu incapable de satisfaire les besoins
d’une oasis qui a vu sa superficie s’étendre de manière notable. Ce rite qui a ponctué la vie des Gfasa

117
depuis des millénaires a ainsi, suite au tarissement des sources de Oued el Bey, disparu à jamais et
avec lui c’est une partie de l’âme authentique de l’oasis qui s’en est allée!

Si le réseau d’irrigation garde en grande partie son authenticité en dépit de l’introduction de l’usage de
canalisation en ciment, c’est le mode de gestion traditionnel, à caractère communautaire, qui a
disparu et qui est passé sous le contrôle direct ou déguisé de l’État. Ce réseau qui était la propriété
collective de la communauté des propriétaires des parcelles dans l’oasis historique n’a plus personne
aujourd’hui en charge de sa conservation. Une action de sensibilisation est entreprise par
l’Association de la Sauvegarde de la Médina (ASM) en vue de garantir la protection de ce qui subsiste
du réseau en tant qu’élément d’un Bien classé « Système Ingénieux du Patrimoine Agricole
Mondial ».

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Sub-region C : Egypt, North-Sudan, Eritrea
Water Heritage of Egypt and Nile Region
Water Heritage of Egypt and Nile Region
Fekri A. Hassan
Emeritus Petrie Professor of Archaeology, University College London, UK
Director, Cultural Heritage Management Program, French University in Egypt

1 General characteristics of the Nile region

1.1 Climate and Hydrology

The Nile is formed by three tributaries: the Blue Nile, the White Nile, and the Atbara. They join
north of Khartoum to form the Main Nile. The river then flows northward through Lake Nasser, the
second largest man-made lake in the world, before splitting into two major distributaries just north
of Cairo, the Rosetta branch to the west and the Damietta to the east.

The Nile Valley in Sudan and Egypt is rainless during the northern winter. Between the period
from 1900 to 1998, the Nile tributaries in the highlands of Ethiopia received a mean of
1,421 mm per year, with > 2000 mm in the southwest to around 1000 mm in the northeast, with
about 70 percent of rainfall occurring between June and September. Most of the northern region
falls under the influence of the northeast trade winds, which causes the prevailing aridity. By
contrast, the more distant sources of the Nile in Equatorial Africa, located in parts of the East
African lakes region and south-western Ethiopia, experience tropical climates with well-distributed
rainfall. The Blue Nile contributes about 60 percent of the total flow of the Nile.

1.2 Cultural Relations and Technical regional Exchange

The Main Nile in Egypt and Sudan is the downstream part of the greater Nile Basin, which is
shared among 10 riparian regional states. The transboundary character of the Nile requires
coordination efforts to ensure an equitable, fair distribution of water, while at the same time
ensuring that no harm is inflicted on any of the countries of the Nile Basin. This issue became a
subject of international interest when irrigation projects in Egypt and Sudan required the
th
regulation of the flow of Nile floods. Early in the 20 century when the British occupied both
Egypt and Sudan, bilateral agreements and treaties were signed to ensure that the flow of water
from its distant sources was not interrupted. By November 1959, Sudan and Egypt signed an
agreement for the utilization of the shared waters of the River Nile. This agreement considers the
rights of other riparian countries to the Nile waters. Since then, countries of the Nile basin have
been engaged in regional co-operative activities: ‘HYDROMET’, 1967–1993; ‘TECCONILE’,
1993–1999; and ‘Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) formally launched in 1999.

The NBI provided a unique forum for the countries of the Nile to put a co-operative process in
place to realize tangible benefits in the basin and build a solid foundation of trust and confidence.
By 2010, a final draft of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (the Entebbe Agreement) to be
signed by all Nile Basin countries was prepared, with a few articles remaining under
consideration. The Entebbe Agreement was signed by Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia,
Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi. Egypt and Sudan did not sign it and the situation became
complicated when Ethiopia began the construction of a mega dam on the Blue Nile. A period of
tense relationships prevailed until the end of 2014, when reconciliatory statements and measures
then paved the way to more effective cooperation.

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2.a Water Archaeological Sites
The greatness of Egyptian civilization is the legacy of one of the first human achievements in the
domain of irrigation farming on the banks of a great river. At that time, it was matched only by the
Mesopotamian civilization, and was later followed by Indian and Chinese civilizations.

Figure 1. Location Map of Principal Water Heritage Sites

1 Alexandria; Underground cisterns, hammams.
2 Cairo: Rhoda Nilometer, sabils, cisterns, Al-Khalig, Magra
Al-Ayoun Aquaduct, hammams.
3 Wadi garawi rockfill dam
4 El-Lahun Dam, Faiyum
5 Itsa Dam, Faiyum.
6 Giza ; Gisr Saladine
7 Wadi Tumeilat Canals of the Pharahs
8 Dandereh Temple, Nilometer.
9 Luxor, Karnak harbor, Madient Habu Harbor
10 Kom Ombo, Kom Ombo Temple Nilometer
11 Aswan, Elephantine Nilometer
12 Kharga Oasis, Ain Manawir Qanat.

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Descending into Egypt from Equatorial Africa and Ethiopia, the Nile River has created a narrow,
fertile floodplain providing the setting for agricultural developments and riverine transport that was
necessary for the rise of Egyptian civilization.

The modern floodplain is surrounded by older and higher deposits belonging to earlier, mightier
rivers that once flowed in a deep trench formed in association with the Great African Rift
25 million years ago.

Infiltrated with mud from distant sources of the Nile in Ethiopia and Equatorial Africa, the Nile
River is an outstanding geological wonder and a salient feature of the African continent. Along its
course in Egypt, the Nile is met by no tributaries and is characterized by a sinuous channel with
traces of ancient parallel distributaries. In historical times, as it approached the Mediterranean,
the main channel divided into numerous channels forming a distinct deltaic plain. Today, only two
branches are recognizable; other branches have either been silted up or converted, in part, into
canals.

Photo 1. Nile cultural landscape, Aswan (Fekri Hassan)

The Nile floodplain was occupied in prehistoric times by inhabitants that subsisted on foraging,
hunting, fishing, and fowling, and it was transformed into a remarkable cultural landscape after
the advent of agriculture 7000 years ago. Early farmers contended with the rise of Nile flood
waters in the summer and the dramatic fall in water level during winter. To overcome problems
due to excessive or reduced amounts of water than required for the course of the agricultural
cycle, an ingenious system was perfected over the years. Drains were dug to prevent water
logging, and irrigation canals were excavated to carry water to high grounds at the edge of the
floodplain. Cross-embankments perpendicular to the floodplain were constructed to slow water

124
 movements northward following the slope of the land. Water was then allowed to flow northward
to irrigate the fields following the northward, seaward slope of the floodplain.
Numerous waterworks and structures testify to key developments in the long water history of
Egypt.

2.a.1 Nilometers
The oldest Nilometers are associated with the temples at Philae, Elephantine, Madinet Habu,
Dandra, Karnak, and Kom Ombo. The Greek geographer Strabo (ca. 63 B.C.-A.D. 20) gave an
accurate description of the Nilometer.

There are two Nilometers at Elephantine Island. The most famous one is a corridor Nilometer
associated with the Temple of Satis, with a stone staircase that descends along the corridor. It is
one of the oldest Nilometers in Egypt, last reconstructed in Roman times, and was still in use as
late as the 19th century CE. Ninety steps lead down to the river and they are marked with
Roman, Demotic, and Hieroglyphic numerals. Inscriptions near the water’s edge were carved
deeply into the rock during the 17th Dynasty (ca. 1550 BC). The Nilometer was restored in 1870
by Khedive Ismael. The other Nilometer is a rectangular basin located at the island's southern tip,
near the Temple of Khnum and opposite the Old Cataract Hotel, and is probably the older of the
two.

Photo 2 . Elephantine Nilometer, Aswan (Fekri Hassan)

The Nilometer on Philae Island, south of Aswan, now moved from its original location, is a
staircase with graduations carved on its internal walls.

In 2010, excavations in the Avenue of the Sphinx in Luxor revealed the remains of a Nilometer,
which contained a collection of New Kingdom clay vessels. Constructed out of sandstone, the
Nilometer is a cylindrical structure, seven meters in diameter, and has spiral steps that once led
to the Nile inlet.

The Nilometer in the temple of Dandereh is located to the west of the temple of Hathor. It
consisted of a staircase in a rectangular well.

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 Further north, there is a spectacular Nilometer in the north-western area of the Temple of Kom
Ombo. It consists of a circular shaped well, connected to a smaller water well, and it was
constructed during the Roman period.

Today, the most well-preserved Nilometer as a heritage site and monument is certainly the
Rhoda Nilometer (see case study n°1).

2.a.2 Historical Dams

- Sadd el-Kafra, Wadi al-Garawi (see case study n° 2)
One of the earliest outstanding achievements is the first rock-fill dam at Wadi al-Garawi, the Sadd
‫ )سدال‬dam, located 10 km southeast of the Helwan suburb of Cairo Egypt.
el-Kafra (‫كفرة‬

- The Middle Kingdom Hydraulic Project (see case study n° 3)

The Middle Kingdom dam at El-Lahun, for hydraulic control in the Faiyum Depression, was a
important project constructed in the Second Millennium BC.

Contrary to the common belief that the Faiyum Depression, located in the desert south-east of the
older capital Memphis, was used as a reservoir to hold water during periods of high floods to be
re-directed during low Nile events to the Nile floodplain, the lake level was actually maintained
well below the level of the connecting channel to allow back-flow into the Main Nile channel. The
myth was a result of the misinterpretation of a statement by Herodotus. Recent investigations
have revealed that after the lake was filled to the required level, sluices in the dam at the
entrance of the inlet channel were closed. Excess floodwater was stored in an artificially-dug,
narrow and elongated reservoir in front of the dam to prevent over-flooding of the floodplain and
which could be used through a canal that ran along the desert edge of the Nile floodplain, from
Faiyum to Memphis, to provide water to the pyramid funerary towns and farming villages.

- Itsa Dam and Lake El-Mala’a

In addition to the Middle Kingdom dam at El-Lahun, another dam extends over
8 km between Itsa and Shidmuh, in the southeast part of the Faiyum Depression. The basin of El-
rd
Malaa now under cultivation was covered by a lake created by the dam as early as the 3 cent.
B.C.

Photo 3. Itsa-Shedmu Dam, Faiyum (Fekri Hassan)

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 - Saladin Giza Embankment/Barrages ‫جسرصالح الدين أاليوبيبالجيزة‬
Constructed under the Ayyubid Saladine in 1173, this was a remarkable construction consisting
of an arched embankment to control the water level in the Pyramid’s Canal (now Khalig al-libini)
between the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile opposite Fustat. It had 40 wide arches and stretched
over 6 miles. It was converted into a barrage making it possible to irrigate Giza when the Nile was
only 12 cubits high, compared to 18 earlier. It was maintained and restored in Mameluk times, but
was eventually destroyed when the Ismael opened the road to the Giza Pyramids in 1869.
Another embankment was built by Mameluk Sultan Qait Bey in 1480 on the Zumur Canal, at the
start of the Pyramids Street. It was also destroyed in 1869.

- Abu al-Manga Barrage

This barrage was constructed by the Mameluk Sultan Baibars in 1266-1267 to contain water
during the flood season in order to increase water level so that the lands of Sharqyia could be
easily irrigated. It had sluices that were closed and opened as needed. It was restored in 1487,
though the Al-Manga canal has since silted up and the barrages have been destroyed except for
a small part which still carries the lion statues of Sultan Baibars. The remaining part was restored
by Khedive Abbas Helmi II.

2.a.3 The Wadi Tumilat Canal of the Pharaohs

The legacy of digging navigable canals in Egypt goes back to the excavation of five canals,
during the reign of Pepy I (2321-2287 BC), in the granitic rock of Nubia to allow the passage of
large floats and barges loaded with huge blocks of granite. However, the kings of the 12th
dynasty of the Middle Kingdom (2055-1985 BC) are believed, on the basis of an account by
Aristote, to have initiated the process. In addition to their remarkable achievements in dam
building in the Faiyum, they undertook the excavation of a great navigable waterway that
connected the Nile at Heliopolis, north of Memphis, to the Red Sea. An older branch of the Nile
used to run along this line, but would have been silted during the low Nile period of the First
Intermediate Period, which began earlier under Papi II (2278-2184 BC). Ships had to be
dismantled and transported on land to the Bitter Lakes, then connected with the open sea through
a natural waterway where they were reassembled. By the Middle Kingdom (2055 -1650 BC), the
southern part of this route had silted up. Trips to Punt on the Red Sea Coast of the Horn of Africa
under Mentuhotep III (2004-1992 BC) had to be reached through Wadi Hammamat across the
Red Sea Hills in Upper Egypt.

Undaunted, the kings of the Middle Kingdom apparently took on the task of restoring navigation
from the Nile to the Red Sea, a project as ambitious as the digging of the Suez Canal in modern
times.

The Canal of the Pharaohs was likely still navigable during the reigns of Hatshepsut and
Thutmose III (1473-1425 BC), who made intensive use of their navy for both economic and
military ventures. However, the canal was subject to siltation due to fluctuations in Nile flood
levels and, at times, a lack of maintenance. The canal was re-excavated under the Egyptian
Pharaoh Necho II (610-590 BC) and work was resumed on the canal during the Persian
occupation of Egypt under Darius I (522-486 BC). A stela, one of four commemorating the
construction of the canal by Darius I, was located at Wadi Tumilat. The canal was reactivated
again under Ptolemy II (285-246 BC), who fitted the canal with a lock to remedy the difference
between the sea water level and the level of the canal around 274/273 BC, and a trench 100 feet
wide, 30 feet deep and about 35 miles long was dug as far as the Bitter Lakes.
nd
In the 2 century AD, the canal was still in use and was dubbed the "River of Trajan" by Ptolemy
th
the Astronomer. The canal remained in use until it suffered from silting during the 7 century AD,
but was then re-excavated soon after the Arab conquest of Egypt in 641 or 642 AD by Amr ibn al-

127
 'As. In 767 AD it was closed on purpose by one of the rulers in order to stop supplies reaching
Mecca and Medina. The canal was discovered in 1799 during the Napoleonic Expedition.

2.a.4 Nile Harbours

Although harbours on the Mediterranean Coast and the Red Sea Coast range in date from the
4th Dynasty to Late Antiquity, very few Nile River harbours or quays have been found apart from
those at Karnak and Birket Habu.
The great artificial harbour of the palace-city of Amenhotep III (1390-1352 BC) is located at
western Thebes, known as Birket Habu. The basin, about 2.5 km by 1.0 km wide and more than
6.0 m deep, was excavated and connected to the river by a navigable canal. At present, the basin
is about 2.5 km west of the course of the Nile, as the Nile shifted eastwards. Over the past 3,000
years the basin has gradually silted up until it almost reached the level of the surrounding
floodplain.

In Karnak, Luxor, over 250 m of a great embankment built to protect the temple from high floods
was discovered. The embankment was constructed of 14 courses of sandstone blocks and the
width of the wall was 1.60 m. The embankment linked into the tribune, which was probably built
at the same time. This seems to have been some time after Dynasty XXII (945-715 BC), and was
modified by Taharqa of Dynasty XXV (690-664 BC). The upper parts of the embankment seem to
have been restored during the Greco-Roman period.

Photo 4. Nile Harbor, Karnak Temple, Luxor (Fekri Hassan)

2.a.5 Qanats
Outside the Nile Valley, one of the key principal developments in hydraulic structures was the
excavation of qanats ‫سرداب‬. ‫قناة‬. These are subterranean tunnels with a slight slope leading from a
source of water to a lower, cultivable area. They are dug through the use of several digging shafts
at close intervals which had to be maintained against wall collapse, wind-blown sand, and
siltation. A spectacular example is located at Ain Manawar, in the Kharga Oasis, with
archaeological evidence dating from the reigns of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC) and Darius II (424-
405 BC) of the Persian Dynasty, though the area was then abandoned at the time of Nepherites I
th
during the 29 Dynasty (399-393 BC).

128
 Notable qanats are also found in Dakhla, Baharia and Farafra Oases. Some are still flowing with
water and should be conserved.

2.a.6 Aqueducts
Aqueducts, widely associated with the Roman period in many parts of the world, were adopted by
Ibn Tulun (868-883 AD) in order to convey water over a distance of 2.5 km from a well supplied
by a water pool (Birket el-Habash) located south of the first Islamic capital Al Fustat, south of
modern Cairo, to supply water to the inhabitants of a cemetery (Al-Qarafa al-Soghra). Water was
carried by a water conduit, 48 cm wide, above an arched aqueduct.

The Magra el-Ayoun aqueduct, still

Photo 5. Magra el-Ayoun Aqueduct, Misr el-Qadima-
Qasr el Aini, Cairo (Fekri Hassan)
visible along the cornice of the Nile, north
of Qasr el-Aini, was constructed by the
Ayubbid Sultan, Saladine, to supply
water to the citadel he built as a fortress
on top of the Mokattam Hill. The
aqueduct, now called Magra al-Ayun,
was completed by Saldine’s successors;
Al-‘Adel (1200-1218), Al-Kamil (1218-
1238), and Al-Saleh Nagm el-Dine Ayub
(1240-1250). The aqueduct was later
restored, renovated and extended by Al-
Naser ibn Qalawoon in 1313 AD, with the
addition of four large water wheels
(Naoura) to carry water from the Nile to
the top of the aqueduct. The aqueduct
was renovated again by Mameluke
Sultan Barquq (1382-1399) and Qaitbey
(1468-1496). In 1508, Sultan al-Ghouri
moved the intake point, digging a new
well connected to the Nile through a
tunnel. In 1814, the aqueduct was
restored under Mohamed Ali Pacha, and
an extension added to reach his
mausoleum and that of Al-Imam Al-
Shafaei. Until 1892, water was delivered
to a basin at the location now occupied
by the Mosque of Al-Sayada Aisha. At
the time, water was carried through
seven water wheels. The length of the
aqueduct is about 3.1 km, with an initial
elevation at the intake point of 23 m.

Attempts are underway to conserve this aqueduct which could become a major cultural resource
for water history and heritage tourism. An urban water museum could be integrated with a visit to
the Roda Nilometer (‫ )مقياس النيل –الروض ة‬across the river, and the different water supply points, the
Sebils (‫ )سبيل‬of medieval Cairo. Of special importance are the underground cisterns of Al-Moez
street where Nile water was brought from the Nile on camels to be provided freely to passersby
and draft animals. The waterwheel is of particular importance as one of the key features of water
management in urban water supply and for the irrigation of rural areas. The remains of a

129
 waterwheel can be found in Magra Al-Ayoun ‫ري العيون‬
‫مج‬, and a household saqqyia is located at the
Palace of Al-Amir Taz built in 1352.

2.a.7 Urban Canals

One of the most important barrages in the history of Cairo is the Al-Khalig (originally Khalig Amir
el-Moumeneen ‫)خليج امير المؤمنين‬. The Khalig running along an abandoned course of the Nile
provided water to Cairo’s inhabitants after the Nile channel had shifted westwards. It entered the
City at Bab el-Sha’ryia. It was extended and maintained during the Mameluk period beyond the
gates of Fatimid Cairo. The Khalig was crossed by several bridges. At the time of the Napoleonic
Expedition, it extended as far as Abbasa in Sharqyia Province following the previous course of
the Nile. The length of the Khalig in Cairo was 46 km, with a width of 15 m, and water reached a
level of up to 6 m during inundation.

The Khalig was originally deepened and re-excavated where it had silted up in 644 to re-establish
the ancient canal first dug in Ancient Egyptian times to connect Memphis with the Red Sea. The
original inlet was at Al-Sayeda Zeinab and Nuba street (Fum el-Khalig). Although maintained
during the Mameluk period, it was neglected in the Ottoman period. In 1896-1898 it was filled in
and became Al-khalig al-Misri street, which was later widened to become Port Said street.

2.a.8 Cisterns
Some of the most remarkable and hardly known monuments in Alexandria are its huge and
spectacular subterranean multi-story cisterns, rather like underground cathedrals
(http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/alexandriacisterns.htm). In 1422, Ghillebert de Lannoy
wrote to Henry V of England concerning Alexandria: "Underneath the streets and houses, the
whole city is hollow. Under the ground there are conduits roofed over with arches, through which
the wells are filled up once a year by the River Nile. And if this were not so, they would have no
fresh water in the town, since it rains there very little or not at all and there are neither wells nor
natural springs in the city. Thirty miles from here, starting from a village on the Nile called Hatse,
a man-made canal begins its course. It runs for a mile close to the city, along the walls and flows
into the sea in the Old Harbour [Western Harbour]. Every year, at the end of August and
throughout all of September, the River Nile, which rises considerably at this time of year, flows
through this canal to fill all the wells of the city for a year, and also the wells outside the city,
which are used for watering the gardens."

Water was supplied to the cisterns from the Nile via a 20 km long canal, the Shedia Canal, dug
from the Canopic branch of the Nile, to ensure a regular and controlled supply of water. The canal
was maintained and repeatedly cleaned against siltation. The canal was still in use when visited
by Abul Feda, Prince of Hama, in 1318.

Water flowing into the canal during the flood was loaded with silt and had to be cleared before it
was drinkable. Water for houses and buildings was drawn from the cisterns with the aid of water
wheels.

The Canopic branch, which fed the Alexandrian canal, eventually silted up. Mohammad Ali dug a
new canal, the Mahmoudyia canal, and extended it eastward by about 50 km to the Bolbitine
branch of the Nile, which flows into the sea near Rosetta.

During the Napoleonic expedition, the number of cisterns was estimated as 400, but later in 1872,
Mahmoud el-Falaki listed 700 cisterns. Since then, the number of cisterns has continued to
dwindle until there was only one ancient cistern that could still be visited in 1990, the el-Nabih.
More recently, more than 200 lost cisterns have been re-located by Jean-Yves Empereur.

In Cairo, underground cisterns were discovered during the site management project of El-Moez
Street, as well as in Sabil-Kuttab of Solayman Agha El-Silihdar.

130
2.a.9 Sabls of Cairo
Sabils are facilities which provide free, fresh water for passers-by and animals. They consist of an
underground cistern and a room at street level. Water is lifted up to the top floor and dispensed
through small water basins. A spout is sometimes provided for water delivery. Sabils were found
almost everywhere in old Islamic Cairo during Mamluk and Ottoman times, and there were once
more than 300 sabils across Cairo during the Ottoman period from 1517 – 1867. They were often
associated with Kuttabs, a form of elementary school for teaching children how to read and write.
Renowned sabils include Sabil and Kuttab of Qait Bey, Mohamed Ali Pacha, Abderrahman
Katukhda, Khalil Effendi Al-Maqaigi, Soliman pacha Al-Kharboutli, Zein el-Abdine, Abi el-Iqbal
Arfeen Bey, Taha Hussein el-Wardani, Kousa Senan.

Sabils were built by prominent, wealthy people as free standing buildings, with underground
cisterns, in which the Nile’s water was brought by camels and stored for redistribution. Through a
hole in the ceiling of the cistern, water was pulled up in buckets and distributed through windows
to passersby. Water was also delivered in troughs for horses and donkeys.

2.b Living Sites of Water Heritage

2.b.1 The Delta Mohamed Ali Barrage

The Delta Barrage was completed in 1862, during the early reign of Viceroy Ismail Pasha's (Later
khedive Ismail) to control the flow of water in the branches of the Nile. The Rosetta section was
465 meters in length, with 61 arches of 4.8 meters in length each. The Damietta section was 545
meters long and had a similar number of arches and locks. When first operated, the foundations
proved not to be strong enough.

In 1890, the foundations were strengthened. However, the barrage began to leak, necessitating
the building of a new Barrage in 1939. The foundations were built in steel piling and concrete
cement encrusted several meters below the sandy base. Granite from Aswan was used for part of
the structure.

2.b.2 Water wheels

Water-powered wheels are associated with Faiyum. They are the city’s main tourist attraction,
and include seven waterwheels situated in the Bahr Sinnuris on the outskirts of the town and four
more in the city centre, which are now the symbol of the Faiyum Governorate. These unique,
large black wooden wheels were first introduced by Ptolemaic engineers and are capable of lifting
water between four and five metres to fill channels which serve to irrigate the region. There are
around two hundred of these unique water-powered wheels throughout the province, though they
are not found anywhere else in Egypt. Waterwheels driven by animals were common elsewhere
in Egypt but have now almost disappeared.

Waterwheels have been used widely in the countryside for irrigation since they were first
introduced by the Persians, in addition to the Shaduf introduced earlier during the New Kingdom
of Ancient Egypt. During the Ptolemaic period, irrigation devices included the Egyptian screw,
invented in Alexandria.

131
 Photo 6. Saqqyia, Madient el Faiyum (Faiyum City)Faiyum. (Fekri Hassan)

Giant water wheels were used to lift water in urban areas to the higher levels of aqueducts. They
could lift water up to 3 meters, and consisted of a vertical wheel, about 3 m in diameter, to draw
water using jars (Qadus). The vertical movement of the wheel was made possible by a horizontal
wheel with wooden gears.

2.b.3 Wells
One of the most remarkable of these wells is the Yusuf Well in the Citadel, which consists of two
superimposed wells. Water is lifted from one well to the other by a water wheel. The lower well is
40.3 m deep, while the upper well is 50.3 m deep, with a total depth of 90.6 m. They were dug
into the limestone bedrock underlying the Citadel. The well is descended by a spiral staircase
(300 steps).

2.b.4 Hammams
Hammams are public bathhouses which, before modern water sanitation, provided an opportunity
for the public to bathe. However, the hammam was also a social institution for beautification,
socializing, celebrating special occasions, recuperating, as well as an opportunity for mothers to
find suitable wives for their eligible sons. Hammams hosted men and women separately at
different times or days of the week, with some specifically for women or men.

The hammams in Cairo were frequented in the past by artisans and merchants. Today they are
frequented by labourers, the elderly and those who seek special medical help. A few hammams
are still active and are restricted within the old historical quarter of Cairo. The number of working
hammams is perhaps less than 20.

132
 These hammams which were once highly integrated within the social fabric during the
Mameluke period and which continued to play a major role in folk quarters until the 19th
century, began to lose their value by the 1950s and certainly after the 1960s due to increasing
westernization and the availability of running water in houses.

Hammams in Alexandria date back to the Ptolemies, and continued to exist throughout the
Islamic period. An archival record of these hammams has been made by the Bibliotheca
Alexandrina.

3 Existing documentation
Inventories, archive documents and collections of photographs are dispersed throughout several
institutions, mostly those belonging to the Ministry of Antiquities (MoA), the Ministry of Culture
(MoC) and the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR). They include the Archives of the Committee
for the preservation of antiquities 1881-1979 (MoA), Archives of the Department of Islamic and
Coptic Antiquities IMoA), Drawing Department, Center for the Documentation of Islamic and
Coptic Antiquities (MoA), the Dar el-Kutub (National Library, MoC), and the Dar Al-Wathaiq al-
Qawmyia al-Misryia (Egyptian National Library and Archives, MoC) founded in 1828.

4 State of historic and technical knowledge

Except for a few recent studies on el Kufra Dam, the El-Lahun Dam, the Itsa Dam, and the sebils
and cisterns of El-Moez street in Cairo, no scientific or historical investigations are currently
underway.

5 Threats
Heritage has always been threatened by the natural processes of decay and deterioration, but it
has never been as threatened as it is today due to the expansion and intensification of human
activities harmful to the preservation of cultural heritage. Such activities range from the demolition
of heritage sites to the emission of chemical pollutants that hasten and aggravate the processes
of decay, even of the most durable stones. Threats to water heritage sites in Egypt include:

1 Lack of administration and legislation required to protect sites and secure funds, resources,
and qualified staff for appropriate conservation.
2 Lack of historical and conservation efforts.
3 Lack of a policy to valorise water heritage sites.
4 Deterioration due to neglect.
5 The impact of development - one of the main causes of destruction - due to population growth,
industrialization, land reclamation, road building, and urbanization (e.g. Itsa Dam).

Different scenarios for the impact of climate change indicate that temperatures will rise
throughout the Nile basin, but there is considerable uncertainty and disparity in spatial and
temporal predictions of changes in precipitation, as to both magnitude and direction. This makes
the analysis of the implications of these changes for stream flow more complicated and uncertain.
Nevertheless, long-term changes and increasing inter-annual variability will require immediate
intervention to counteract the effects of catastrophically low and high floods.

133
6 Legal protection in force
Monuments and sites in Egypt were protected by Law 117 Year 1983 (‫ (قانون حماية الثار‬until
amended by Law 3 Year 2010 )2010 ‫فبراير‬ 14 ‫ مكررفي‬6 ‫الجريدة الرسمية – العدد‬
. The articles amended
are articles 2 and 3, articles 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17, 25, 32, and item G in article 34, and
articles 35, 36, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45. Law 61 Year 2010 also added a new article to Law 117
Year 1983 under No. 42 repeated.
(http://laweg.net/Default.aspx?action=HP
Laws protecting historical buildings in Egypt consist of:
(http://www.urbanharmony.org/ar_rules.htm)
- Building and Construction Law (2008) ‫ناء لسن ة‬ ‫قانونالب‬
,
- Law 119 of Urban Harmony (2008)2008‫نسيقالحضاريلسنة‬ ‫قانونالت‬
- Law Regulating Demolition of Buildings and Constructions Not Threatened by the Collapse
and the Conservation of Architectural Heritage (2006). ‫قانونتنظيم أعمال هدم المباني والمنشأت غيرآليلة‬
2006 ‫لحفاظعلى التراث المعماريلسنة‬ ‫للسقوط وا‬
- 2008 ‫نسيقالحضاريلسنة‬ ‫ية لقانونالت‬
‫فيذ‬‫( لالئحةالتن‬Executive rule for Urban Harmony Law Year 2008).
- 2006‫لسنة‬144 ‫للقانون‬ ‫فيذية‬
‫( لالئحةالتن‬Executive Rule for Law 114 Year 2006).

7 Conservation and management of water heritage

Other than the restoration of some of the sebils, hammams and water cisterns in Fatimid, Cairo,
no systematic policy exists for the conservation of the archaeological or water heritage sites. All
are severely threatened and require appropriate action for conservation.

8 Conclusion
As one of the two oldest irrigation civilizations, Egypt has a rich and varied collection of water
heritage sites, monuments and lore. It boasts one of the oldest rock-fill dams and the first national
hydraulic projects dating back to more than 3800 years ago. Gauges used to measure the height
of Nile floods more than 5000 years ago set the stage for modern scientific measuring standards,
systematic observations, and deductive logic based on the relationships between Nile floods and
astronomical cycles. The Valley of the Nile, cultivated over the last 7000-5000 years ago, is a
remarkable cultural landscape; never static, it remains bound to the regular rhythm of annual Nile
floods and temperate weather.

Considering the excavation of canals and drains; the construction of embankments, barrages,
and dams; as well as cisterns to store water; the digging of wells for urban and agricultural uses,
and the employment of water-lifting devices to transfer water to higher grounds; Egypt is a
microcosm of world water heritage because the history of Egypt is intertwined with that of
Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and the Islamic world. Even qanats, the deep tunnels
harvesting and transporting water downslope from hills to arable land in desert oases, are
associated with Egypt at almost the same time they appeared originally in Persia.

The tangible water heritage sites and monuments are immersed in the minds of Egyptians, and
their lore of tales, songs, poems, festivals and celebrations that keep its long water history alive
and vibrant. However, the conservation, valorisation and documentation available on this
important water heritage is negligible. This is regrettable at a time of rapid and radical change in
Egypt and the world, given the significance of this heritage in relation to a sense of belonging,
attachment to the land, and its informative messages for water management, especially as Egypt
today is challenged by water poverty and the prospect of further scarcities in the future.

134
9 Bibliography

Beyene, T. P. Lettenmaier, D.P. and Kabat, P., “Hydrologic Impacts of Climate Change on the
Nile River Basin: Implications of the 2007 IPCC Climate Scenarios”. Climate Change, 2010,
Vol.100, pp. 433-461.
Boraik, M., “Excavations of the quays and embankment in front of Karnak temples. Preliminary
report”, Cahiers du Karnak, 2010, Vol.13, pp. 65-78.
Borchardt, L., Nilmesser und Nilstandsmarken (Nile Gauges and Nile Level Markers) Berlin,
Royal Academy of Sciences, 1906, 55 pp.
Conway, D., “The Climate and Hydrology of the Upper Blue Nile River”, The Geographical
Journal. The Royal Geographical Society, 2010, Vol. 166, No. 1, pp. 49-62.
Fahlbusch, H., "Early Dams". History Association. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
Gad, A., “Water Culture and Water Conflict in the Mediterranean Area”, Options
Méditerranéennes 2008, No. 83, pp. 85-96.
Hassan, F. A., “Climate change, Nile floods and Riparia”. in Riparia dans L’empire Romain.
Edited by Ella Hermon, 2010, BAR S2066, Oxford.
Hassan, F. A. , Water History for Our Times, 2010, Paris, UNESCO
Hassan, F. A. and Hemdan, M.A. 2007. The Faiyum Oasis- Climate Change and Water
Management in Ancient Egypt In Traditional Water Techniques: Cultural Heritage for a
Sustainable Future, Edited by F. A. Hassan, 2007, Cairo: CultNat, Bibliotheca Alexandrian,
Henry Graphix.
El Kerdany,D., “Hammām folklore dynamics in Cairo: Lessons from operation to regeneration”.
Archnet-International Journal of Architectural Research, 2008 Volume 2 - Issue 3.
Mason, S. A., “From conflict to cooperation in the Nile Basin”. Center for Security Studies
(CSS), 2009, ETH, Zurich.
Melesse, Assefa M. (Ed.), “Nile River Basin, Hydrology”, Climate and Water Use. 2011, XXVII,
419p. Springer.
Nawar, M., Water Works in Egypt from the Islamic Conquest to the End of the Mameluke
Period: An archaeological and Archaeological Study , 1999, Alexandria, Dar
el-Wafaa.
Wuttmann, M., Gonon, and T., Thiers, C., “The Qanats of ‘Ayn-Manâwîr (Kharga Oasis, Egypt)”.
Journal of Achaemenid studies and Researches, 2000. / www.achemenet.com

135
Case Study N1
Rhoda Nilometer

Nilometers ‫ مقياس النيل‬were used from the earliest times of Egyptian civilization to determine the height
of Nile floods every years in order to regulate water flow in agricultural land and to allocate taxes,
which were reduced when low or high floods reduced agricultural yield. Nile flood reach their peak in
the summer. The timing of maximum volume flood discharge, and hence the height of flood water
level, varies considerably from one year to another.

At first graduated sticks were used to gauge the height of the flood. Later built structures, often
associated with temples, were constructed near the ancient capital at Memphis and elsewhere up the
Nile. These “Nilometers” consisted of a well connected to the Nile through a tunnel. The rise of water
in the well was measured against graduations in a column or on the walls and stairs of the well. The
measurements were in cubits and digits.

After the Arab Conquest of Egypt, a Nilometer was built at Rhoda on an Island close to Old Cairo
under the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mutawakil in AD 861 on the remains of an earlier structure constructed
about 715 by the Ummayidis. The earlier Nilometer was restored in 815 but was later destroyed by a
flood in 850.

Photo 1. Rhoda Nilometer illustrated by Luigi Mayer, printed 1802, Rhoda Island, Cairo.

136
A wall was built around the Nilometer by the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mustanser in 1092. Repairs were
made in 1128 under the Fatimids. The Mameluk Sultan Beibars added to it a cupola. The Nilometer
was repaired again at the time of Sultan Qaitbey in 1341. Al-Ghouri constructed a palace near the
Nilometer and was later imitated by the Turkish Sultan, Selim I.

During the Napoleonic expedition to Egypt, the Nilometer was rebuilt in 1801. The rebuilding was
completed in 1802 after the departure of the French and a new wooded Kiosk, still remaining was
added on top of the well structure.

The column of the Nilometer, marked by 19 cubits, is octagonal and rests on a one-cubit high granitic
foundation. It is overlain with a wooden beam to fix it. The current beam dates to 1947. A stairway 45
steps, each 24 cm high, runs along the eastern corner of the southern wall.

The Nilometer was maintained by state officials. Celebrations and festivities marked the plenitude of
the inundation ‫فاء النيل‬
‫و‬. Until the construction of the Aswan High Dam this was a national festival.

137
Case Study N2
Sadd el-Kafra Dam

One of the first outstanding achievements is the first rockfill dam at Wadi Garawi.

Sadd el-Kafra is a rockfill dam on Wadi al-Garawi, 10 km southeast of Helwan suburb of Cairo Egypt.
The wadi is a dry water course that carries water during rain storms. It is the oldest dam of such size
in the world. It was built around 2650 BC during the main period of pyramid building of the Old
Kingdom. The purpose for constructing the dam is still unclear. It may have been an experiment in
dam construction or for protecting royal installations and cemeteries across the river from the nation’s
capital located at that time at Saqqara and Dahshour. Alternatively, it could have been constructed to
provide water for animal game threatened by increasing aridity. It was destroyed by flash floods
during its construction and was never completed.

The dam was about 111 m long and 14 m high with a base width of 98m and crest width of 56m. The
dam's core was 32m wide and consisted of 60,000 tons of earth and rock-fill. Surrounding the core
were two loosely-filled rubble and rock-fill layer-walls. The downstream wall was about 37m wide, the
upstream wall about 29m wide and they encompassed 2,900 m3 of material. Encasing the dam were
upstream and downstream walls created from limestone ashlars in the manner used in building
pyramids. The ashlars were set but not mortared in stepped rows. The dam would have stored about
500,000 m3 of water.

Photo 1 . Wadi Garawi (Sad el-Kafara ) Dam, Helwan, South of Cairo (Fekri Hassan)

Lacking at the initial phase of construction of a spillway, the unfinished dam did not withstand a
torrential flood. However, as the top of the dam was not beheaded and was not protected from flood
water that would over-top the crest. The dam's proximity to the fertile Nile River and distance from
populations indicates it was built for protection against such events, similar to those that still occur
today. 22,100,000 cu ft of water and flooding would have caused the reservoir to flood into adjacent
parallel wadis. The dam's failure likely made Egyptian engineers reluctant to construct another for
nearly eight centuries.

138
Case Study N3
El-Lahun Dam

The Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC) ended abruptly as a result of catastrophically low floods at a time
between 4200 and 4150 years before present in response to a widespread global climatic event that
led to a marked reduction in water flow from Ethiopia and Equatorial Africa. The drop in Nile floods
was rapid and traumatic. The centralized government collapsed, towns were ravaged, severe famines
took their toll of lives, and disorder and crime were rampant. For a period of 150 years, Egyptians
strived to reinstitute order. Two major competing regional forces emerged, and after a series of
armed conflicts, kingship of the whole country was restored by Mentuhotepe II (2040-2010 BC). His
successors included Senusert II (1897-1878 BC). His grandson Amenemhet III (1844-1797 BC) had
the foresight to embark on Egypt’s, and the world’s, first ambitious hydraulic project in the Faiyum
Depression in the desert southeast of older capital, Memphis.

Photo 1 . El-Lahun Dam, Faiyum (Fekri Hassan)

Senusert II decided to connect the depression to the Nile to re-introduce water into the depression. In
addition, water inflow was controlled in order to keep water level in the depression sufficiently low so
that the earlier lake bottom could be reclaimed for agriculture as a royal estate. A dam was
constructed at el-Lahun at the point of entry.

The king himself oversaw the project and the king’s pyramid and royal necropolis- the holiest place of
kingship- were located there. The first organized town discovered in Egypt nearby at Kahun belongs to
the organized community of workers who were engaged in the great Faiyum project. This industrial
village provided papyri that provide a wealth of information that range from mathematical calculations
to gynecological treatise. Senusert II was later immortalized in the works of classical writers as
“Sesostris”. Senwosri II placed a pyramid at the entrance of the inlet at el-Lahun, complimenting the
pyramid of Amenemhê III, placed at Hawara, at the end of the inlet just before water flows into the

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depression. A huge mortuary temple that originally stood adjacent to this pyramid is believed to have
formed the basis of the complex of buildings with galleries and courtyards called a "labyrinth" by
Herodotus.

Queen Sobekneferu of the Twelfth dynasty also built at the complex. Her name meant "most beautiful
of Sobek", the crocodile God worshipped there.

Contrary to the common belief that the depression was used as a reservoir to hold water during period
of high floods to be re-directed during low Nile events to the Nile floodplain, the lake level was
maintained well below the level of the connecting channel to allow back-flow into the Main Nile
channel. The myth was a result of a misinterpretation of a statement by Herodotus. Recent
investigations reveal that after the lake was filled to the required level sluices in the dam at the
entrance of the inlet channel were closed. Excess floodwater was stored in an artificially dug narrow,
elongate reservoir in front of the dam to prevent over flooding of the floodplain and to be used through
a canal that ran along the desert edge of the Nile floodplain from Faiyum to Memphis to provide water
to the pyramid funerary towns and farming villages.

The channel was called the “Great Channel,” Mewêr, in Greek Moeris. The waterworks in the Faiyum
were later attributed to King of Marres, and the lake filling the depression was called Lake Moeris by
the Greeks. The huge depression in the Faiyum is a natural geological feature and was freely
connected to the Nile in prehistoric times and during the Old Kingdom. A quay on its northern shores
was used to transport basalt building blocks from Gebel Qattrani north of the Lake through one of the
oldest paved roads still in existence. The original Egyptian name of the lake was “Shei”, meaning “the
lake.” It was later called Piôm, “the sea,” which became “Fayum” in Arabic.

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 Sub-region D:
Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Jordan
Water management in arid and semi-arid regions.
Challenges and solutions through the ages :
Examples from Syria and Jordan
Le patrimoine culturel de l’eau dans la Beqaa Nord
143
Water management in arid and semi-arid regions. Challenges and
solutions through the ages: Examples from Syria and Jordan
Karin Bartl
German Archaeological Institute, Orient Department

1 General characteristics of the studied sub-region

Syria and Jordan are part of a greater historical entity referred to as "Bilad al-Sham", which also
comprises the Levant and its hinterland. Both countries subdivide into two fundamentally different
climatic zones, i.e. the north-western regions under a Mediterranean influence on one hand and
on the other, the arid steppes and deserts in the central and eastern areas, which cover between
60% (Syria) and 80% (Jordan) of the territory. The annual rainfall varies between 500 and
1000 mm in the western mountainous areas and averages around 200 mm along the margins of
the desert.

Figure 1. Map with sites mentioned in the text and 200-100 isohyet (map: German Archaeological
Institute, Orient Department, Th. Urban 2011 using SRTM data V2 CGIAR-CSI 9 m Database)

144
 If one considers both countries as part of an integral region, productive lands with fertile soils
receiving sufficient natural precipitation predominate in the west and the north. By tradition, these
zones accordingly match with the chief areas of settlement and agriculture.

The principal perennial rivers in Syria are the river Euphrates with its two tributaries, the Balikh
and the Khabur, and the Orontes. In Jordan, the major rivers are the River Jordan and its eastern
tributary Yarmouk. Except for the now dried-up endorheic Ghouta lake near Damascus and that
in the area of the river Qoueiq near Aleppo, there are no freshwater lakes in the region. The Lake
Qattina southwest of Homs is artificial; it was created in the Roman Period through a barrage.

The Syro-Jordanian desert steppes to the east are part of the Irano-Turanian or Saharo-Arabian
region with rainfall varies between 50 and 200 mm. In this area, a permanent natural water supply
is assured only by the two large oases at Palmyra and Azraq that are fed by springs and
groundwater.

The human use of arid and semi-arid zones, however, requires complex water management,
though often with strikingly simple methods and yet high yields, as frequently verified by
numerous instances that date back as early as Prehistory. Such methods include primarily the
harvesting, storage, and distribution of winter precipitation, which frequently causes seasonal
flash floods that turn otherwise dry wadis into torrential rapids.

2 Well-known and chief sites for the cultural heritage of water

2.1 Archaeological sites

In the same way as accepted for hunter and gatherer camp sites, it is thought that the first
th
prerequisite for the region’s earliest settling communities of the 11 millennium BCE to occupy a
site permanently was the perennial availability of water. Accordingly, primary water resources
would have been rivers, streams, lakes, and springs which at first were left in their natural state.

th
This early period of sedentary life in the 11 millennium BCE is attested to by the evidence from
the sites Mallaha, at the banks of Lake Huleh, and Ohalo II, on Lake Tiberias. Permanent
th
settlements in the immediate vicinity of water resources dating to the 10 millennium BCE are
e.g. known from Jericho in the Palestinian Territories, and Jerf el-Ahmar and Mureybet in
Northern Syria. Jericho is located next to the high discharge spring Ain es Sultan, while Jerf al-
i
Ahmar and Mureybet are located directly at the Euphrates.

Wells too, were part of the earliest developments in hydraulic technology. Among the oldest
known examples is the one discovered at the settlement of Sha´ar Hagolan, south of Lake
th
Tiberias and dating to the 7 millennium BCE. Here, the water supply was warranted naturally by
the lake and the nearby river Yarmouk. It is therefore also thought that the well may have served
ii
for prestige purposes of its owner.

In addition to sites located in ecologically advantageous zones, there were also settlements in
less favourable areas of water supply. Such locations challenged communities to develop certain
technological innovations. Although there is only very little direct material evidence from the
earliest settlements, their actual locations often betray indirectly that measures may have been
taken for storing winter runoff. In this respect, site Wadi Faynan (WF) 16 in the Southern
Jordanian Wadi Faynan is located at the intersection of two wadis where accumulating surface
runoff may have been collected and stored in depressions inside the wadi beds. Although such
earth pits may have been quite simple, as reservoirs they may even so have prolonged the
access to the water supply well beyond the rainy season.

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Earliest evidences for built water storage facilities are found at Wadi Abu Tulayha, an
th
8 millennium BCE settlement in the arid Markaz basin, in South-eastern Jordan. Evidence from
a cistern as well as a dam suggest that a systematic management of the water supply was
intended to assure for both, drinking water and even temporary field irrigation.

Elaborate techniques of controlling surface runoff and wadis wells by means of dams, canals and
masonry reservoirs have numerously been documented in the Basalt Desert at sites dating from
th
the 4 millennium BCE and later. The evidence from sites like Jawa, in Jordan and Khirbet al-
Umbashi not only reflects high technical knowledge, but also signals that this marginal region had
even been under exploitation by irrigation agriculture. At the same time, however, there is also
th rd
some indication of an apparently more humid climate phase between the 6 and 3 millennium
BCE.

However, while there are known examples for targeted water management as early as the
Neolithic Period, genuine evidence for a so-to-speak "domestication of water" on a larger scale
th rd
across the entire Near/Middle East emerges only by the 4 to 3 millennium BCE. A marked
increase in the number and sizes of settlement sites also called for an intensification of
agriculture and consequently led to a greater demand for water. Large swaths of land came under
rd st
irrigated cultivation in many parts of Mesopotamia, where epigraphic sources from the 3 to 1
millennia BCE now also give written information on issues pertaining to the requirements,
problems and yields of irrigation agriculture.

A famous example from Syria is the hydraulic management system at Mari, a major urban centre
on the Middle Euphrates (Figure 2). Just the north of the city, a 20 m wide canal with dykes and
several side canals had apparently served for irrigating land. The system may be dated already to
rd
the 3 millennium BCE, at a time when the city was founded. Another canal reportedly also
served the city’s water supply. In addition to the canals, texts from the city’s archives dating to the
nd
2 millennium BCE mention different facilities like dams and weirs and give information about
various aspects of water management, such as the construction and maintenance of the
hydraulic equipment. Additional canal systems are also known from the Western Euphrates, as
well as from the KhHabur, although their dates yet remain unclear.

Although large-scale irrigation agriculture like that practiced in Mesopotamia was unknown to the
Levant, artificial irrigation may have played an important role here too, in particular in regions with
less than 200 mm of annual rainfall.

One example for this is known from the settlement at Hujayrat al-Ghuzlan near Aqaba which has
th
been dated to the 4 millennium BCE. Hydrological probes have shown that a subterranean
aquifer had been exploited to supply the settlement with water. Lined wells, intermediary
collecting pools, distributive water canals, as well as a terrace system, testify to a differentiated
water management that also included irrigation agriculture.

In urban centres too, water facilities improved. Sewage systems are attested to by clay pipes, as
in the case of Habuba Kabira at the Euphrates, where wastewaters from domestic households
were led through clay tubes into sewers below the streets and out of the city. However, since the
city overlooked the river, water had to be transported into the city in the traditional way of carrying
vessels or hides by either animals or humans.

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 Figure 2. The floodplain of the Middle Euphrates near Halabiyyah (photo: German Archaeological
Institute, Orient Department, A. Ahrens)

In essence, the water storage and distribution techniques that had been developed in the course
of the third millennium BCE continued to be applied in the following millennia without undergoing
any significant innovations.

It was only by the Hellenistic/Nabataean and Roman periods that more elaborate water
management strategies came into use, although they continued to combine with the traditional
techniques. Of particular interest is the increased appearance of partly enormous cisterns, either
lowered into the bedrock or otherwise in masonry pools.

A prerequisite for viable masonry cisterns and reservoirs was the lining of the inside walls with a
hydraulic, i.e. waterproof mortar. Such linings have been documented from periods no earlier
than the Roman Period. Evidence for water cisterns is widespread through all regions of the
Levant and its hinterland for the Roman, Late Roman/Early Byzantine and Early Islamic Pperiods,
as for example, at Qasr Mushash in Jordan (Figure 3). A particularly remarkable water reservoir
is known from the Early Christian /Early Islamic city of Resafa, about 50 km south of the
Euphrates and within the Syrian desert steppe. The recorded subterranean cisterns whose
3
shapes and sizes are comparable to church naves had capacities of more than 20,000 m , which
was enough to supply the city’s estimated 6,000 inhabitants and its visiting pilgrims for an entire
year with water (Figure 4). The cisterns were fed exclusively by winter runoff that accumulated in
a nearby wadi before being channelled through an aperture below the city’s ramparts.

Particularly intricate testimonials to the ancient water management of Jordan come from the
Nabatean capital of Petra as well as the city Humayma/Auara, just to the south of Petra. Petra
was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, with an Outstanding Universal Value
(OUV) supported by criteria (i) (iii) and (iv). Justification of this OUV underlines: “An ingenious
water management system allowed extensive settlement of an essentially arid area during the
Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine periods (…); the remnant channels, tunnels and diversion
dams that combined with a vast network of cisterns and reservoirs which controlled and
conserved seasonal rains (…)”.

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 Figure 3. Large reservoir at Qasr Mushash in the Jordanian desert (badia), Early
Byzantine to Early Islamic period (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient
Department, K. Bartl)

Petra’s water supply relied on both rain and spring water. The primary source was a relatively
distant spring whose water was derived through an open canal into the city. The system was later
supplemented by pipes. Winter rainfall was in addition collected in numerous cisterns. Cisterns,
dams, canals, and pools were integrated to a complex coordination within water’s administration.
The water supply apparently even surpassed the basic needs of the resident population, since
the recently proven existence of a large water pool in the city centre, right next to the great temple
indicates that water also served purely aesthetic purposes (Figure 5).

A similarly complex water management to that of Petra has also been established for the
settlement at Humayma, where the annual isohyet varies around 100 mm. Here water was
diverted in two aqueducts over a distance of almost 25 km from two far-off springs and collected
in large cisterns and reservoirs inside the city (Figure 6). Moreover, water was also stored in
domestic cisterns below private houses. The water system also included other essential
components, such as canals and barrages that were used for its distribution within the local
agriculture.

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 Figure4. Large cisterns at the Early Christian/Early Islamic city of Resafa/Sergiupolis in the
Syrian desert (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient Department, K. Bartl)

The water supply for the city of Apamea at the river Orontes in Syria relied entirely on an
st th
aqueduct during the Roman to late Roman/Early Byzantine Period (mid 1 century BCE to 7
century AD). The aqueduct transported water from springs 80 km away to the city’s perimeter
from where it was further distributed via two cisterns, an additional aqueduct, and a set of pipe
networks over the city area.

Aqueducts, like norias, water tunnels, and qanats, are innovations from the Roman Period. In
contrast to the hydraulic systems described above, such as cisterns, reservoirs, dams, and
canals, which are appropriate for a temporary water supply, aqueducts only make sense if the
water supply is intended to be permanent.

Figure 5. Petra, view to the Great temple, pool complex left of the temple (photo: German
Archaeological Institute, Orient Department, K. Bartl)

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 Figure 6. Reservoir in Humayma in southern Jordan, Roman period (photo: German Archaeological
Institute, Orient Department, K. Bartl)

Qanats (also known as falaj or karez) form a special category among the water supply systems.
st
They had been in use in numerous regions of the Middle East since the 1 millennium BCE,
possibly even earlier. Numerous representatives are known from Eastern Anatolia and Persia.
The method exploits the interflow of an underground aquifer. A number of vertical shafts are
lowered down to the water table at certain intervals where they are interconnected to form a
slightly inclined, flow-directing channel. The groundwater is extracted at a "mother well", usually
at the foot of a mountain from where it flows through the tunnel to a reservoir at the surface
further downhill for further distribution.

Qanat systems are attested in Syria at sites like the Early Byzantine town of al-Andarin, in the
western desert steppe, at Qara, south of Homs, and Qanawat, in Southern Syria. In Jordan they
are mainly known in the north of the country, especially within the area of the ancient Decapolis
(Gadara/Umm Qays, Abila/Qweylbeh, Capitolias/Bayt Ras, Garasa/Jerash), but occasionally also
in other regions, as e.g. in the vicinity of the Roman military camp at Udhruh. Dating qanat
systems is usually problematic, although in the Syro-Jordanian region none seem to antedate the
Roman Period.

Underground water tunnels were like qanats introduced during the Roman Period. The best-
known example is the long-distance tunnel for the water supply of the two Decapolis cities
Abila/Qweylbeh, Gadara/Umm Qays, and Adra/Dara´a. This 170 km long conduit sets out from
Wadi Harir in Southern Syria, where the winter precipitation was harvested in a dam. In addition
to the wadi runoff, the network also drained the water from various springs as well that from Lake
Muzeirib in Southern Syria. Within the territory of modern Syria, the system was designed for the
most as an overground aqueduct, whereas the underground tunnel was established over a total
length of 106 km. This man-made water network actually represents the largest of its kind known
to have survived from antiquity.

Along with this hydraulic infrastructure for the supply of urban communities, there were also
isolated facilities in desert areas that collected the winter floods in large wadis. One of them is the
impressive Habarqa dam, east of Homs (Figure7). Although there are no clear indicators as to its
date, its main functional period seems to correspond to the Late Roman/Early Byzantine and
Early Islamic Period. The Jilat dam in the Jordanian desert steppe represents a similar structure
(Figure8). Like the dam at Umm el-Walid, in the vicinity of the city of Madaba, it is generally
accepted that it dates to the Early Islamic Period, although there is no firm evidence to confirm

150
this. Because of the great effort it takes to build and maintain such systems, it is believed that
they could be operated only by large centres.

Figure7. Harbaqa dam in the Syrian desert, east of Homs, probably of Roman date, re-
used in Early Islamic times (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient
Department,K, Bartl)

Figure 8. Dam of Jilat in the Jordanian desert (badia), possibly of Early Islamic date
(photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient Department, K. Bartl)

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In addition to reservoir and storage facilities, installations that served to lift river or well water to
higher levels were also crucial in an efficient delivery of water from perennial sources. Such
devices included the so-called shaduf, the sakieh, and the noria, to name but a few.
The shaduf consists of a wooden lever arm resting on a vertical support as well a recipient
attached to a rope at the longer end of the lever arm. The container is used for scooping up water
from the source. By moving the lever, to which a counterweight is fastened, the container is lifted,
which then dispenses its contents into a reservoir. From here, the water is then led to the fields
via a network of ditches and canals. The lifting and lowering of the lever can be done with the
help of draught animals, which then requires the rope to which the animal is attached, to run
rd
horizontally through a pulley. Pertinent systems dating back as early as the 3 millennium BCE
are known from representations throughout Mesopotamia and Egypt, though because of the
devices’ ephemeral materials (wood, flax, hide), there is virtually no direct archaeological
evidence.

The sakieh (or Persian wheel) is a water wheel rotated by means of a vertical lever, especially at
wells. Scoops for lifting the water from the well are mounted at the wheel’s circumference. The
system can be powered by draught animals progressing in a circle. Different formal variations of
the sakieh technology are known to date back to the Hellenistic to Roman periods. A well-known
specimen preserved in an archaeological context is represented by the sakieh in Qusayr´ Amra,
th th
one of the famed Early Islamic Desert Castles in Jordan, which probably dates to the 7 /8
century (Figure9).

Figure9. Sakiya at the Early Islamic “desert castle” Qusayr ´Amra, Early Islamic
(Umayyad) period (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient Department, K. Bartl)

The noria waterwheels (arab. na´ur) are among the most impressive water lifting devices
transmitted to us from ancient times. A noria is an upright wooden wheel, partly of considerable
dimensions, whose scoop boxes or containers at the rim serve to lift water from a low-lying river
bed to the adjacent river terraces or the houses of an adjoining settlement. As wheel’s axles are
mounted on bearings at the top of stepped stone supports, the wheel is set into rotary motion by
the power of the inflowing water of the river. The thus lifted water is then discharged at the
highest point into a tube that leads to an aqueduct before further distribution. Norias are often
associated with milling devices.

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 A figural representation in a mosaic at Apamea/Syria testifies to the devices existence as early as
th
the 5 century AD. In Syria, more recent specimens partly dating to the Ottoman Period are found
at the Orontes River, in particular in the city of Hama (Figure 10). Until recent decades, less
elaborate variants were still in use along the river Habur, in Northeast Syria. At Hama, private
th
households too, were supplied until in the beginning of the 20 century with Orontes water
delivered by its norias and aqueducts.

Figure 10. Water wheels (norias) at the Orontes in Hama, Late

Ottoman period (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient
Department,K, Bartl)

2.2 Cultural landscapes related to water

In Syria and Jordan, several prominent cultural landscapes have evolved through elaborate forms
of water management. Next to the drainage basins around the Jordan, Orontes and Euphrates
rivers, other landscapes have also been marked by the presence of oases, such as those at
Palmyra, Damascus, and Azraq. In the past, the latter not only formed unique ecological
environments, but also generated outstanding conditions for the evolution of cultural landscapes.

153
The site of Palmyra, Syria, is on the World Heritage List from 1980 with an Outstanding Universal
Value expressed by criteria (i) (ii) and (iv), but apart mentioning it is an oases city there is no
specific reference to its water management attributes. Like many other archaeological sites in
Syria Palmyra has been affected by the civil war. Destructions of ancient monuments, illegal
excavations, and looting of objects were reported since the beginning of the turmoils.
The fertility of the oasis at Palmyra owes primarily to the Afqa spring, which particularly during the
Roman period encouraged the site to become the most important caravan stop between
Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. The spring has dried up in the meantime, while
groundwater is being pumped to irrigate the palm gardens and to supply the modern town
(Figure 11).

Figure 11. View to the temple of Bel at Palmyra, in the background the
oasis with date palms (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient
Department, K. Bartl)

The water supply of the oasis Ghouta near Damascus relies for two-thirds on the perennial river
Barada which is fed by the Fije source system (Figure 12). In the centre of the oasis, which today
compares to an oversized garden with olive and fruit trees surrounding small hamlets, there once
was an endorheic lake. Early travellers celebrated the Ghouta as being paradisiacal, while in
1850, the size of the lake was still compared with that of Lake Tiberias. The lake has disappeared
long since, and the Ghouta has shrunk considerably through urban expansion.

Azraq, which is located in the Basalt Desert (Badia), about 100 km east of Amman, is the second
largest oasis in the region after that of Damascus. Being fed by several springs, the area was
only half a century ago marked by extensive wetlands and a rich plant and animal wildlife. The
oasis also once formed a major stop for migration birds. Through increased drainage through the
rapid growth of the capital city Amman since the 1970s, the springs in Azraq virtually dried out,
while the oasis landscape dwindled in the in the 1990s. Today, the restoration of some of the
water has allowed for the upkeep of a small nature reserve (Figure 13).

The river drainage systems in Syria and Jordan too, have shaped unique environments through
the close relationship between water and human culture.

Striking evidence for early irrigation agriculture is known from the Euphrates region and dates
rd
back as early as the 3 millennium BCE.

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 Figure 12. The spring of Fije (Ayn Fije) near Damascus (photo: German
Archaeological Institute, Orient Department, K. Bartl)

Figure 13. Azraq wetland reserve, a recultivated part of the former oasis of Azraq
(photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient Department, K. Bartl)

155
The Orontes region forms a heterogeneous combination of different landscapes that have
evolved over a remarkably long settlement history.

Hydraulic control facilities attested to in this region do not antedate the Roman Period. The most
prominent one is the Qattina Lake which had formed in the Roman Period after the barraging of
the Orontes and today still represents the chief water reservoir for the city of Homs and its
surroundings. The particular topography of the Orontes valley, which partly cuts deeply into the
surrounding terrain, led to the development of distinctive water elevators. By the Late
Roman/Early Byzantine Period, water was thus transported by means of vertical wheels and
aqueducts onto the river terraces. Numerous stone substructures preserved along the banks to
the north and south of the city of Hama today still bear witness to this ancient method of
exploiting the river’s water (Figure 14). Also, the so-called Ghab wetland s, further downstream to
the north, were drained extensively with the aim to develop agriculture as late as under the
th
French Mandate (between the two World Wars, 20 century).

Figure 14a. Orontes valley south of Hama, remains of a noria near Tall
al-Ghazalat (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient
Department, K. Bartl)

Figure 14b. Orontes valley south of Hama, remains of two norias near
Tall an-Naoura (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient
Department, K. Bartl)

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 Figure 14c Orontes valley south of Hama, remains of noria and a water
mill near Ginan (photo: German Archaeological Institute, Orient
Department, K. Bartl)

Due to its particular climate and its traditionally wealthy water resources, the Jordan Valley
harbours one of the most important cultural landscapes in the Near East. Due to modern politics,
however, the Jordan River now forms a state border, which complicates holistic considerations
regarding cultural contexts. Ancient hydraulic systems are assumed to have consisted of canals,
ditches and dams, but because of the intensive exploitation of the surrounding lands in recent
years, no substantial remains have survived.

3 Obtainable documentation

3.1 Archaeological general missions

Over the past decades, important archaeological field missions to Syria and Jordan have
generally adopted schemes relating to ancient water management. To name a few are the
investigations carried out by French scholars in the “marges arides” in the western border zone of
the Syrian desert, the Syrian Hauran region (Mouton, al-Dbiyat, 2009), as well as the desert
steppes of Syria and Jordan for the Early Islamic Period (Genequand, 2012). In Syria, especially
the norias at Hama have repeatedly been the object of technological and historical studies
(Delpech et al. 1997; de Miranda 2007), whereas other projects have concentrated on water mills
from the Roman and Ottoman periods.

In Jordan, much research has concentrated on the Nabatean/Roman water management within
the Petra region, but in recent years also on the water supply in the desert steppes with a
particular attention for the prehistoric periods.

3.2 Photographic collections

The collection of pictures taken under the French Mandate and now part of the IFPO photo
archive represents one of the most valuable information resources on the ancient water heritage
in Syria. As for Jordan, the APAAME-project, which since 1997 has endeavoured to capture
among others ancient water management facilities in aerial photographs, too, is an indispensable
source of information.

3.3 Location of archaeological excavation finds related to water management heritage

Important investigated sites with hydraulic systems in Syria are Al Andarin (desert steppe, east of
Hama), Hama and its surrounding area (Western Syria), Resafa (central desert steppe, south of

157
 Raqqa), Khirbet al-Umbashi (Hauran, Southern Syria), Apamea (limestone massif, east of the
Orontes), Bosra (Hauran, Southern Syria), Qanawat (Hauran, Southern Syria).

Important investigated sites with hydraulic systems in Jordan are Umm Qays/Gadara (Northern
Jordan), Qasr Mushash (eEastern desert/Badia), Jawa (eEastern basalt desert/Badia), Wisad
pools (eEastern basalt desert/Badia), Qulban Beni Murra (Southern Jordan), Umm elWalid
(Central Jordan), Hujayrat al-Ghuzlan (Aqaba, Southern Jordan), Petra (Southern Jordan),
Humayma (Southern Jordan), Udhruh (Southern Jordan).

4 State of historic and technical knowledge concerning water heritage in the

sub-region
Because of their overwhelming material evidence, the most important periods in both Syria and
Jordan concerning ancient water management are the Roman, Late Roman/Early Byzantine, and
Early Islamic periods. A number of individual studies (see. 3.3) have already furnished
considerable data.

Much less information is however available for the pre-and proto-historic periods. Recently
launched research in the Jordanian Eastern Desert (Badia) will prove crucial on this issue, as it
fosters insight into the relationship between landscape structures and water management in
semi-arid and arid areas.

5 Threats to water heritage

Currently, the major threat to the cultural heritage of water in Syria comes from its ongoing civil
war, through which countless cultural properties are now at risk, or already destroyed. The six
World Heritage sites of the Syrian Arab Republic are on the List of the World Heritage in danger
from 2013 (World Heritage Committee decision n° 37 COM 7B.57). Urban sprawl as a result of
demographic growth and a relentless expansion of the physical infrastructure had already
imperilled this heritage over the years prior to the outbreak of hostilities in 2011. This latter
phenomenon also applies to Jordan, where numerous archaeological sites are seriously
endangered by recent construction schemes and agricultural expansion. In addition, widespread
vandalism recorded at archaeological and historical sites in the country is a sad reflection of the
lack of awareness as to the importance of cultural heritage and hence compelling absence of
educational measures on this matter.

6 Legal protection in force

To our knowledge, there are no projects in either country that enforce the protection of ancient
hydraulic installations. Issues pertaining to modern water management have been or are being
treated in cooperation with various international organisations. In Syria for example, the modern
water sector was until 2011 under the co-management of the German Agency for International
Cooperation (GIZ), while in Jordan, the German Helmholtz Society collaborates with the Ministry
of Water and Irrigation.

7 Conservation and management of water heritage

So far, there has been virtually no project in either Syria or Jordan that has focussed on the
protection and conservation of the cultural heritage of water. The maintenance of the Hama
norias in cooperation with the Syrian Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums is one of
the few, if not the only example for active intervention by public authorities to protect and maintain
hydraulic cultural properties.

158
8 Conclusion
In semi-arid and arid environments, both temporary and permanent settlements as well as land
use require differentiated forms of water management. The widespread scarcity of perennially
available water from rivers, springs, and lakes calls for an increased control of runoff water
obtained from seasonal precipitation. Heavy winter rainstorms in Syria and Jordan turn numerous
dry wadi beds momentarily into rivers and occasionally, even otherwise desiccated landscapes
into lakes. With an adequate management, this short-lived availability of a vital resource can
actually be prolonged on a medium to even long-term perspective.

As indicated by the closeness of a number of prehistoric sites to wadi courses, the practise of
harvesting, storing, and distributing surface runoff was probably familiar fact to early communities
during the first stages of sedentary life. However, because of the low resilience of such
structures, only very little direct evidence has survived. Conceivably, depressions would have
been used as temporary reservoirs or dams, and ditches as canals for holding back or diverting
water. These basic elements for storing and distributing surface runoff are at any rate observable
on hydraulic facilities from all periods. Through varying the possibilities of combining the
individual elements, the variety of applications could thus be increased.

Although in arid regions, rainwater alone cannot account for any agriculture on a greater scale, it
nevertheless can sustain small subsistence economies, provided the ecological prerogatives,
appropriate management, and stable demographics are given. This is especially true in the event
that wells, being among the earliest water suppliers, are also needed for purposes other than
direct consumption.

Large-scale irrigation agriculture in the region has been observed in the semi-arid desert margins
of Northern Mesopotamia only, where a differentiated exploitation of the waters of the Euphrates
and Khabur rivers led to greater yields and covering larger areas, but for which also considerably
more complex forms of organisation were required.

Although the basic hydraulic installations cited above were supplemented with more sophisticated
facilities like aqueducts, qanats, tunnels, and pipelines in later antiquity (i.e. the Graeco-Roman
periods), their efficiency remained nonetheless bound to the existence of perennially exploitable
water resources. By the Late Roman/Early Byzantine Period, which also coincides with the
culmination in the ancient settlement history of Syria and Jordan, all water management
th
technologies of the pre-modern age were already functioning. It was only by the 20 century that
these became supplemented and replaced by modern technological innovations.

9 Bibliography

Ababsa, M. (ed.), Atlas of Jordan. History, Territories and Society. IFPO

ContemporainPublications CP 32, Beyrouth, 2013.
Ariel M. Bagg, “Irrigation”. In: Daniel T. Potts, A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient
Near East, Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, 2012, p. 261-278.
Bienert, Hans-Dieter and Jutta Häser J., “Men of Dikes and Canals. The Archaeology of Water in
the Middle East”. International Symposium held at Petra, Wadi Musa (H.K. of Jordan) 15-20
June, 1999. Rahden/Westf.: Verlag Marie Leidorf, 2004.
Delpech, A., Girard, F., Robin, G., Roumi, M. Les norias de l´Oronte: analyse technologique d´un
élément du patrimoine syrien. Damas: Institut français de Damas, 1997.
Cowan, M. K., “Some Ancient Water Systems and Patterns of Land Degradation”, www.ancient-
water-system.com, consulted 2014.

159
 Klimscha, F., Eichmann, R., Schuler, Ch., Fahlbusch, H. (eds.), “Wasserwirtschaftliche
Innovationen im archäologischen Kontext”. Von den prähistorischen
Anfängen bis zu den Metropolen der Antike, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Menschen –
Kulturen – Traditionen, Studien aus den Forschungsclustern des Deutschen Archäologischen
Instituts, Bd. 5, Forschungscluster 2, Innovationen: technisch, sozial, Verlag Marie Leidorf
GmbH, Rahden/Westf, 2012.
Mays, L. W. (ed.), Ancient Water Technologies, Springer, Dordrecht, Heidelberg, London, New
York, 2009.
Miranda de, A., Water architecture in the Lands of Syria: The Water-Wheels.” L´erma” di
Bretschneider, Roma, 2007.
Mouton, M., al-Dbiyat, M. (eds.) “Stratégies d´acquisition de l´eau et société au Moyen-Orient
depuis l´Antiquité”, Bibliothèque Archéologique et Historique, tome 186, Presse de l´IFPO,
Beyrouth, 2009.
Ohlig, Christoph, “Cura Aquarum in Jordanien”. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference
on the History of Water Management and Hydraulic Engineering in the Mediterranean Region,
Petra / Amman 31 March – 09 April 2007. Siegburg: Schriften der Deutschen
Wasserhistorischen Gesellschaft, Band 12, 2008.
Oleson, J.P., “Humayma Excavation Project”, Resources, History, and the Water-Supply System,
American Schools of Oriental Research, Archaeological Reports, No. 15, Boston, 2010.
Ortloff, C.R., “The Water Supply and Distribution System of the Nabataean City of Petra (Jordan),
300 BC – AD 300”, Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 15:1:93-109, 2005.
Viollet, Pierre-Louis, “Water Engineering in Ancient Civilizations: 5,000 Years of History”, IAHR
Monographs, CRC Press, 2007.
Wirth, E., “Syrien. Eine geographische Landeskunde”. Wissenschaftliche Länderkunden Bd. 4/5,
Wissenschaftliche Buchgemeinschaft Darmstadt, 1970.

______________________________
i
The investigations at Göbekli-Tepe in South-Eastern Turkey have shown that other forms of drinking water
supply already existed in this early period. This significant Neolithic cultic site dating to the 10th and 9th mill.
BCE is located in an area devoid of perennial water courses, springs, or wells and was therefore apparently
exclusively dependent on rainwater. Storage of precipitation, which in this area varies around 600 mm/year, was
obtained through basins and cisterns lowered into the bedrock. Grooves chiselled into the rock leading to the
reservoirs reveal that the devices had served as pre-planned facilities to assure the site’s supply with water
(Herman, Schmidt in Klimscha et al. 2012).
ii
Since the Neolithic, wells have belonged throughout all periods to the most widespread devices for the
domestic water supply, but in conjunction with elaborate water lifting devices, such as the sakieh (Persian
wheel), they have also been essential in field irrigation. An important factor the effectiveness of a well was in
that case the groundwater level.

160
Le patrimoine culturel de l’eau dans la Beqaa Nord
Marie-Laure Chambrade
UMR 5133 – Archéorient, Maison de l’Orient et de la Méditerranée, Lyon
Myriam Saadé-Sbeih
Institut des Hautes Etudes Internationales et du Développement, Genève

1 Caractéristiques générales

1.1 Les données générales climatiques et hydrologiques

La Beqaa est un fossé d’effondrement situé entre les Monts Liban et Anti-Liban (Figure 1). D’une
longueur de 120 km environ, elle est caractérisée par une double pente, de part et d’autre du
seuil de Baalbek (1002 m), qui sépare les bassins versants du Litani au sud, et de l’Oronte au
nord. L'élément déterminant du contexte bioclimatique est le relief, qui conditionne le climat. Ce
dernier est avant tout méditerranéen, avec deux saisons marquées, humides et sèches, mais qui
se dégrade vers l’aride à l’intérieur des terres. La durée et l'intensité de la saison sèche
augmentent lorsque l’on s’éloigne de la côte, les précipitations deviennent plus irrégulières, les
variabilités interannuelles et intra annuelles s’accentuent, accroissant les risques de pénurie
d'eau (Traboulsi 2004). À l’ouest, l’essentiel des flux d’air humide en provenance de la
Méditerranée est bloqué par les montagnes sur le littoral (600 à 800 mm de précipitations
moyennes annuelles) et le versant maritime des massifs (jusqu’à 1800 mm sur le Mont Liban ;
Traboulsi 2010). Les reliefs génèrent ensuite une baisse rapide et importante des pluies vers
l’intérieur des terres par effet d’abri. Ainsi, la Beqaa Nord, à seulement 50 km du littoral, reçoit de
1
400 mm/P/an à Baalbek au sud, à moins de 200 mm à Qaa au nord. Les précipitations sont
réparties d’octobre à mai, avec une concentration durant les trois moisd’hiver (décembre, janvier,
février) qui reçoivent plus de 50% du total annuel (58.1% à Hermel et 61.7% à Qaa) et la saison
sèche – estimée à partir du rapport entre les moyennes mensuelles des températures et des
2
précipitations – dure jusqu’à 8 mois à Hermel .

Mais les montagnes levantines jouent également un rôle essentiel de château d’eau, qui pondère
les effets de l’aridité à l’intérieur des terres. Ses précipitations plus importantes alimentent par
ruissellement les cours d’eau en soutenant leur étiage et rechargent surtout un vaste réservoir
karstique. Celui-ci est à l’origine des nombreuses et fortes sources, dont le régime est plus ou
moins stable tout au long de l’année, qui génèrent l’Oronte et qui alimentent les grandes
3
« oasis » de la Beqaa septentrionale (Baalbek, Laboue, Hermel, et les plus petites de Younine,
4
de Fakehe, de Ras Baalbek) . Ainsi, ¾ du débit du fleuve dans la Beqaa sont dus aux apports
3
des sources de Aïn ez Zarqa avec un débit moyen autour de 11 m /s, et l'alimentation de l’Oronte
connaît peu de variations annuelles et interannuelles ; contrairement aux autres fleuves du
Proche-Orient tel l’Euphrate, dont le débit varie au rythme du régime pluviométrique.

1 1 Traboulsi M., 2014. Rainfall and thermal Regimes, In R. Jaubert, M. Saadé-Sbeih, M. Al-Dbiyat, A. Haj
Asaad (éds), E-Atlas of the Orontes basin, https://www.water-security.org/article/climatology.
2
Ibid.
3
À la différence des oasis au sens strict du terme, celles de la Beqaa ne sont pas situées dans le désert.
4
Al-Dbiyat M., Geyer B., 2014. The Orontes, a complex river, In R. Jaubert, M. Saadé-Sbeih, M. Al-Dbiyat, A.
Haj Asaad (éds), E-Atlas of the Orontes basin, https://www.water-security.org/article/the-orontes-a-complex-
river.

161
 Figure 1. Carte de localisation des aménagements hydrauliques anciens de la Beqaa Nord (M.-L.
Chambrade)

1.2 Relations culturelles et échanges techniques avec les zones voisines

Les relations culturelles, économiques et techniques existantes dans la région des sources de
l’Oronte, de Laboue dans la Beqaa à Al-Qusayr en Syrie, sont complexes à appréhender sur la
longue durée. Il s’agit à la fois d’une zone frontalière dès le deuxième millénaire avant notre ère
(Ghadban 1982), peut-être même plus tôt, et de secteurs étroitement liés historiquement. La
frontière libano-syrienne dessinée lors des mandats français et britanniques a séparé, d’abord
symboliquement puis matériellement, deux espaces en interaction très forte sur le plan de
l’exploitation agricole, le Haut-Oronte fournissant les ressources en eau et l’aval les terres
arables (Hamade et al. 2015). L’économie agricole de la Beqaa nord a ainsi été, jusque dans les
années 1960, fortement liée à la Syrie, puis profondément influencée par la politique agricole
planifiée mise en place par le pouvoir syrien. Plus récemment, la guerre en Syrie a eu
d’importants effets sur l’exploitation des ressources en eau dans le nord de la Beqaa du fait de
l’installation de réfugiés, notamment dans la zone des projets de Qaa.

2 Sites connus et sites importants du patrimoine culturel de l’eau

2.1 Les sites à caractère archéologique

Les aménagements hydrauliques historiques connus de la Beqaa septentrionale sont des canaux
5
et des aqueducs, des qanats , un pont-barrage, des moulins, et des citernes.
Les eaux des sources de Laboue étaient acheminées par des canaux en direction du nord, dans
le secteur de Qaa. Le plus long d’entre eux longe les contreforts de l’Anti-Liban jusqu’en Syrie. La
légende locale attribut ce dernier à la reine Zénobie (267-272 ap. J.-C.) qui en aurait demandé la

5
Les qanats sont connus sous le nom de aflaj dans la péninsule arabique, foggara en Algérie, khettara au Maroc
ou encore kariz en Iran.

162
construction afin de conduire les eaux douces de Laboue jusqu’à Palmyre en Syrie centrale,
capitale de son royaume (ca. 180 km à vol d’oiseaux ; Figure 2). Bien que son origine
remonterait effectivement à la période romano-byzantine (64 av. – 636 ap. J.-C.), aucun élément
probant ne vient appuyer ce récit et son tracé a seulement pu être suivi, à partir d’images
satellites, sur une longueur de 55 km jusqu’aux abords de Hisyah (Figure 1), au pied de l’Anti-
Liban en Syrie (altitude à la source 893 m, altitude en fin de tracé vers Hisyah 790 m). Des
réseaux de canaux pouvaient être alimentés par des barrages comme le pont-barrage de
Hermel, aujourd’hui en ruines, dont l’origine serait romaine (Ghadban 1982). Un réseau
d’irrigation, probablement ancien et composé de canaux non indurés, a aussi été développé dans
le lit de l’Oronte, le long du fleuve.

Figure 2. Tracé et détail du « canal de Zenobie » sur le piémont de l’Anti-Liban (M. Al-Dbiyat)

Les qanats sont des galeries drainantes souterraines qui captent l’eau des nappes pour la
conduire par gravité à leur débouché, parfois situé à plusieurs kilomètres. Les chaînes de puits
qui les relient à la surface ont servi à leur construction et permettent d’en assurer l’aération et
l’entretien régulier. Les qanats peuvent être utilisés pour des besoins domestiques ou pour
l’irrigation. Des vestiges de ces aménagements sont présents près de la frontière, de part et
d’autre du fleuve, et à Ras Baalbek (Figure 1). Une partie du « canal de Zénobie », au début de
son parcours entre Laboue et les pentes de l’Anti-Liban, est également construit sous forme de
qanat (Figure. 3).

163
Figure 3. Partie en qanat du « canal de Zenobie », à l’abandon et en grande partie effondré (M. Al-Dbiyat)

L’alimentation en eau des cités romaines reposait la plupart du temps sur un ou plusieurs
aqueducs (Figure 4). Celle de Baalbek-Héliopolis était assurée, au moins en partie, par des
aqueducs qui conduisaient respectivement l’eau depuis la source de Nabaa Lejouj, située sur les
flancs de l’Anti-Liban à 7 km de là, et depuis celle de Ras al-Aïn, à proximité de la ville. Les
aqueducs permirent le développement de bains publics, de fontaines et de latrines, mais
alimentaient aussi par exemple à Baalbek les bassins du sanctuaire de Jupiter (Fischer-Genz
2012).

164
Figure 4. Aqueduc en ruine servant de support à un canal maçonné, lui-même abandonné (M. Saadé-Sbeih)

Sur les flancs de l’Anti-Liban et du Mont Liban, se trouvent également plusieurs exemples de
nymphées d’époque romaine, témoignages de l’exploitation des sources et du caractère sacré de
leurs eaux (Rey-Coquais 1992).

Plus d’une vingtaine de moulins a été répertoriée dans la région (Figure 5). Les moulins à eau
dans le bassin méditerranéen sont utilisés au moins depuis la période romaine et leur invention
e
est plus ancienne, au moins du III siècle avant J.-C. (Lewis 1997). Au Proche-Orient, nombre
d’entre eux pourraient remonter aux périodes médiévale et ottomane, en particulier à partir du
e
XVI siècle. Dans la Beqaa, nous savons grâce aux textes arabes médiévaux que des moulins
e
fonctionnaient près de Baalbek dès le X siècle de notre ère (Le Strange 1890, p. 296).

Figure 5. Vestiges d’un moulin (M. Saadé-Sbeih)

Enfin, des citernes creusées dans la roche mère permettent de stocker les eaux de pluie et de
ruissellement, et de compenser ainsi l’absence de sources. Plusieurs d’entre elles ont été
découvertes dans et aux alentours du village de Deir el-Ahmar, au nord-ouest de Baalbek. Elles
pourraient remonter à l’époque romaine et certaines sont encore utilisées de nos jours par les
bergers (Salloum 2016)

2.2 Les sites vivants, toujours utilisés ou partiellement utilisés

D’après nos connaissances, seuls les canaux sont encore utilisés de nos jours. D’une manière
générale, les canaux sont progressivement abandonnés ou moins utilisés au profit de

165
 l’exploitation des eaux souterraines (cf. 5). Plusieurs réseaux d’irrigation, d’origine ancienne,
remontant probablement à la période romaine ou même plus tôt, sont actifs de nos jours.
Certains tracés de canaux anciens ont été repris, d’autres abandonnés totalement ou au profit de
nouveaux canaux (Figure 6). Les situations sont multiples, qu’il s’agisse du degré d’utilisation
des réseaux anciens ou de sa pérennité.

Figure 6. Exemples d’un canal ancien et d’un canal moderne (M. Saadé-Sbeih)

Le secteur Laboue-Qaa est alimenté par les eaux des sources de Laboue, occupé depuis le
Néolithique, mais le débit alloué à Qaa a été réduit pendant la guerre civile, dans les années
1980. Les sources de Hermel sont aussi exploitées par un réseau de canaux, très partiellement
utilisé aujourd’hui, puisqu’il ne sert plus à l’irrigation mais à l’usage domestique. Deux réseaux
distincts existent toujours le long de l’Oronte. Le premier, local et en déclin, est un ensemble de
canaux non indurés irriguant des cultures de céréales sur les terrasses alluviales. Le second,
d’extension plus importante et toujours actif, se situe en grande partie en Syrie ou sur la frontière
qu’il marque en partie mais profite des eaux prélevées en amont. Il regroupe un système
gravitaire servant à alimenter, à partir de l’Oronte, la plaine agricole d’Al Qusayr de l’autre côté de
la frontière. Certains de ces canaux seraient très anciens, peut-être romains, et auraient été
découverts et remis en usage dans la première moitié du XIXe siècle (Duraffourd 1929).

2.3 Les paysages culturels liés à l’eau

Dans la Beqaa septentrionale, il s’agit d’« oasis » alimentées par des sources (cf. 1 pour leurs
toponymes). Ces sources ont permis le développement de périmètres irrigués, dans la plaine de
la Beqaa et, plus modestement, dans les poljés du Mont Liban qui jalonnent la faille de
Yammouneh.

Dans la Beqaa nord, les paysages ou structures liés à l’eau ne font pas pour l’instant partie de la
liste du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO pour le bien qu’ils représentent en tant que tel. Mais
certains aménagements, les bassins du temple de Jupiter et l’aqueduc de Ras al-Aïn, le sont
indirectement du fait de l’inscription sur cette liste du site archéologique de Baalbek en 1984. Par
ailleurs, une liste indicative de l’« ensemble du site naturel des sources de l’Oronte avec les
monuments qui s’y trouvent », contenant notamment le « canal de Zénobie », a été soumise en
1996.

166
3 Documentation existante

3.1 Inventaires
Dans le cadre d’un projet suisse sur l’exploitation des eaux du bassin versant de l’Oronte,
« L’exploitation des eaux du bassin de l’Oronte : Enjeux et perspectives pour une gestion
concertée des ressources hydriques », un atlas comprenant les résultats d’un inventaire des
aménagements hydrauliques anciens, i.e. avant l’introduction de la motorisation dans les années
6
1950, et contemporains a été mis en ligne . Cet inventaire est disponible sous forme de cartes de
répartition accompagnées de textes de synthèse (E-atlas of the Orontes River Basin,
https://www.water-security.org/). Ces cartes existent également en version interactive, ce qui
permet l’affichage des aménagements sur fond d’images satellites (© esri).

3.2 Documents d’archives

Certaines structures hydrauliques sont reportées sur les cartes topographiques dressées dans
les années 1940 par le Service Géographique de l’Armée française. J. Weulersse (1940) a décrit
les aménagements anciens qu’il a pu observer dans la Beqaa Nord et les as reporté sur un plan,
parfois approximatif mais fort utile, publié dans son ouvrage sur l’Oronte (Figure 27, p. 53 ;
http://data.manumed.org/notices/107771/gallery/1199740).

3.3 Collections photographiques

Il est envisagé à plus long terme que les photographies prises sur le terrain (Figure7) dans le
cadre du projet « L’exploitation des eaux du bassin de l’Oronte : Enjeux et perspectives pour une
gestion concertée des ressources hydriques » soient mises en ligne sur le site du e-atlas (cf. 3.1.)
et ainsi publiquement accessibles.

Figure7. Différents modes d’acquisition de l’eau en 2012 (M. Saadé-Sbeih)

Bassin de stockage en arrière-plan, camion-citerne au second plan, pompage dans les canaux au premier plan

6
Cet inventaire a été réalisé à partir de la bibliographie, d’images satellites (CORONA, Google Earth), de cartes
topographiques dont celles de l’époque du mandat français (1/200 000e et 1/50 000e, séries du milieu des
années 1940 ; 1/25 000e, fin des années 1920) et certaines éditions allemandes (1/50 000e, 1942). Il est en cours
de mise à jour pour intégrer la partie turque du bassin.

167
3.4 Fouilles archéologiques
Les aménagements hydrauliques de la région n’ont pas fait, à notre connaissance, l’objet de
fouilles archéologiques. Les fouilles récentes dans la région concernent trois sites : Baalbek,
Laboue et Deir el-Ahmar. Il existe un programme de coopération entre la Direction Générale des
Antiquités libanaise et le Deutsches Archäologisches Institut initié en 1997 dans le secteur de
Baalbek. Les détails sur ce programme et les 12 sous-projets concernés sont disponibles sur le
site de l’Institut. Après des sondages effectués dans les années 1960, la fouille du site
préhistorique Tell Laboue Sud a repris en 2011 dans le cadre d’un programme libano-espagnole
(Haïdar-Boustani et Ibañez 2014) qui a été malheureusement presque aussitôt interrompu à
cause du conflit en Syrie. Depuis 2006, la Direction Générale des Antiquités libanaise mène des
prospections dans la Beqaa Nord. Ces travaux ont conduit à des fouilles de sites datés de
l’époque romaine dans le secteur de Deir el-Ahmar (Salloum 2016).

4 L’état de la connaissance historique et technique sur le patrimoine de l’eau

dans la sous-région ou zone

4.1 Périodisation du rapport de l’homme à l’eau

La sécurisation de l’accès à une ressource en eau est essentielle de tout temps, particulièrement
en zone aride méditerranéenne aux précipitations faibles et disponibles irrégulièrement dans le
temps (saisons humide/sèche) et dans l’espace. Malgré l’aridité climatique régnante, la Beqaa
Nord est privilégiée par sa position entre deux montagnes « châteaux d’eau » (cf. 1.1.). L’accès à
une ressource en eau pérenne peut aisément être assuré grâce à la présence de nombreuses
sources et de l’Oronte. En revanche, les terres exploitables en gravitaire sont limitées en
superficie et en qualité. Pour leur exploitation, il est alors nécessaire de mettre en œuvre des
moyens d’adduction de l’eau jusqu’aux terres. L’installation s’est longtemps faite près des
sources puis l’évolution des techniques hydrauliques a progressivement permis de s’affranchir de
la distance à la ressource.

Nous n’avons pas de preuve matérielle d’exploitation de l’eau dans le bassin versant de l’Oronte
avant l’Antiquité classique et seulement quelques rares indices dans la Beqaa Nord. L’absence
de références à des projets hydrauliques antérieurs à la période romaine s’explique aisément par
les difficultés à dater de telles structures, par leur réutilisation régulière, ou par leur disparition
(surtout si elles ne sont pas maçonnées). Mais les textes du royaume d’Ebla en Syrie, qui
comprend une partie du bassin de l’Oronte, nous apportent de précieuses informations. Nous y
e
apprenons l’existence au III millénaire de puits, de citernes, de canaux et de barrages utilisés
pour l’irrigation, ainsi que d’experts hydrauliques (Bonechi 2000). Par ailleurs, l’attractivité des
sources remonte au moins au Néolithique et a parfois perduré jusqu’à nos jours comme le
démontre l’exemple de l’« oasis » de Laboue.

L’Antiquité classique reste caractérisée par l’émergence de nouveaux types d’aménagements,

7
souvent monumentaux. Il s’agit notamment des qanats et des aqueducs . Les tracés des canaux
peuvent désormais s’affranchir de la topographie et être conçus à des échelles beaucoup plus
vastes. L'indépendance par rapport aux eaux de surface est alors possible et l'aménagement
hydraulique devient un recours usuel aux problèmes d'alimentation. La maîtrise de l’ingénierie
hydraulique atteinte à cette époque a permis l’essor d’une culture urbaine, dont témoigne
Baalbek, caractérisée par une profusion de l’eau en contexte à la fois privé, public et religieux
(thermes, latrines, fontaines, piscines et temples ; Wilson 2012).

7
Nous distinguons les aqueducs des canaux par l’usage initial et principal pour lequel ils ont été construits :
l’alimentation en eau d’une villa ou d’une cité.

168
 Dans le bassin de l’Oronte, nous savons grâce aux récits des historiens et des géographes tel
que Aboul Fida (1273-1331) que les canaux et les qanats déjà existants sont entretenus durant
les périodes islamiques et ottomanes pour l’alimentation des villes et l’irrigation des étendues
agricoles. La construction de nombreux moulins pourrait remonter à ces périodes, peut-être dès
e
le X siècle de notre ère dans la Beqaa. L’utilisation des ressources en eau à l’aide des
aménagements hydrauliques pouvait servir également de moyen de pression entre les pouvoirs
locaux (coupure de l’approvisionnement ; Aboul Fida, vol. 3).

À la période contemporaine, de profonds bouleversements liés à l’introduction des pompages

motorisés ont lieu au Levant à partir des années 1950. Dans la Beqaa Nord, il se produit un
abandon progressif des canaux destinés à l’irrigation au profit de l’exploitation de l’eau issue des
forages (cf. 5).

4.2 Etat des recherches actuelles

Les conflits au Liban et au Proche-Orient en général ont particulièrement freiné les études
archéologiques dans le pays, notamment dans la Beqaa Nord. Les projets archéologiques de
terrain les plus récents, mis en suspens ou perturbés depuis 2011 en raison des répercussions
de la guerre en Syrie, concernent le site Néolithique de Tell Laboue Sud et la cité de Baalbek et
sa région. Des prospections et des fouilles sont également menées en Beqaa Nord par la
Direction Générale des Antiquités libanaise depuis 2006 (cf. 3.4).

À notre connaissance, il n’existe pas d’étude récente spécifiquement tournée vers le patrimoine
de l’eau, hormis celle menée dans le cadre du projet « L’exploitation des eaux du bassin de
l’Oronte : Enjeux et perspectives pour une gestion concertée des ressources hydriques » (cf. 3.1)
qui a permis de réunir les données existantes. Les références à l’exploitation de l’eau et aux
aménagements hydrauliques historiques de la Beqaa Nord sont anciennes. Elles ont été reprises
ème
en partie par Métral & Métral 1990 mais remontent à l’origine à la première moitié du XX siècle
(Duraffourd 1929 ; Weulersse 1940). Ces structures sont évoquées dans le cadre d’études sur
l’exploitation actuelle de l’eau, les problématiques liées à l’irrigation, la planification de projets,
etc.

5 Menaces s’exerçant sur le patrimoine de l’eau

Les aménagements hydrauliques historiques de la Beqaa septentrionale sont menacés, dans
plusieurs cas dégradés, pour cause d’abandon, d’urbanisation, de développement des espaces
cultivés et de conflits répétés. La guerre en Syrie a des répercussions dans la Beqaa et peut
potentiellement affecter indirectement tous les aménagements et les sites archéologiques.

Les qanats sont abandonnés, certains servant d’égout ou de dépotoir, et sont en mauvais état
(Figure 3). Cet abandon concerne aussi le pont-barrage d’Hermel et les aqueducs de Baalbek,
en ruine. Dans la région de Hermel, les sources sont désormais exploitées pour
l’approvisionnement en eau de la ville. En conséquence, le débit alloué au réseau d’irrigation
traditionnel diminue et ce dernier est pollué par les eaux usées. En aval, les canaux qui
approvisionnaient la zone nord vers Qasr sont de fait abandonnés. Dans le lit de l’Oronte,
l’irrigation locale par canaux demande beaucoup de temps et de main d’œuvre et ne résiste pas
à la concurrence de l’irrigation à partir des forages et de la pisciculture, plus lucrative, mais qui
entraine une pollution du fleuve. L’abandon des canaux a ainsi des origines diverses mais
fréquemment liées à la préférence donnée progressivement aux eaux souterraines. Dans le
secteur de Qaa, ce choix remonte à l’époque de la guerre civile qui a vu l’approvisionnement en
provenance de Laboue diminuer (cf. 2.2.).

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6 Protection légale en vigueur, conservation et gestion des patrimoines de
l’eau
La Direction Générale des Antiquités libanaise, rattachée au Ministère de la Culture, est en
charge de la conservation et de la gestion de l’ensemble des sites archéologiques. Baalbek est
par ailleurs classé au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et géré par la DGA notamment. La loi sur
les Antiquités No 166/1933 offre par exemple des mesures de protection des vestiges qui se
trouvent à l'intérieur de la zone protégée. La DGA coopère également avec la Direction Générale
de l'Urbanisme pour pallier les risques liés à l’urbanisation. Mais ces mesures, tout comme le
classement sur la liste du patrimoine mondial, ont leurs limites lors des conflits armés.

D’une manière générale, la Direction Générale des Antiquités libanaise a mis en place une série
de mesures pour assurer la conservation et la gestion du patrimoine. La documentation
archéologique existante et les inventaires sont mis à jour, les cadres de la Direction bénéficient
de formation, des musées ont été nouvellement ouverts ou améliorés, et certains monuments
sont restaurés. Dans la Beqaa Nord, il s’agit du Temple de Vénus à Baalbek et d’un pont. Enfin,
des activités éducatives sont organisées par le Musée National de Beyrouth ainsi que des
8
campagnes de sensibilisation à l’importance et la protection du patrimoine libanais .

Entre 2004 et 2015, la Banque Mondiale a mené au Liban le projet Cultural Heritage and Urban
Development (http://documents.banquemondiale.org/curated/fr/docsearch/projects/P050529).
Baalbek fait partie des cinq villes qui ont pu bénéficier du volet concernant la réhabilitation des
centres historiques et la conservation des sites archéologiques.
Pour les aménagements hydrauliques, et ceux de la Beqaa Nord en particulier, il n’existe pas à
notre connaissance de plan de gestion et de conservation spécifique pour l’instant. Cette
situation pourrait évoluer dans l’avenir si les biens de la liste indicative (cf. 2.3) étaient amenés à
intégrer la Liste du patrimoine mondial.

Les conflits répétés, mais aussi le manque de coordination entre les instances locales et
nationales de gestion de l’eau, ne doivent pas faciliter les initiatives de conservation patrimoniale
dans la Beqaa Nord. L’établissement des eaux de la Beqaa, sous tutelle du Ministère des
Ressources Hydriques et de l’Energie, coordonne les instances de gestion pour l’eau potable
seulement. En ce qui concerne l’irrigation, chaque périmètre a ses modalités de gestion propres,
locales. Dans l’état actuel, certains aménagements hydrauliques de la région sont abandonnés
ou en voie d’abandon et menacés de dégradation. Malgré tout, la gestion de l’eau par les
institutions locales mise en œuvre fonctionne bien. Celle-ci offre de la souplesse et de la
réactivité, et permet globalement une pérennité des systèmes d’utilisation de l’eau à partir de
techniques modernes et d’aménagements dont les tracés sont anciens.

7 Conclusion
La Beqaa septentrionale est marquée par un climat méditerranéen à saisons sèche et humide, et
aux précipitations faibles et irrégulières, mais bénéficie de ressources en eau pérennes,
notamment des sources, grâce à la présence des montagnes qui l’encadrent. L’implantation
historique s’est longtemps faite près de ces sources puis les innovations techniques ont permis
de s’affranchir de la distance à la ressource en eau, au moins à partir de l’antiquité classique.

8
Les informations contenues dans ce paragraphe sont issues de la communication « Cultural heritage in
Lebanon » présentée par le Directeur Général des Antiquités, S. El-Khoury, dans le cadre de la session spéciale
« Cultural heritage under threat. Challenges and perspectives » du 10ème International Congress on the
Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (ICAANE, Vienne, Autriche, 25-29 avril 2016).

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 Cette tradition de s’implanter près des sources pérennes perdure toutefois mais il existe dès lors
la possibilité de conduire l’eau sur de longues distances, vers de meilleures terres par exemple,
de l’autre côté de la frontière syro-libanaise actuelle notamment. Comme un peu partout ailleurs
au Proche-Orient, d’importants bouleversements ont lieu à partir des années 1950 comme
l’introduction des pompages motorisés. Il s’en suit un fréquent abandon et une dégradation des
structures hydrauliques traditionnelles. La Beqaa nord est aussi concernée par les menaces
diverses liées aussi aux conflits répétés, le développement des forages restant le plus
préjudiciable aux aménagements et aux techniques hydrauliques traditionnels. Toutefois, les
systèmes locaux d’exploitation de l’eau en vigueur constituent des exemples de gestion durable
et efficace, qui combine modernité (pompages motorisés) et tradition (canaux anciens), et qui
entretient une partie du patrimoine de l’eau. L’étude de ce patrimoine dans la Beqaa nord
nécessiterait la mise en œuvre d’un inventaire plus complet et systématique à partir du terrain
(type d’aménagement, datation éventuelle, usage passé/présent, état de conservation, menaces
à court/moyen/long terme, réutilisation possible si abandon, etc.). Concernant la restauration et la
préservation du patrimoine de l’eau, une amélioration de l’évacuation et du traitement des eaux
usées dans certaines villes pourrait ralentir la dégradation des qanats, laissés à l’abandon. À
Baalbek, un circuit touristique autour de l’histoire de l’alimentation en eau de la ville pourrait être
mis en place aux côtés de la découverte des ruines antiques et pourrait impliquer la restauration
des aqueducs. Enfin, le périmètre de Hermel pourrait constituer un secteur de valeur
patrimoniale, à visée touristique également. Bien qu’à une échelle beaucoup plus modeste,
l’agriculture urbaine qui y était pratiquée composait un paysage que l’on pourrait rapprocher des
jardins de Homs et de Hama en Syrie. Leur réhabilitation impliquerait cependant une réaffectation
des eaux des sources de Hermel à l’irrigation des jardins et donc la nécessité de trouver une
autre source d’approvisionnement pour l’eau à usage domestique. La Beqqa Nord ne fait pas
Figured’exception au Liban où le patrimoine de l’eau est mal connu et mériterait un recensement
des structures hydrauliques, un bilan de leur état et usage actuel, et un plan de mise en valeur
et/ou de préservation si nécessaire. Nous pensons aux aqueducs des vallées du Nahr Ibrahim et
du Nahr el-Kelb pour ne citer que des aménagements faisant partie des inventaires soumis à
l’UNSECO mais qui ne représentent, et de loin, que la partie immergée de l’iceberg.

8 Bibliographie

ABOUL Fida, Al-Mukhtaṣar fī akhbār al-bashar (La concise histoire de l'humanité), Le Caire : al-
Husayniyyah, 1907, 4 vol. (en arabe), https://www.wdl.org/en/item/14758/view/1/6/
BONECHI M., « Lexique hydrographique à Ebla », in L. Milano, S. de Martino, F.M. Fales, G.B.
Lanfranchi (éds), Landscapes. Territories, Frontiers and Horizons in the Ancient Near East,
Volume II. Geography and Cultural Landscapes, Papers presented to the XLIV Rencontre
Assyriologique J nternationale, Venezia, 7-11 July 1997, Padoue : Sargon, 2000, p. 97-101.
DURAFFOURD C., Rapport sur le recensement et l’établissement des droits sur les eaux en vue
de completer la Réforme foncière, en voie de réalisation, par celle des eaux, Travaux
Cadastre et d’amélioration agricole, Damas, 1929.
FISCHER-GENZ B., « Roman rule in the Near East », in D. Potts (éd.), A companion to the
archaeology of the ancient Near East, Volume II, Wiley-Blackwell, 2012, p. 1021-1040.
GHADBAN C., « Les frontières du territoire d’Héliopolis – Baalbeck à la lumière de nouveaux
documents », in T. Fahd, La géographie administrative et politique d’Alexandre à
Mahomet, Actes du colloque de Strasbourg (1979), 1982, p. 143-175
HAÏDAR-BOUSTANI M., IBANEZ J.J., avec les contributions de ARRANZ A., GRATUZE B., HIMI
M., KHALIDI L. et TEIRA L., « Nouveaux travaux archéologiques à Tell Labwé Sud (Béqa‛
nord). Campagne 2011 », Bulletin d’archéologie et d’architecture libanaises 15 (2011), 2014,
p. 5-28.
HAMADE K., BLANC P., JAUBERT R., SAADE-SBEIH M., « De part et d’autre de la frontière

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 libano-syrienne : les mutations de l’agriculture du Haut Oronte », Confluences Méditerranée
2015/1 n°92, 2015, p. 19-32.
LE STRANGE G., Palestine under the Moslems. A description of Syria and the Holy Land from
A.D. 650 to 1500, Link, Library of Congress, 1890,
https://archive.org/stream/palestineundermo00lest#page/354/mode/2up
LEWIS M.J.T., Millstone and Hammer: the Origins of Water Power, Hull : University of Hull Press,
1997.
METRAL F., METRAL J., « Irrigations sur l’Oronte à la veille de la motorisation », in GEYER B.
(éd.), Techniques et pratiques hydro-agricoles traditionnelles en domaine irrigué :
approche pluridisciplinaire des modes de culture avant la motorisation en Syrie, BAH 136,
Paris : P. Geuthner, 1990, p. 395-418.
REY-COQUAIS J.-P., « L’eau dans la Syrie antique : inventaire épigraphique », in ARGOUD G.,
MARANGOU L., PANAYOTOPOULOS V., VILLAIN-GANDOSSI C. (éds), L’eau et les
hommes en Méditerranée et en Mer Noire dans l’Antiquité. De l’époque mycénienne au règne
de Justinien, Actes de Congrès international (Athènes, 20-24 mai 1998), Athènes : Centre
National de Recherches Sociales, 1992, p. 383-395.
SALLOUM L., « Deir el-Ahmar: A Roman settlement in the Northern Beqaa Valley, Lebanon »,
Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage Studies, volume 4, numéro 2/3,
2016, p. 278-297.
TRABOULSI M., Les précipitations au Proche-Orient, variabilité spatio-temporelle et relation avec
la dynamique de l'atmosphère (1960-61/1989-90), Atelier de Reproduction de thèse, Lille 3,
2004, 233 p.
TRABOULSI M., « La pluviométrie moyenne annuelle au Liban: Interpolation et cartographie
automatique », Journal scientifique libanais, Conseil National de la Recherche Scientifique,
volume 11, No. 2, 2010, p. 11-25.
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Water management in arid and semi-arid regions.
Challenges and solutions through the ages:
Example from Israel
Cultural Water Heritage in Israel: Overview
Tsvika Tsuk
Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA), Jerusalem

1 General characteristics
The state of Israel is situated in Asia - the Middle East region at the crossroads amid Asia and
Africa, forming a narrow strip between the Mediterranean Sea in the west and the Great Rift
Valley in the east. The state's area is about 22,000 square kilometers and its population is 8.5
million people. The country's geography is divided into four long and narrow strips in a north -
south direction, as following: on the west along the Mediterranean Sea lies the coastal plain, in
the central part lies the mountainous region, east of that are the Judean and the Negev Deserts
and further east is found the Great Rift Valley, which includes the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea
and the Arava Steppe. The Dead Sea occupies the deepest depression on the land surface of the
earth; its greatest depth is about 430 m below sea level.

The lack of availability of water in the ancient settlements in Israel and the lack of water at the
present time led the country's inhabitants in the past and lead them nowadays to invent and to
develop special water systems.

Water consumed in Israel in the year of 2015 has been about 1,121,000 cubic meters. This
consumption is broken down as following: domestic purposes and industry – 62%, agriculture –
25%, supply to the kingdom of Jordan and to the Palestinian Authority – 10% (by agreements),
supply to nature – 3%.

1.1 General climatic data and general hydrological data

The State of Israel is located within two different climatic regions: a Mediterranean climate at its
west part and a desert climate at its east and south parts. Its geographical position places Israel
within Earth’s subtropical band, which includes two seasons with short transitions in between.
The main seasons are a hot and dry summer and a cold and wet winter.

Summer is characterized by a stable atmosphere, high temperatures, cloudless clear sky, high
evaporation, high humidity near the Mediterranean coastal plain, and by a hot and dry climate in
the mountains regions. Rains are very rare in summer. Winter is characterized by the lack of
stability in the atmosphere, low pressure fronts that bring cold air and strong winds. The transition
seasons – autumn (fall) and spring - are unsteady while the weather may vary from cold and wet
to eastern hot fronts.

The rainy season takes place between October and May, while most of the rain falls during
December to February. The amount of rainfall at the other months (June to September) is
negligible. Multi-annual average rainfall in the coastal plain is about 500-600 mm per year, in the
central mountain region about 600-800 mm, in the desert fringes around 100-200 mm and in the
desert only 25-100 mm.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My thanks to Ms. Esti Ben-Haim, Prof. Jim Parker and Dr. Assaf Selzer who assisted me in this article.

173
There are no large rivers in the country and therefore the main water source in Israel is rain, as
stated in the Bible, “drink water from the rain of heaven” (Deuteronomy 11: 11).
Rainwater furnishes the ground water, often forming a powerful runoff. Groundwater emerges in
numerous springs, mostly in the mountainous regions and the coastal plain, and there are a few
in the desert as well. Most of the springs consist of small emanation of 10,000 to 350,000 cubic
meters per year. The water discharge of these springs is seasonal, having its peaks in February
through May. The water table then decreases until November. As the rainy season starts,
during December and January, the level of ground water increases and reaches its peak in
March. This increase dramatically affects a few large springs. The discharge of the larger
springs ranges from several millions of cubic meters to 250 million cubic meters a year (Dan
springs). These springs are affected by long-term rainfall and thus they form a strong water
flow, which is maintained even in summer and early fall until the next rainy season. In the
northern areas of Israel the amount of water flow in the springs is large and there are several
small rivers.

The largest springs are found at the foot of Mount Hermon, and they feed the tributaries of the
Jordan River. The Yarkon springs are the most important water source on the coastal plain, and
their discharge is about 220 million cubic meters a year.

Contemporary data on spring flow is the main basis for the investigation of ancient waterworks.
Most scholars believe that in the last 5,000 years climate changes actually occurred, some of
which affected the flow of water in springs (Some researchers argue that these changes also
led to the abandonment of settlements, particularly in the Negev).

174
 Figure 1. Israel map depicting the water-related heritage sites. Mitia Frumin, INPA.

1.2 Cultural relations and technical exchanges with neighboring zones

Along with the establishment of the first settlements in the world, in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic
Period, the first water systems in Israel came into existence in the form of wells, dug about 8,000
years ago. Wells from the same period appeared in Cyprus too and there they are dated to about
9,000 years ago and are considered as the earliest in the world. Is it possible that already at such
an early phase there were inter-relations among different communities or, was the well invention
born simultaneously at different communities? In the Middle Bronze Age some impressive water
systems dug to ground water appeared in the Canaanite towns. Similar water systems have not
been unearthed in the nearby regions however, similar-shaped water systems appeared later in
the Mycenaean culture in Greece. Here again the same issue is raised: had any cultural contact
existed between these sites which existed in different times and were far away geographically
from each other? In this case there is a much better probability for a sort of contact, but it is still
doubted.

175
Hezekiah's Tunnel (Figure 2), which was quarried in Jerusalem in the Iron Age, served the city in
th
the late 8 century BCE. A bit more than one hundred years later the Eupalinos Tunnel was
quarried in Samos, Greece, for the same purpose. The two tunnels share a great similarity due to
their being quarried simultaneously from opposite ends without intermediate shafts. The
engineering wonder of the quarrying system in both sites has not yet been deciphered.F

Figure 2. Hezekiah's Tunnel in Jerusalem. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

Aqueducts bringing spring water to the ancient cities appeared in Israel in the Hellenistic period.
In this case the influence of classical culture is absolutely obvious, as it reached here by the
agents of Hellenistic culture. In the Roman world the aqueducts were much more developed and
dozens of them, which have been found in Israel, constitute a part of the Roman world in which
more than 1700 aqueducts were constructed. The architecture of those aqueducts is similar
everywhere and there is no doubt that Vitruvius's book De Architectura (On Architecture), in
which there is a chapter describing how to build aqueducts, constituted the technological and
engineering knowledge base for their construction. The use of aqueducts lasted throughout the
Byzantine period and ceased in the Early Islamic period.

176
 Figure 3. The Qanats at Evrona. The small earth heaps mark the openings of the Qanats
shafts. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

In this period, water systems using Qanats appeared in a few sites including En Yahav, Yotvata
and Evrona (Figure 3), all in the Arava Steppe in the south part of Israel. This system was
brought by the Muslims and its use was short in duration and then it disappeared.

In the Ottoman period an aqueduct was built in Acre (Figure 4) according to a technique
originated in Istanbul. The water flowed under pressure within an aqueduct, which was made of
stone pipes inside the ground, and raised from time to time according to hydraulic principles to
towers called 'suterazi' in order to release air pressure from inside the pipes and to allow the
distribution of water from the tower to water consumers scattered along the route. This
technology was first observed in Pompeii in the 1st century AD.

Figure 4. The Aqueduct to Acre. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

In the 1960's huge water conduits are aimed to transfer water from abundant-water regions to
arid regions. Thus The Israel National Water Carrier was built. The Carrier takes water from the

177
 Sea of Galilee, the only potable water lake in the country, raises the water by pumps and then
transfers it via an open canal to a filtering and purifying center (Figure 5). From there the water
flows through a huge pipe to the southern part of the country.

Figure 5. The Israel National Water Carrier (the canal at the right). Photo: Abraham Graicer

2 Known sites and important sites for the cultural heritage of water

2.1 Archaeological site

The state of Israel, which is located in a region where the Mediterranean climate prevails
on the one hand and an arid climate on the other hand, suffers permanently from lack of
water. There are no great rivers in the country and the springs with high emanation are
scarce. Therefore, always throughout history, there was the need to find solutions for
producing water and to transfer water to the ancient settlements. For this reason there
are hundreds of ancient water systems in Israel, part of which are local innovation but
which have worldwide importance.

The initial phases of settlements in the prehistoric periods were close to springs, but shortly after,
wells were dug near those settlements. The early wells in Israel are from about 8,000 years ago,
and they include the Nisanit Well close to Megiddo and the well of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic
village of Atlit Yam, which was revealed about 10 meters underneath the present sea level. This
well was originally dug when the sea level was about 16 meters lower than its level today. These
are the second earliest wells in the world following a well in Cyprus that preceded them by about
th th
1000 years. Other early wells, which dated to the 6 and 5 millennia BCE, were revealed in Kfar
Samir, Shaar HaGolan, Tel Tsaf and Horvat Abu Hauf (Figure 6). The use of wells in Israel has
continued during all the periods until nowadays. The deepest well (70 meters) was discovered in
Tel Beer Sheba and dates to about 3,000 years ago.

th
The first cisterns were discovered in Metser and dated to the end of the 4 millennium BCE,
much later after the time of the wells. These cisterns were quarried in chalk rock and are not

178
 nd
plastered. Later on, after the 2 millennium BCE, the cisterns were plastered, at first partially like
st
in Hazor and Gezer, and afterward fully. Open cisterns were quarried in the Negev in the 1
millennium BCE, but in the other regions of the country, the cisterns are in general underground.
Their quantity increased in the Byzantine period. In the mid-first millennium CE almost every
house had its own cistern. Systematic research of cisterns of this period was carried out in
Sepphoris,

Figure 6. The Chalcolithic well at Horvat Abu Hauf. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

Figure7. One of the many reservoirs at Masada. Photo: Alon Ron

179
Shivta (which was inscribed in 2005 as a World Heritage Site as a part of the "Incense Route –
Desert Cities in the Negev") and Hurvat Zichrin. This research showed that the average volume of
a cistern is about 50 cubic meters and that the personal annual consumption per capita is about 7
th
cubic meters. The use of the cisterns lasted at least till the mid-20 century, when in Jerusalem
alone there were 8,000 cisterns. Huge water reservoirs (more than 150 cubic meters) for the
rd
collecting of runoff water first appeared in Arad in the mid-3 millennium BCE. At first the
reservoirs were open and later they are usually subterranean, like those in Hazor from the second
nd st
half of the 2 millennium BCE, Masada (World Heritage Site from 2001) in the 1 century BCE
nd th
(Figure7), and Sepphoris in the 2 to 7 centuries CE.

nd
In the Middle Bronze Age (in the first half of the 2 millennium BCE) two new types of ancient
water systems came into existence. The one is a natural spring surrounded by a walled city (in
Kabri and Dan) and the other one is a water system quarried to ground-water or to a spring
(Gezer, Gerisa and Jerusalem). While the first type did not last for long and the reason for that is
st
not known, the other type continued to be in use later, into the Iron Age II (the first half of the 1
millennium BCE). In this period the water systems quarried to ground-water reached their zenith.
These water systems were built within the confines of the ancient cities walls and allowed those
cities to exist in peace-time and not less important, in times of war when the city was put under
siege. At the northern regions of Israel, from Jerusalem northward, the water systems are
quarried to ground-water as is Hazor and Megiddo (Figure8) that were inscribed as World
Heritage Sites in 2005 as part of the Biblical Tels and others. On the other hand, in the southern
part of the country where water quantities are little and ground-water is found to be very deep
underground, huge underground reservoirs were quarried and aimed to collect runoff and flash
floods and store it beneath the city area (Bet Shemesh, Beer Sheba – which were inscribed as

Figure8. The Tunnel of the Megiddo Water System.

Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

180
 World Heritage Sites in 2005 as part of the Biblical Tels along with Arad and others). Aqueducts
appeared permanently in Israel in the Hellenistic period, except for a few in the Bronze and Iron
Ages. The number of aqueducts increased greatly in the Roman period, reaching its peak at the
th
beginning of the Byzantine period (4 century CE). Throughout Israel there are about 40 ancient
aqueducts that brought water to cities, towns, villages, palaces, farms, monasteries, army camps,
forts and agricultural areas. Aqueducts in desert areas were based in general on flash floods,
while in the Mediterranean region, springs were the source for the water. The most impressive
aqueduct, built partly on arches, is that of Caesarea Maritima (by the Sea), which was built in
st nd
the 1 century BCE by King Herod the Great. In the 2 century CE, a new aqueduct built by the
Roman II, VI and X Legions was attached to the first aqueduct (Figure9). Some of the cities had
2 or 3 aqueducts. The longest systems of this type were the aqueducts that brought water to
Jerusalem whose total length was about 80 kilometers.

Figure9. The High Level Aqueduct to Caesarea Maritima. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

Only two aqueducts were operating in Israel in the Modern Era: the Low Level Aqueduct to
Jerusalem that was renewed by the Ottoman rule and the aqueduct to Acre that was built in 1814
by Acre ruler, Jezzar Pasha, and which functioned up to 1948.

Only a few dams were found in Israel and most of them are dated to the Roman period. The most
impressive dam is the one in Nahal HaTaninim (Figure 10), which is 194 meters long, 4 meters
wide at its top and 10 meters wide at its base. The dam was reconstructed by the Israel Nature
and Parks Authority (INPA) and Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in a way that shows its mode of
operation for the visitors. Water is stored at one side of the dam and the dam's water regulating
installations operate the Ottoman flour mills on the other side. Other dams served the Negev city
of Mamshit (that was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2005 as a part of the "Incense Route –
Desert Cities in the Negev").

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 Figure. 10. The Dam at Nahal HaTaninim. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

2.2 Living Sites, which are still used or partially used

Since the state of Israel is a developed state, all the ancient water systems that were operating in
a traditional mode ceased operating many years ago. The use of cisterns and of the last
aqueduct, which led to Acre and that functioned until 1948, were not allowed anymore by the
Israel Ministry of Health who stated that the water quality was not sufficiently good for use. At only
a few regions in Israel is it still possible to see the use of traditional wells and cisterns, which have
existed for hundreds of years. Israel today maintains one of the most advanced filtering
installations in the world and the quality of water in the country is of very high quality, allowing
drinking water freely from any tap and everywhere without any worry.

Ancient water systems were reconstructed at some sites in Israel, among them the ancient flour
mills in Nahal HaTanininm (see above), Tel Dan Nature Reserve, Gan HaShlosha National Park
and Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv. A short segment of the aqueduct to Acre was reconstructed
in Kibbutz Regba where water flows like in the past. The manner of pulling out water from an
ancient well is demonstrated in a museum in Rishon LeTsion and in Tel Beer Sheba.

2.3 Cultural Landscapes related to water

In Israel there are three main ancient cultural landscapes related to water: ancient agriculture in
the mountains, aqueducts in the open spaces, and flour mills in valleys of streams.

The areas on rock terraces designated for irrigated land are well recognized in the Judean
Mountains and at the En Gedi region. A spring was found on the upper part of the system and its
water flowed to a pool from which the water was regulated and directed to the agricultural
nd th
terraces. While in En Gedi this activity took place mainly during the 2 century BCE until the 6
century CE, in the Jerusalem mountains (a part of the Judean Mountains), terraces were built as
early as in the Chalcolithic period and their use lasted alternately until 1948. At the Sataf spring in
the Jerusalem Mountains an area of about 100 hectare of agricultural terraces was reconstructed
demonstrating cultivation as it was done in ancient times and by traditional methods.

The dozens of aqueducts that are mentioned above brought water from springs via open areas to
the ancient sites. On their route, the aqueducts cross different types of landscapes such as

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 mountainous landscape with natural forest, plain landscape with cultivated fields, planted forest
scenery and dune landscape close to the Mediterranean shore.

In Israel there are more than 300 remains of ancient flour mills that were operated by water
energy. These mills were built in streams' valleys close to abundant springs (Figure 11). Those
th
mills were operating since the Roman period until the 20 century while most of them date to the
Ottoman period. The mills were built within natural mountainous landscapes with harsh relief or in
flat landscapes alongside the agricultural regions.

Figure. 11. An ancient flour mill in Nahal Amud. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

3 Existing documentation
In the state of Israel there is not an organized archive dedicated to water heritage in antiquity,
neither is there a museum for this subject nor a photographic collection. All the excavations and
the archaeological finds pertaining to water, including ancient water systems, were published in
appropriate books and reports, part of which are to be found in the bibliographical list below.
These books may be found at the main libraries dedicated to archaeology like the library of the
IAA in the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem and the libraries of the universities in Israel. In
Kibbutz Nir Am in the Negev, there is the Nir Am – Water and Defense Museum, which is
dedicated to the building of settlements and water supply in the Negev from the 1930's until the
Israel War of Independence (1948).

Some websites dealing with water related themes in Israel are as following:
- Nir Am - Water and Defense Museum: http://eng.shimur.org/waterm

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 - An Internet website that deals with the entire aqueducts in the Roman world, including those
in Israel: http://www.romaq.org [ROMAQ= The Atlas Project of Roman Aqueducts]
- Articles of the 15th international conference on water in antiquity took part in Israel, 2012,
published in 2014 - Cura Aquarum in Israel II. The conference's booklet appears in:
http://www.parks.org.il/sigalit/conferences/conferenceBooklet.pdf
- Presentations may be watched in: http://ancientworldonline.blogspot.co.il/2013/08/online-
proceedings-water-in-antiquity.html

4 State of historic and technical knowledge concerning water heritage in the

sub-region

4.1 Definition of periods in man’s relationship with water

th
The connection between mankind and water started already in the 6 millennium BC and went on
th
until the 20 century as is detailed in section 2.1. During the span of those 8,000 years it is
possible to point at various water systems in different periods, The main of which are: the
Neolithic period, the Middle Bronze Age, the Iron Age II, the Roman and Byzantine periods; in the
other periods water systems exist but their quantity and capacity is much lower.

4.2 State of current research

The research of ancient water systems in Israel continues due to the many excavations that are
carried out every year by the Israeli universities, Israel Antiquities Authority and others, revealing
ancient water systems that were not known before. The recent important water systems that were
unearthed are the Nisanit Well (2012), the huge water reservoir and the aqueduct leading to it in
Bet Shearim (2014) and the Canaanite water system of Tel Gezer that is being excavated every
year since 2010.

In some universities like Tel Aviv University there are courses dealing with the history and the
development of the connection between mankind and water.

5 Threats to water heritage

The ancient water systems in Israel are well protected by virtue of the Antiquities Law of 1978
and the National Parks, Nature Reserves, National Sites and Memorial Sites Law of 1998.
However, in some cases, the water systems are located in open spaces and even the Antiquities
Law does not succeed to protect them. Most of the damaged water systems are the long
aqueducts. They are damaged, sometimes even partly destroyed, due to agricultural works, tree
planting, infrastructure works, modern construction, roads and buildings, neglect and vandalism.
Even so, only a small number of systems are being damaged while most of them are, as said,
well protected and safeguarded.

6 Legal protection in Force

Two laws of the state of Israel are protecting the ancient water systems - the Antiquities Law and
the National Parks, Nature Reserves, National Sites and Memorial Sites Law. The Antiquities Law
that was enacted in 1978 protects any building or human-made object produced before the year
1700 CE. The Law mentions the sites declared as an 'Antiquities site' and a list of such sites is
published in Reshumot, the Israeli government official gazette that is updated from time to time.

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 When the 'Antiquities Site' is located within a national park, it is protected also by the National
Parks, Nature Reserves, National Sites and Memorial Sites Law that was enacted in 1998. The
Law sets out that a person will not do any act that may cause or will cause damage to a nature
reserve or to a national park. Since in a national park or in a nature reserve, development works
are few and carried out very carefully, no damage may occur to the ancient water systems within
their confines.

The Israel Water Law, that was enacted in 1959, sets out that the water sources are the property
of the public and controlled by the state and designated for the needs of the population and the
development of the country. For the purpose of this law, the water sources are the springs,
streams, rivers, lakes and other currents and water reservoirs - whether above or below the
ground, whether natural or whether regulated or installed, whether water gushes or flows or
stands in them, at all times or intermittently, including drainage water and sewage water. Any
individual is entitled to receive water and to use it, however, a person’s right in any land does not
confer on him any right over a water source that is situated in that land, or that passes through it
or in its borders. In 2004, an amendment was added to the Water Law, which set out that the
state has to allocate water for the protection and restoration of nature and landscape values,
including springs, streams and wetlands.

7 Conservation and management of water heritages

7.1 Conservation
The state of Israel has profound awareness for antiquities conservation and it carries out large
activities in this discipline through many conservation teams from the IAA, INPA and private
conservators. Antiquities conservation courses and continuing education programs are
maintained in universities and colleges in Israel and their graduates get diplomas as
conservators. The large activity resulted in the conservation and reconstruction of many of the
ancient water systems in Israeli sites, among them are the following: the aqueduct and huge
reservoir in Sepphoris, the aqueducts and the reconstructed nympheum in Caesarea Maritima
(Figure 12), the aqueducts to Jerusalem, Hezekiah's Tunnel and Warren's Shaft in Jerusalem,
aqueduct and pools in En Bokek, reservoirs and ritual baths in Masada, the pools in Shivta, the
reservoir in Tel Beer Sheba, the reservoir in Tel Arad, flour mills in Nahal Amud, the aqueduct to
Acre, the aqueduct of En Tsur, the dam in Nahal HaTaninim, the el-Mir flour mill at the Yarkon
stream, the well in Hurvat Abu Hauf and others. The conservational intervention is implemented
with the use of traditional materials of the past. In many of these sites the original plaster has
preserved and at the conservation work, this plaster is protected, strengthened and sometimes
total restoration is accomplished.

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 Figure 12. The reconstructed nympheum in Caesarea Maritima. Photo: Tsvika Ts

7.2 Management of properties and sites

The INPA under the aegis of the Ministry of Environmental Protection manages the nature
reserves and the national parks (where the antiquities are located), which occupy about 25% of
the state's area and include about 400 nature reserves and 100 national parks. There are about
9,000 archaeological sites within those areas, among them are most of the above mentioned
sites and the ancient water systems within them. About 70 of these sites are open for the public,
namely, well organized sites containing comfortable facilities for visitors. Out of those, some are
archaeological sites housing important water systems and six of them are World Heritage Sites
(WH), while two of them are serial nominations, so in fact there are altogether 12 WH sites under
the management and the responsibility of the INPA.

All the archaeological sites of the state of Israel, including those within the INPA's areas, are
subject to the supervision of the IAA under the Ministry of Culture and Sport, but the IAA has no
statutory responsibility on the land.

8 Conclusion
The state of Israel is located in a region typified by Mediterranean, semi-arid and arid climates,
with no rivers or abundant-water streams, therefore, the people who lived here throughout the
historical periods, had to produce and to find water sources for their needs. In antiquity, when the
annual consumption per capita was about 5-7 cubic meters there was enough water for the needs
of all communities. Since there were no permanent natural water sources in most of the sites,
there was the necessity to produce water. Thus, wells were dug and then cisterns were quarried
nd st
and huge water systems were installed aimed to reach to the ground-water. In the 2 and 1
millennia BCE the water systems were developed in Israel and they are considered as the peak
of technology, engineering and hydrology of their time. These are the water systems that were
quarried into the rock to a depth of about 40 meters in order to reach to the ground-water. These
water systems aimed to be used in fortified cities in times of peace and mainly in time of war
st
when the water source is found within the confines of the city walls. At the end of the 1
millennium BCE the Hellenistic world culture penetrated into Israel positively inspiring
development of water systems. Thus many aqueducts were built and almost each Roman city

186
had at least one aqueduct of its own. That development changed the entire picture of the water
supply in Israel due to the transition from local supply by means of cisterns and ground-water
from the settlement's close environment to a water supply from a distance. The 40 aqueducts that
were built in a moderate slant on top of the existing topography or on arches or within tunnels are
well integrated within the Israeli cultural landscape. The ancient water systems went almost
completely out of use when the population in Israel sharply decreased in the mid-Early Islamic
th th
period. In the 19 and 20 centuries, the traditional use of cisterns and aqueducts was still in use
but it disappeared as the modern methods were introduced, mainly the water pumps that
canceled the need of transforming water by gravity. After its foundation in 1948, the state of Israel
started the project of the Israel National Water Carrier from north to south, but, the global
warming that brought too little precipitation also caused the Carrier to lose its exclusive
importance. Israel is solving its water shortage issues by establishing desalination installations,
which are producing at present more than 500 million cubic meters of water. The Soreq
desalination installation is the biggest of its kind in the world.

The conservation of water heritage in Israel is one of the most professional worldwide. A lot of
bodies deal theoretically and practically with this discipline. Thus many conservation works at
antiquities sites in general, and in ancient water systems in particular, are carried out on a
regular basis. The state laws designated to protect antiquities, national parks and nature reserves
and the Water Law constitute an excellent protective cover for the water heritage all through
Israel.
The lack of a centralized archive and a museum of the history of water in Israel is a weak point of
the Israeli water heritage and hopefully such institutes will be established soon in order to orderly
document this fascinating subject for the present and future generations. At present there are
institutes, scholars, and engineers who deal regularly with various water issues and through
them, it is possible to discover relevant information and data for interested people.

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9 Bibliography

AMIT David, PATRICH Joseph & HIRSCHFELD Yizhar Eds. The Aqueducts of Israel, Journal of
Roman Archaeology no. 46, Portsmouth, 2002. (The book holds 40 articles about different
aqueducts found in Israel and is considered as a key book for this subject).
AVITZUR Shmuel, The Water Resources of Eretz-Israel. Tel Aviv, 1992 (Hebrew).
GVIRTZMAN Haim, Israel Water Resources. Jerusalem, 2002 (Hebrew). OHLIG Christoph,
PELEG Yehuda & TSUK Tsvika Eds. Cura Acuarum in Israel. Proceedings of the 11th
International Conference on the History of Water Management and Hydraulic Engineering in
the Mediterranean Region, Israel, 7-12 May 2001. Siegburg, 2002.
REICH Ronny, Excavating the City of David, where Jerusalem's History Began, 2011, Jerusalem,
pp. 284-287.
TSUK Tsvika, Ancient Water Systems in Settlements in Eretz-Israel (from The Neolithic to the
end of the Iron Age). Ph.D. Thesis. Tel-Aviv University, 2000. (Hebrew), (English
Summary). (This work assembles the knowledge about all the ancient water systems since
their initial phase in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period until the Late Iron Age (6000-600 BCE)
and reviews them according to their periods and their types. This work gathers a lot of
research of water systems that were excavated by various researches).
TSUK Tsvika, "The Aqueducts to Sepphoris". In: Amit, D. Patrich J. & Hirschfeld Y. Eds. The
Aqueducts of Israel, Journal of Roman Archaeology no. 46. Portsmouth, 2002, p. 278-294.
TSUK Tsvika, Water at the End of the Tunnel - Traveling along the Ancient Water System,
Jerusalem Yad Izhak Ben Zvi, 2011 (Hebrew). (This is a popular book that contains three
general introductory prefaces and a fourth section that offers trip trails to 40 water sites in
Israel. The English version of this book is in process).
TSUK Tsvika, "Touring Israel's Ancient Water Systems". In: Eds. OHLIG Christoph & TSUK
Tsvika. Cura Aquarum in Israel II. Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on
the History of Water Management and Hydraulic Engineering in the Mediterranean
Region, Israel, 14-20 October 2012; Siegburg, 2014, p. 115-136.

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Case study N1
The Canaanite Water System of Tel Gezer

Gezer is a biblical city mentioned 12 times in biblical Scripture in various contexts. It is located
in a strategic position near a crossroad on the passageway from the coastal plain to the Judean
Lowlands. The ancient international road that connected Egypt and Mesopotamia passed (from
south to north) 4 km. to the west of the city while the road to Jerusalem was (from west to east)
3 km. to the north.

The archaeological excavations at the site uncovered 26 strata of settlement, one atop the
other. The main finds are from the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE. Tel Gezer’s water system was
excavated in 1907 by the Irish archaeologist R.A.S. Macalister. Fortunately, he did not cover it
up again as he did with the rest of his excavations as required by Ottoman law. It was also
fortunate that he was unable to excavate the water basin, but instead covered it up with a layer
of stones.
The water system was hewn into the bedrock of Eocene chalk to a depth of approximately 30
meters below the surface. At the bottom it reached a clay layer that functioned as an aquiclude.
Thus the city had a water system cut to the water table within the city walls. That allowed the
city to use the water in peace time and also to survive in a siege when a war occurred.

The water system is divided into four parts: the unroofed entrance corridor, sloping tunnel,
reservoir and cavern. The maximum measurements of the sloping tunnel are: length 50 m;
height 7.5 m; width 4 m. The hewn volume of the water system is approximately 1,100 cubic
meters.

New research was launched at the site in 2010 by a joint expedition of the INPA and the New
Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. For the first three seasons the expedition cleaned the
stone and earthen debris that had penetrated the system since Macalister’s excavation (two
thirds of the tunnel was blocked). In the fourth season (2013) Macalister’s layer of stones was
removed, revealing archaeological finds beneath it dating to the Late Bronze Age II (around
1350 BCE). Later on, in the sixth season (2015) an earlier stratum was found beneath, revealing
pottery dating to the Late Bronze Age I (around 1500 BCE). These finds show that the water
system was used at these periods as a garbage pit after it stopped functioning. Therefore, the
beginning of its use, should be earlier. The expedition believes that it should be also associated
with Gezer’s other monumental construction projects, such as the gate, the city wall, the huge
tower and the gigantic steles at the high place. All of these are dated to the Middle Bronze Age
IIb (around 1600 BCE). This is the largest Canaanite water system known anywhere in the
world to date, based on the volume of material hewn from it. Its magnitude attests to a
prosperous royal city whose rulers wisely built a water system within it.

The water system of Tel Gezer is a masterpiece of human creative genius. It is a testimony of
the human ability to compete with the natural conditions and to bring the water into the city. The
people who quarried the water system had knowledge in hydrology, engineering and
technology, which enabled them to create this outstanding project.

189
 Figure. 1. The water system at Tel Gezer. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

Figure 2. Aerial view of the area of the water system (the tunnel entrance at the left). Photo:
Abraham Graicer

190
Figure. 3. Plan and section of Gezer water system

191
Case study N2
The Aqueducts to the ancient city of Sepphoris

Sepphoris was an important ancient city in the Lower Galilee dating to the Hellenistic, Roman
and Byzantine periods. It is the place where the Mishnah was codified by Rabbi Yehuda, the
Patriarch, in the early 3rd century CE. Many impressive mosaic floors were uncovered here
during archaeological excavations as well as a system to bring water from afar. The area’s
largest spring is located near the city (only 2.5 km away) but its height is lower than the city. The
inhabitants therefore had to seek higher water sources in the mountains to the east and to that
end they created two aqueducts from the Nazareth Mountains to Sepphoris with a total length of
14.5 km.

The earlier of the two, dated to the 1st century BCE, came from the area of Mashhad and left
only meager, rock-hewn remains. The main aqueduct, built in the 1st century CE, came from e-
Reine. It is 30 cm wide and up to 45 cm deep, with a flow volume of 36 cubic meters per hour.
Only the e-Reine aqueduct can be seen near Sepphoris, where it diverges: the southern branch
led to the giant reservoir and the northern branch led to the Mashhad pool and the Arches
reservoirs. The spring’s relatively small quantity of water manifests itself both in the small
dimensions of the aqueduct and the large size of the reservoir whose purpose was to collect
every drop and transfer it to the city in a controlled manner. The location of the reservoir, about
1.5 km from the city, was chosen because of a geological fault at this place, juxtaposing soft
chalk rock with hard limestone, overlaid with hard nari rock that formed the reservoir’s ceiling.
Thus only the soft chalk needed to be hewn, up to the seam between it and the hard rock. The
reservoir is 250 m long, 4 m wide, 12 m high and its volume is approximately 4,300 cubic
meters. It was excavated from 1993 to 1994 by the author of this article on behalf of the Tel Aviv
University Institute of Archaeology with funding from the INPA and the Israel Government
Tourist Corporation. The excavation included conservation and the site preparation for visitors,
and was assisted by the Jewish National Fund, which led to the opening of the site to the public
in 1995.

The aqueduct channeled the water to a sedimentation basin at the entrance to the reservoir.
After that the heavy debris sank into the basin, the water was channeled through an opening
about 1 m above the bottom to the huge reservoir. The reservoir’s walls were coated with two
layers of plaster: The first coat was of a light pink color and is dated to the 2nd century CE,
while the second coat was dark pink and is dated by the potsherds it contained to the 4th
century CE. The latter plaster was apparently applied during renovations made after 363 CE,
the year a powerful earthquake severely damaged the reservoir. The reservoir apparently
continued in use until the 7th century CE.

The reservoir was hewn by means of nine openings cut into the hard nari rock. After the
openings were cut, hewing continued from the bottom of each opening under the hard rock
ceiling and in opposite directions. Two of these openings – one in the center and one at the end
of the reservoir - have steps by which laborers could reach the reservoir floor for cleaning and
maintenance.

During excavation of the reservoir archaeologists searched for its outlet in the city. Quite a large
quantity of stones and earth were removed from the western end, revealing a staircase beneath
which was a small opening in the floor level. This opening was the beginning of a narrow tunnel
some 55 m long that had been sealed for about 1,300 years. Protrusions had been left along its
walls on which oil lamps would have been placed to illuminate the dark passage. The tunnel

192
tapered to a point where a wall was built. In the middle of the wall was a round, narrow opening
- that is the end of the reservoir. A lead pipe 10.5 cm in diameter was inserted in this wall during
construction.
From the observation point at the end of the reservoir visitors can see the beginning of the
tunnel that led to the lead pipe. At the other end of the pipe a large valve, which has now
disappeared, regulated the flow of water to the city. So far only one other such valve has been
found anywhere else in the Middle East – at the Nabatean-Roman site of Humeimeh in southern
Jordan. Calculations of flow rate and water pressure in the reservoir show that such a valve was
essential to stop the continuous flow of the water that would otherwise have emptied it.

Further along the pipe a tunnel was hewn. The work began with the cutting of six shafts in the
nari rock, and when a suitable level was reached the laborers began to quarry horizontally in
both directions. According to the marks on the rock, four points at which the laborers met were
found.

The ancient city of Sepphoris as well as the reservoir and the tunnel are part of a national park.
The INPA prepared the reservoir (1995) and tunnel (2012) for opening to the public.

Figure. 1. Map of the Figure 1 Aqueducts to Sepphoris, by Avigdor Orgad / Tsvika Tsuk

193
 Figure 2. The huge underground reservoir of Sepphoris.
Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

Figure 3. A section of the aqueduct of Sepphoris. Photo: Tsvika Tsuk

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The Jericho Oasis
Pietro Laureano
Director of IPOGEA

1 General characteristics of the Palestine region

1.1. Morphology, Climate and Hydrology

Jericho is located on the rocky slope of the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley depression, in the
West Bank, the area of Palestine west of the River Jordan. The Region is at the edge of the
Arabian Desert, bounded on the east by the Jordan River, on the north by the border between
modern Israel and Lebanon, on the west by the Mediterranean Sea (including the coast of Gaza)
and on the south by the Negev, with its southernmost extension reaching the Gulf of Aqaba. The
Jordan Valley is a continuation of the Great Rift Valley which separates the African Plate from the
Arabian Plate. The terrain of the West Bank is mostly rugged dissected upland, with some
vegetation in the west, but barren in the east. The elevation span reaches from the lowest point
on the northern shore of the Dead Sea to the highest point at Mount Nabi Yunis at 1,030m above
sea level. The rocks are principally composed of marine sediments (limestone and dolomite). The
porosity of these rocks permits water to filter down to the non-porous strata, which supply water
to the aquifers in the region. The Jordan Valley is a deep rift valley that varies in width from 2.5
km to 22 km. and descends to approximately 400 metres below sea level, the lowest land point
on the Earth’s surface. The area had an immense strategic importance in history as it is located
on the main route between Egypt and Syria and that between the Mediterranean and the hills
beyond the Jordan River (Figure 1). The clime is exceedingly dry and hot, and cultivation is
restricted to irrigated areas or rare oases, as at Jericho or at ʿxc Gedi by the shore of the Dead
Sea. Jericho has a hot arid climate with mild winters and dry hot summers and a year average
temperature of 30° C. The site is in the mountain range that descends from the Judean Hills to
the Dead Sea depression. At the foot of this cliff, at 200 metres below sea level (Figure 2), the
geological fracture frees underground waters, forming perennial springs. One of them is Ain es-
Sultan, in the location where the first site of Jericho developed. Here, the mountain limestone is
substituted by alluvial land, forming a gently sloping plain to the Jordan River. The area is drained
by a series of wadis crossing it along parallel west-east lines. Where the cliff reaches the plain
they create a humid area. These elements form the basis of implementing the oasis of Jericho as
a site of enormous importance because they provide evidence of the first development of
permanent settlements and thus of the first steps towards the development of the city and
civilization.

Figure 1. Tell es-Sultan reconstruction of the sequence identified by Kathleen Kenyon. Source Bar Joseph
O., (1986) The Walls of Jericho, an Alternative Interpretation. Note the wall built in front of the tower and its
progressive earth coverage while the hypogeum continues to be used. Copyright P. Laureano

195
 Figure 2. Geomorphology of the Jericho area and identification of the types and characteristics
of the oasis. Note the graph structures that open like fans from the edges of the cliff. They are
typical of piedmont oases. Copyright P.Laureano

1. Mountain oasis
2. Piedmont oasis
3. Wadis
a Nu’eima
b el-Mafjar
c Qelt
4. Tell es-Sultan
5. Depression
6. Water frame and crops
7. Settlement
8. River Jordan
9. Cliff

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1.2 Cultural Relations and Technical regional Exchange
The word ‘oasis’ in European languages comes from Greek, but it has a much more ancient
origin, and it existed in the Egyptian language as wahat, which is what oases are called in Arabic
today. The Greek geographer Strabo (64 B.C.- 24 A.C.) in describing Egypt gives the first
geographical description of oases: ”Egyptians called oases “inhabited places situated within huge
deserts, like islands in the open sea”(Geography, book XVII chapter 1, 5). The characteristics
emerging from this definition are: inhabited settlements; man-made settlements; situated within
huge deserts.

In ancient Egypt the word ‘oasis’ appears at the end of the Ancient Kingdom in writings of the VI
dynasty (2350-2200 B.C.)(Giddy, 1987): reference is made to an Oasis Region (which is part of
the Egyptian Kingdom thanks to a road, which allows connections with the west and south across
the oases). Ancient Egyptians make a clear distinction between the areas in the western desert of
Baharya, Dakhla, Farafra, Kharga and Siwa, called oases, and the Nile Valley that has the
advantage of rich water supplies thanks to a long lasting river: hence oases are areas where
water resources apparently do not exist or are available in limited conditions. The formation of
oases depends upon specific skills and the use of particular plants and animals (Cleuziou and
rd
Laureano 1998). These conditions were fully met in the Metal Age, in the 3 millennium, and
were developed with increasingly adequate techniques and structures, up to the galleries for
water catchment defined as quanat, falaj, fogara, kareez, etc. (Laureano. 2012b). However,
relevant knowledge as to the use of water, plants and animals, is found in Palaeolithic groups; the
results of plants’ domestication, of the date palm in particular, developed in Neolithic cultures
since 9.000 B.C. Early practices were developed in areas which are now dry precisely because
they were fully exposed to the sun and gave easy and immediate results. At the time these areas
had better water resources but were at risk of catastrophes, ranging from lack of water and
drought to strong rainfall and floods. Under such conditions what was needed was collaborative
work, in building banks, terraces, in water collection and in creating and protecting arable land.
The first pre-Neolithic sites and zones of Neolithic agriculture are Jericho in Palestine, Beida in
Jordan, Gobleki Tepe and Çatalhöyük in Turkey. Jericho, being located between 200 and 260
metres below sea level takes advantage of this depression for its microclimate and the gradient to
channel water. In order to create an oasis, a deep knowledge of the contexts and special
techniques is necessary: expertise and skills already available but also the development of new
ways to use them and a strong motivation. The oasis is the result of a “mix” of the environmental
knowledge of hunter-gatherers and breeders, together with peasants and often fishermen. The
role of a patriarch, a political or religious leader, or a trader is crucial. These persons or roles,
often combined in one person only, are the proponents of the project. They stimulate and orient
the objectives and the actions that lead to the decision to choose and make use of one specific
place.

The creation of oases may be determined by:

- climate changes and new environmental conditions in places where they already were located:
- the need for a location where mineral resources are available (salt, copper)
- the need to organize places where commercial activities are possible
- the need to control intersections and exchanges between different ecosystems
- the need to create settings for spiritual/religious activities.
This model coheres to the archaeological and historical events of Jericho, one of the sites where
the complex exchanges, coexistence and synthesis between nature and culture, hunter-gatherers
and peasants can be better assessed.

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2 Sites of water cultural Heritage

2.1 Water Archaeological Sites

In Arabia, the process of climatic warming, while continuously progressing from the end of the last
glaciation, was interrupted by periods of heavy rains at high altitude that replenished mountain
water tables, flowed into the wadis and filled the lacustrine basins in the depressions. The
alternating of arid and humid phases forced populations to live in the desert, in natural
environments where sterile salty depressions turned into irrigated prairies or lakes with plenty of
fish and crustaceans. Since the environment was changing seasonally and cyclically, nomadism
was the most viable form of existence.

Geographic differences, along the fault and in the tectonic depression, which in a limited space
generate a great environmental and ecological variety, made Jericho a very suitable place for this
kind of life. Nomads’ camps with their round huts were located in the seasonal standing places. In
th th
the 10 and 11 millennium the camps became permanent particularly thanks to the perennial
source of Tell es-Sultan that attracted animals and made their hunting possible. Since gazelles,
fallow and roe deer, ibexes, wild bores and avifauna were abundant thanks to the peculiar
microclimatic conditions, there was no need to follow game during their periodical migrations.
Sedentary life produced an increase of population which in turn reduced the possibility of spatial
mobility while increasing the need of resources. These resources could be found locally thanks to
the environmental variety and wealth of opportunities generated by the tectonic depression.
Furthermore, activities and tasks diversified and this led to organization and management.
Monumental works in Jericho as in Göbleki Tepe prove the existence of a leadership, and show
the beginning of social stratification, required by a more complex society, and the development of
different skills (Algaze and Fessler, 2001): a complex project to exploit local resources such as
salt, sulphur and bitumen; the location on communication routes; exchanges with shells,
turquoise and obsidian. It was the making of the Neolithic oasis. The site of Tell es-Sultan in the
first Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPNA) had a stone wall and a monumental tower-shaped structure
dating from 8,300 B.C. (Figure 3, box 1 stage III-IV, Photo 1). The structure, built in dry stone
within the walls, is 8m high and has a diameter of 8-9m. It is larger at the centre and narrower
(8m) at the top. Inside, there are narrow and steep stairs consisting of 22 steps made in stone
blocks. The stairs end in a top opening. At the bottom, there was a small exit (at 1.70m from the
ground) that was later closed (Kenyon and Holland, 1981). The imposing structure, which
dominated the mud warehouses, shows a high degree of social hierarchy. The very existence of
works like these forces the population to live in these areas even if conditions change. This
fosters the development of agriculture and the search for new products from which the population
can make their livelihood. The first grains of domesticated barley and emmer and traces of lentils
and figs have been found in the warehouses.

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 Figure 3. Topography of the oasis of Jericho. Tell
es-Sultan, original site of Jericho between two
wadis it is located where the alluvial cone of wadi
el-Mafjar leaves the cliff. The course of the wadi
then disappears in the frame of the canals. Note
the typical oasis system of water distribution by
gravity through superficial ditches and small
reservoirs. Copyright P. Laureano

1. Cliff
2. Contour line -200 mt.
3. River Jordan
4. Wadi
5. Crops
6. Water reservoirs
7. Perennial spring of Tell es-Sultan

Photo 1. Tell es-Sultan. At the bottom of the picture, in the foreground there is the
monumental tower, an artificial mountain, with hypogeal stairs inside. It is seen from East
where the hypogeal room is. In the background, at West, the Mount of Temptation and the
mouth of wadi Mafjar. Note the top entrance to the pit hypogeum. Copyright P. Laureano

Periodical floods of the wadi renewed the soil’s fertility and made possible its permanent
exploitation for very long periods of time. Hydraulic works were made to stem water, protect soils,
and fight erosion, and common regulations were established. In 7,500 B.C., three curtain walls
already existed [fig. 3, box 2, stage V], and the agricultural economy was well-established thanks
to the production of legumes and cereals. Hunting and fishing may have also had an important
role in food diversification.

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 During the second Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPNB 7300-6.000 B.C.), hunting was partially replaced
by the breeding of domesticated sheep and goats. This breeding perpetuated nomadic traditions.
In Jericho in 6,000 B.C., the Pottery Neolithic developed during a period of climatic heating and
other changes, such as the abandonment of older structures, possibly caused by the arrival of a
different population. In arid regions, in parallel with Neolithic experiences, sedentary groups of
transhumant semi-nomadic people with herds of sheep and goats still exist. They either reflect
Palaeolithic cultural models or are forced to find a livelihood in regions where agriculture cannot
be developed. Nomads and semi-nomads are a repository of knowledge and ways of life that can
both play a strategic role during crises and be at the forefront of the development,
implementation, and circulation of new techniques. These groups increased in number and
became a key factor in the history of arid regions. Their contribution to human subsistence
rd nd
became crucial when, from the end of the 3 to the 2 millennium, the present desert situation
took place. By combining new solutions and inputs coming from different and often very far away
places, the “device” oasis helped to solve increasingly difficult environmental issues. It became
increasingly complex and eventually resulted in a complete unitary package of knowledge, social,
legal and economic measures that can still be applied in similar conditions and produces well-
defined typologies (Laureano 2001, 2012a).

2.2 Living sites of Water Heritage

Mountain
Mountains generate a type of oasis located on the slopes of high elevations which benefit from
good hydraulic conditions thanks to perennial superficial water flows and spring catchments.
Natural caves, ponds collecting rainfall, or small drainage galleries are used. Fields are
developed on embankments and terraces where the soil is often artificially made. Small canals
and dikes irrigate slopes that otherwise would dry up. These conditions are found at the edges of
the Jericho cliff, which has natural caves possibly used as shelters during the Palaeolithic (Photo
2) and continuously used by herders until the establishment of underground hermitages and
mountain monasteries such as that of the Mountain of Temptation, which overlooks Tell es-
Sultan.

Piedmont
Piedmont oases are located at the mouth of narrow passages at the foot of mountain ranges.
These are often crossed by many parallel valleys that are perpendicular to the mountain front,
facing the plains. Because of alluvial cones (fans), these valleys, even in extreme drought
conditions, concentrate the water collected on the large surface of big mountain chains in one
place. Oases exploit this hydric opportunity by using soil humidity for cultivation. The water from
random floods is captured either through catchment dams and water tanks or water is produced
by means of filtering galleries and catchment tunnels. This is the main characteristic of the oasis
system of Jericho where cultivated parcels are located at the base of the cliff, in correspondence
with alluvial cones which open to the valley according to gravity lines (Figure 4). Given the
existence of surface springs in Jericho, there are no catchment galleries (qanat, falj, etc.) of the
sort that exist in other places of the region, such as the Hezekiah tunnel built in 700 B.C. in
Jerusalem.

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Photo 2. On the rock caves and shelters on the cliff of Tell es-Sultan. Copyright P. Laureano

Figure 4. Topography of Jericho. copyright P. Laureano

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Wadi
Sporadic resources of the desert riverbeds, water contained in sediments, and underground flows
are used. Sophisticated methods to divert floods that recur every ten years are also applied. By
means of division systems and underground dams, water is kept in sediments and then drawn
through wells. In higher locations wadis’ courses take the form of canyons, where the bed is
mostly used for date palms and other plants while a narrow central belt is used for the flow of
floods. In peneplain conditions, riverbeds become larger and merge into the plains, and oases
develop in long cultivated belts. Wadi Nu’eima (Figure.4- 3a) to the north and Wadi Qelt
(Figure.4- 3c) to the south structure the area of Jericho by flowing to River Jordan from west to
east on the plain slope. A third wadi, the course of which has disappeared in present urban
topography, is Wadi el-Mafiar (Figure 4- 3b). It was located close to the hill of Tell es-Sultan, the
pre-historic site of Jericho, and had a crucial role in its origin. The site has the typical appearance
of an oasis between sporadic water streams; cultivated parcels are located in the highest points
between riverbeds that are protected from floods. Since perennial sources guarantee water
supply on the wadis, there are no intakes for water diversion. Many wells draw water from the soil
by exploiting the contribution of the wadis that saturate the soil. The riverbeds are not cultivated,
possibly because floods are recurrent and violent; only when there are very mild slopes do
cultivated belts run long the wadi.

Isolated hills
These are typical geological formations, made either of rocks resistant to erosion or of sediments
at wadis’ mouths that create small elevations in the plains. These hills contain water that rises via
capillary action through the layers of limestone. When it is accessed in caves and cavities, it is
often the only water free of salinization. In addition, it also has the advantage of flowing at an
altitude higher than that of the level of crops, and thus it can be distributed by gravity. These
solutions were used in the most ancient oases where the hill becomes the fortress defending the
oasis. It is the case of Tell es-Sultan [Figure. 4 -4], which, over time, was artificially raised on a
natural base of this type. Similar structures are found in other places along the edge of the cliff.

Depression
Closed basins, made by the bottoms of dried-up lakes, inner outlets of wadis and depression
placed hundreds of metres below sea level, generate the concentration of water resources that
can easily be reached given the level of the ground. These led to the creation of archaic oases.
Slopes facilitate gravity irrigation, and surface ditches branch off towards the bottom of the
depression as far as the supply of water allows it. The framework of ditches generates a
community and judicial space around the oasis, based on family ties, alliances and agreements
about the use of water. In Jericho, the geographic dimensions of the depression (figure. 4-5)
generated specific microclimatic advantages that made it possible to grow tropical crops such as
bananas and possibly aromatic plants.

Water framework and cultivations

Cultivations are the structural component of the oasis. They are small parcels of land structured
by the framework of the water distribution system, made of ditches and basins (Photos 3 and 4).
When water flows according to gravity from a specific point, it creates fan-looking graph
structures (Figure 4-6). Along the water lines, small semi-circular reservoirs preserve each
owner’s share of the water. The oasis’ agriculture has three levels: the date palms (first level),
which protect the fruit trees (second level), and vegetables (third level) (Photo 5). Palms protect
and create the soil, shadow the crops, keep the microclimate humid, foster a variety of flora-fauna
associations, and provide timber for the houses, leaves for fences and dates for food.
Agricultural properties are subdivided by the irrigation system, and land parcels are enclosed
either by clay walls or palm leaves mixed with earth. The perimeters increase the sense of
continuity between the fabric of the settlement and the cultivated space that becomes a “built”
environment protected by the vegetal roof of the palms’ treetops.

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 Photo 3. Oasis of Jericho. Superficial ditches, water distribution systems and reservoirs.
Copyright P. Laureano

Photo 4. Reservoir in the palm grove of the oasis of Jericho. Copyright P. Laureano

Photo 5. Jericho. Three levels of oasis agriculture: I palm grove; II fruit trees; III vegetables. Copyright P.
Laureano

203
 Settlement
The typical oasis settlement model is compact. It consists of houses tightly attached to one
another and accessed through a tight fabric of narrow covered tunnel-like streets made from raw
th
clay and palm trunks. The structure and materials recall the 10 millennium Neolithic settlement
of Çatalhöyük, in Anatolia. The desert’s red soil is first crushed and then mixed with water and
straw. Rectangular bricks (tub in Arabic) are then made with a wooden mould. Bricks are used to
build the thick load-bearing walls of the houses, which create perfectly-insulated interior spaces
suitable both for high summer temperatures and cold winter nights. Architecture of this kind still
exists in Jericho (Photo 6), where there are also older buildings made with mud bricks, shaped
by hand into in the form of long loaves. These bricks precede those adapted to moisture
condensation and cooling, moulded using wicker baskets into hemispherical shells, which were
rd
used in Iraq in the 3 millennium and are still utilized in Saharan oases.

Photo 6. Jericho. Mud constructions. Copyright P. Laureano

3 Documentation, archaeological investigation and interpretation

In the context of the works for the Jericho Master Plan, a complete cartography of the site was
carried out. Thus, the municipality of Jericho received an Urban Geographic Information System
that contains all the necessary cartography. On this basis, it is now possible to reconsider the
archaeological documentation. Jericho’s site is universally known because of Biblical references
and its archaeological relevance. It is necessary that this be seen in relation to its role in the
history of mankind and considering the extraordinary structure, the ‘Tower of Jericho’. In the
1950s, Dame Kathleen Kenyon gave definition to the stratigraphic excavation method by using
this technique to excavate Jericho, resulting in the discovery of the celebrated stone tower, which
th
dates from the second half of the 9 millennium, and which is still considered the first and most
enigmatic structure ever. An archaeological mission from the Sapienza University of Rome has
been operating there since 1997 in conjunction with the Palestinian Department of Antiquities. In
the context of these activities, archaeologist Lorenzo Nigro made very relevant discoveries
rd
concerning urban organization and the use of water in the 3 millennium B.C. Particularly
nd
important was the discovery in a tomb of an amulet of the 2 millennium B.C.,on which the
Egyptian title Adjmer (manager of canals) was carved in hieroglyphics as well as the Canaanite
word Ruha, the ancient name of Jericho (Ariha in modern Arabic) which means “scent” (Nigro.
2005). These discoveries are particularly important with reference to water management and to
the sophisticated symbolism of cultivated land in the oasis that in the Sahara is called djenna, i.e.
garden and heaven. In spite of some scholars who have suggested alternative hypotheses, the
monumental pre-historic structure of Tell-es Sultan is still largely considered a defensive tower.
When one applies to Jericho the model of the oasis (the practices, cosmic vision and symbolism
of this world which is very rich of meanings), a new interpretation of the mysterious structure is

204
 possible. This icon of sedentism can be explained by nomadic ways of thinking. In her
presentation of the Tower of Jericho, Dame Kathleen Kenyon had already posed a series of
questions of interpretation with respect to its military role, given, among other things, the fact that
there is no evidence of conflicts among people of the area until at least 6,000. B.C. In this period,
during the Pottery Neolithic, customs and social mores changed completely and the tower
structure was no longer used. The tower was not built in front of the wall nor does it project from
the wall as a military structure, but is located behind the wall, within the perimeter of the
th
settlement. In addition, within the same region, atsites dating from the same period of the 9 and
th
8 millennium, there are no structures for defence and war but rather embankments and levees.
The notion that the tower was a lookout point can also be excluded, since this could have been
more easily made using light wooden structures. Based on these arguments, archaeologist Ofer
Bar-Yosef (Bar-Yosef, 1986) has interpreted the walls of Jericho as a soil containment system
and protection against flood.

Recently, it has been suggested that the tower was built due to superstitious fears of the shadows
projected by the mountains at sunset at this point (Liran and Barkai, 2011). These types of
astronomical considerations are interesting, but often these events are random coincidences that
require further evidence. In particular, there is no knowledge of any culture that feared shadows.
The hypothesis related to the rituals and techniques of oasis management is the most convincing.

4 State of historic and technical knowledge

4.1 Interpretation of the architecture of Jericho

The first settlement established at Jericho was the small elevation of Tell es-Sultan that over the
course of time became increasingly high, as a result of the accumulation of debris and
archaeological layers (Figure 4). It was located at the foot of the slope right in the centre of two
wadis, Wadi Nu’eima to the north and Wadi Qelt to the south, by a third wadi called Wadi el
Mafjar that has completely disappeared from maps and the urban fabric. This disappearance is
indicative. Wadi el-Mafjar comes from the Judean Hill and with a west - east course flows into the
Jericho‘s depression just 500m in front of Tell es-Sultan. Going eastwards in the Wadi el Mafjar -
Tell es-Sultan direction, one intercepts the course of River Jordan at its easiest crossing point, in
the area where Allenby Bridge is located today. The wadi was therefore a strategic way of
communication, key to crossing the depression of the Dead Sea. According to the typical oasis
model, over time its waters were gradually divided into a network of streams that fanned out on
the banks of the main course, so much so that it became indistinguishable from the irrigation
framework. The wadi flowed into the depression via an alluvial cone, a geo-morphological
structure typical of most archaic Natufian, Neolithic and pre-Neolithic settlements in the region,
such as Beida near Petra, Aswad near Damascus, and Tell Qaramel and Mureibet near Aleppo
(Sherrat, 2005).
Originally, Tell es-Sultan was therefore a slightly elevated knoll between the floodbanks of the
wadi, from which a perennial source sprung. These conditions made it a privileged location for a
settlement. The site, however, must have been subjected to erosion by the wadi, whose flows in
the past may have been bigger and more violent.

For this reason, from 8,300 to 7,800 B.C., at the same time as the tower was constructed, a wall
was built in front of it. From 7,800 to 7,600 B.C., the wall doubled in thickness as a result of the
construction of a curtain of reinforcement, and was protected by a drainage ditch [fig. 3, box 2,
stage V]. The wall probably surrounds the entire perimeter of the tell, but it is much thicker to the
west. It was necessary to protect the western side as it was the side most exposed to the water
flow and the debris carried by it. In fact, in the following centuries the sediments continued to
accumulate, filling the drainage ditch. In 7,200 B. C., after 400 years, the sediments covered the

205
 entire tower that, despite this, continued to be used [Figure 3, box 6, stages IX-XI]. The notion of
a military purpose for the tower should therefore be excluded.

Given its location between the wall and the spring, it has been strongly suggested that the tower’s
function was to protect the spring, pump water or store moisture.

In Yemen, the edges of the wells placed in the wadis are several metres high, in order to protect
their clear waters from muddy floods. Their height allows the use of clever methods of water
lifting. The piles of stones also facilitate the condensation of moisture and protect the quality of
the underground water. However, in the absence of specific research evidence, these
interpretations are just hypotheses.

4.2 The oasis landscape and the spirit of the place

Without pottery, and with the Palaeolithic background of the nomadic hunter-gatherers, the
builders of Jericho would have hardly conceived their architecture as a tower. At that time, no
tower had yet been built and we designate it as such because it is how we see it now. To
understand, one needs to see through the eyes of its builders. Palaeolithic cave art shows the
high levels of art and thought that humans had achieved. The mentality was to dig into the ground
rather than to build, and to take possession of the space from the inside, in the same way as the
walls of the caves. Outside constructions were based on the same principle; they were circular
huts and mounds made with piles of stones.

Works always had a cultural and symbolic function, which was also useful for the protection of
resources. In the oasis of El Guettar in Tunisia, the stone mound dating back 150,000 years
contains tools and flint tools. Perhaps the fact that the first monument of worship in the world was
located inside of a water spring shows a use connected to hydraulic practices (Gruet 1952). In
Australia, Palaeolithic groups had dug imposing water labyrinths to trap fish (Lourandos 1980).
Big totemic stone steles made by non-agricultural groups in 9,500 B. C. have been found at
Göbekli Tepe in Anatolia, enclosed within a mound (Schmit 2007).

Even the unusual architecture of Jericho should be understood by looking from the inside. The
archaeological reports describe it as a tower, inside of which there is a stone staircase of 22
steps leading to a small room. In reality, what was built was not a tower but just a stone staircase.
The structure that appears to us as a tower was designed to create a solid material in order to
make the inside stairs and the small room. It is, in fact, an artificial hypogeum. [Figure. 5]

206
 Figure 5. Tell es-Sultan. The tower of Jericho copyright P. Laureano

The builders probably had similar settings in the caves on the mountain, and when they
reconstructed these caves at Tell es-Sultan they used the same solution. They built the structures
in a more elevated location in order to protect them from flooding, or to replicate the symbol of the
mountain with the hypogeum [fig. 4]. Just 200 years after its construction, the rear floor access
point was obstructed, and the work was transformed into a hypogeum only accessible from the
top. In the following 400 years, from 7,600 to 7,200 B.C., the structure was completely buried by
sediment, but was continually used without being freed from debris [fig. 1, box 6, stages IX-XI]. It
was already a hypogeum [Figure 6]. Its use should be linked to the religious and propitiatory
practices of the shamans that are typical of Palaeolithic nomadic cave-related thought.

Figure 6. Tell es-Sultan. Pit hypogeum. Copyright P. Laureano

207
 In that period of fundamental transformation, from which our present urban civilization was
formed, it is difficult to establish the boundaries between nomadic and agricultural thought. Social
changes, new techniques and architectural achievements derived from water-related experience,
as well as the growing diversification of production, kept a strong relationship with the past. The
protective cave - uterus, womb, temple - remained a seat of rites but the space was not now
simply taken from nature. It was built by creating an artificial mountain, a hypogeum with stairs
ascending to heaven. The structure, made in the image of the cosmos vision, celebrated the
community, reassured generations and explained the world. It is the physical representation of
the perceived and internalized landscape, a symbol and an architectural expression of new
challenges and ambitions.

The monument and its ceremonies contributed to the consolidation and transmission of
knowledge and to the confirmation of cultural models, the fundamental factors of social evolution,
towards differentiation and complexity. The rites that it was destined to hold must have played a
decisive role in assembling the extraordinary package of skills, social norms and organization of
tasks that made Jericho’s society successful for thousands of years. One can only guess what
they were. The nature, quality and complexity of the discoveries at Tell es-Sultan (such as the
skeletons buried without the skulls that were reshaped into their living appearance with clay and
paint) suggest elaborate ceremonials connected once again to the practices of shamans. We
know that shamans used to work in confined spaces or hypogea, and that the stairs with an
opening at the top had a very important significance for propitiatory practices, the exposure of
corpses to vultures on elevations, shamanic ecstasy and flight, and the ascent of souls to heaven
(Eliade, 1954). These concepts, and connected elements such as the hypogeum, the water, and
the stairs, are found in a variety of situations. The extraordinary architecture of Jericho thus
generates unexpected suggestions and comparisons: a shamanic cave, a guide to immortality, a
tower of silence, a well of souls, a stairway to heaven. It is at the apex of a tradition that has been
perpetuated in monuments, rituals and religions.

5 Threats
The area of Jericho has been largely developed and has lost most of its features as an oasis.
Nevertheless, the western area of Jericho, between the mountains and the two sides of Ain es
Sultan Street, still has traces of the ancient rural settlement and water network. The mountains
and the River Jordan, the major components of Jericho’s ecosystem and of its landscape, are not
contained within the municipality’s boundaries. The most important problems are related to water
shortage, desertification, the increasing urban growth and high pollution levels. The source of
water in Jericho is still the ancient Ain es Sultan spring which provides water both for domestic
(42%) and agricultural (58%) use. Wadi Qelt is one of the most important environmental systems
in the city of Jericho connecting and linking the natural environment of the oasis with most of the
archaeological sites. The wadi itself suffers nowadays from abandonment and pollution. The
areas of the city centre along the wadi are characterized by low environmental quality or uses
incompatible with the character of the area. The uncontrolled urban expansion leads to the loss of
soil and the destruction of the ecosystem.

6 Legal protection in force

In 2014, funded and implemented by the Italian Development Cooperation of the Italian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, jointly with the Municipality of Jericho, the Ministry of Local Government of the
Palestinian Authority, and the Governorate of Jericho finalized and delivered the Jericho Master
Plan, created by The University of Ferrara, to the Municipality of Jericho. The Jericho Master Plan
is composed of a set of planning tools that on one side fully answer the need to preserve
archaeological, historic, cultural, landscape and natural heritage of Jericho, and on the other

208
 provide adequate solutions to properly plan the development of the area. Unfortunately the
Master Plan is not operational.

7 Conservation and management of water heritage

Jericho has an archaeological, historical and mythical relevance much greater than it expresses
today. The present political repartition that deprives the city of its natural ecosystem and historical
context, the mountains and the Jordan River, is not justified and needs a solution. The protection
of the oasis ecosystem and of its sustainability and liveability must be implemented through
specific water and soil management strategies.

8 Conclusions
Opportunities for the prosperity and social progress of Jericho can be derived from its nature of
oasis and the significance of its meaning for humanity. Much remains to be investigated in this
regard. The name of Jericho (Ruha), connected to aromas and flavours, brings us back to its
mythical significance. Even in the times of Cleopatra, the oasis of Jericho was coveted for its
production of balms and spices. The site had always been of great interest to the ancient
Egyptians. They undertook expeditions to the land of Punt to collect the sacred trees of myrrh and
incense, and tried to grow them. The operation did not succeed in Egypt but perhaps was
successful in the particular climatic conditions of Jericho. Further back in time, with the birth of the
rd
city from the 3 millennium and the development of the permanent settlement and the beginning
th
of social differences in the 9 millennium, Jericho has become a privileged place for
understanding the processes of civilization. The art and architecture of the Palaeolithic, the
sedentary life without agriculture and the interaction and continuity between hunter-gatherers and
farmers show how progress does not result from the passing from one social form to another. It
results from the increase in complexity produced by the accumulation of traditions and
knowledge, and the ability to foster socio-cultural diversity. The thought of nomads and cave
dwellers, based on egalitarianism, the small-scale dimension, knowledge of the environment, and
the conservation of resources, evolved into new techniques and social forms. It is a primordial
legacy that is not in conflict with sedentary life. It contributes to the synthesis of the oasis, persists
in urban society and, like an underground river, flows, revitalizes and, at times, re-emerges in the
entire history of civilization.

9 Bibliography

ALGAZE G. e FESSLER D. (2001), A Reconsideration of the Origins of Human Settlement and

Social Differentiation in Archaeology of Israel and Neighboring Lands in Memory of Douglas
L.
Esse / Wolff Samuel R. - Chicago: Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, 9-28.
AMIRAN R. (1970) The beginnings of urbanization in Canaan, in AA.VV. Near Eastern
Archaeology in XXth Century , New York.
BAR-JOSEPH O., (1986) The Walls of Jericho, an Alternative Interpretations, Current
Anthropolgy, 27, 1986, 157-162.
CLEUZIOU, S., e LAUREANO P., (1998), Oases and other form of Agricultural Intensification,
in Papers from the EAA Third Annual Meeting at Ravenna 1997. Valume I: Pre-and
Protohistory, M-Pearce and M. Tosi (eds), BAR International series 717, Archaeopress, UK.
ELIADE M. (1954) Le Chamanisme et les techiques archaiques de l’extase, Paris.
GIDDY, L. (1987) Egyptian Oases, Ares&Phillips, London.
GRUET M. (1952) Amocellement pyramidal de spheres calcaires dans une source fossile
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and stratigraphy of the tel. London: British School of Archaeology at Jerusalem.
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Land Civilizations, Vol. 1, pp. 11-26.
LAUREANO P., (2012b)Water catchment tunnels: qanat, foggara, falaj. An ecosystem vision, in
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necropolis del bronzo antico I (3300 – 3000 a.C.) Rosapat 1, Roma
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Etude de Cas
Le site de la terre des oliviers et des vignes – paysage culturel de
Battir au sud de Jérusalem : un patrimoine de la gestion de l’eau
Michel Cotte

1 Introduction
Le site de Battir, en Palestine au sud de Jérusalem, a été inscrit sur la Liste du Patrimoine
mondial en 2014 au titre des paysages culturels. Il illustre une très ancienne implantation agricole
typique de l’agriculture méditerranéenne par son climat, sa topographie collinaire aménagée en
terrasses, par ses productions traditionnelles arboricoles, viticoles et maraîchères, enfin par son
système d’irrigation. Comme dans d’autres situations, cette permanence rurale bien conservée
repose sur une maîtrise de très longue durée de la gestion de l’eau, bien précieux par excellence.

Nous présentons ici la lecture du paysage de Battir dans cette perspective de la maîtrise durable
de la ressource en eau et dans les témoignages patrimoniaux qu’il nous présente aujourd’hui.
Cette étude de cas repose sur la documentation écrite et iconographique fournie lors du dossier
de candidature par le Ministère du Tourisme et des Antiquités et sur les documents issus du
Comité du patrimoine mondial et de l’ICOMOS lors de son évaluation pour l’inscription. Les
références de ces documents sont données dans la section bibliographie.

Il faut noter qu’en raison de la menace de la construction d’un mur/barrière de séparation

concernant le bien, dû à la situation géopolitique connue de la Palestine, le bien de Battir a été
inscrit sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial par la procédure d’urgence, en 2014, et qu’il a aussitôt
été inscrit sur la Liste des biens du patrimoine mondial en péril.

2 Localisation, aspects généraux du site

Le site de Battir est dans le gouvernorat de Bethléem, à quelques kilomètres au sud-ouest de
Jérusalem, dans les hautes terres entre Naplouse et Hébron. Le bien proposé pour inscription
s’étend depuis Wadi Al-Makhrour, à l’ouest de Beit Jala, au village de Husan, et il entoure le
village-centre de Battir. Le paysage fait de collines comprend une série de vallées agricoles
caractérisées par des terrasses à murs de pierre, les widian. Certaines sont irriguées pour la
production maraîchère, d’autres sèches sont plantées de vignes et d’oliviers. Le développement
de ces terrasses cultivées, dans un environnement montagneux, s’est appuyé sur des réseaux
de canaux d’irrigation alimentés par une dizaine de sources souterraines dont certaines sont
relativement abondantes.

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 Figure 1. Carte de localisation des paysages culturels de la région de Battir © Ministère du
Tourisme et des Antiquités de Palestine,
http://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/1492/multiple=1&unique_number=2012

Battir constitue un important paysage culturel palestinien, montrant l’adaptation d’un réseau de
vallées profondes à des fins agricoles grâce à un bon approvisionnement en eau. En raison de sa
proximité avec Jérusalem, Battir a été l’un de ses jardins, lui ayant fourni un approvisionnement
important en fruits et légumes tout au long de son histoire. Ce rôle économique majeur pour la
région de Battir a cessé avec la séparation de 1967. Malgré cette perte de débouchés, Battir
demeure encore aujourd’hui l’un des principaux centres agricoles de la Palestine centrale. Les
champs irrigués sont cultivés d’arbres fruitiers tels que les amandiers, abricotiers et figuiers et de
cultures maraichères, dont certaines renommées comme l’aubergine de Battir.

Il s’agit d’un paysage façonné par l’homme au cours d’un très long usage agricole et de gestion
des sols comme de l’eau. Il est aujourd’hui toujours actif, mais menacé par la pression urbaine et
les facteurs géopolitiques qui affectent la région.

Figure 2. Le paysage culturel de

Battir avec ses terrasses de
maraîchage et de vergers ©
Ministère du Tourisme et des
Antiquités de Palestine, dossier de
candidature

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2 Attributs matériels et immatériels de la gestion de l’eau
Les terrasses agricoles se répartissent en deux groupes, celles trop sèches ou trop difficiles à
irriguer sont principalement consacrées à l’olivier et plus secondairement à la vigne. Celles qui
sont irrigables sont consacrées au maraîchage et à des vergers.

La région de Battir poursuit de nos jours cette double vocation agricole, en particulier celle de
l’irrigation, en continuant à utiliser et à maintenir les réseaux hydrauliques traditionnels. Ceux-ci
comportent cinq ensembles principaux faits chacun d’un réservoir à ciel ouvert, proche de la
source, pour le stockage et la gestion de l’eau, puis d’un réseau de petites rigoles parfois
maçonnées, en direction des jardins. Certains de ces bassins sont qualifiés de « romains », ce
qui n’a toutefois pas été pleinement démontré à ce jour par les études archéologiques. Les
rigoles d’irrigation suivent de près les lignes de niveau pour utiliser de manière contrôlée la force
de gravité et alimenter les parcelles agricoles, parfois très petites en zone de terrasses
resserrées.

Figure 3. Un canal et son déversoir dans un bassin de régulation à proximité du village de

Battir © Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation, Jasmine Salachas,
http://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/1492/gallery/

Tout en ayant d’importantes similitudes tangibles (mode de construction, réservoir amont de

régulation) et intangible (gestion traditionnelle de l’eau), les cinq principaux systèmes d’irrigation
de la région de Battir appartiennent à deux types distincts :

1) Les systèmes d’irrigation installés sur de fortes pentes au sein d’un ensemble resserré de
terrasses. Ils offrent un réseau dense de canaux adducteurs qui suit de près l’organisation
topographique des terrasses (Ain Jama, Ain Al-Balad) ;
2) Les systèmes de fond de vallée ou de faible pente qui irriguent des parcelles nécessitant peu
voire pas de terrasses (Ain Al-Sukhuna, Ain Al-Hawweyeh, Ain Umdan). Ils offrent un réseau
plus lâche de canaux irriguant des espaces agricoles unitaires sensiblement plus vastes.

Le premier type offre un exemple remarquable d’irrigation de jardinage en terrasses

caractéristique du monde méditerranéen collinaire. Le second type a par contre des similitudes
avec les oasis des régions plus sèches de l’intérieur du Proche Orient et du Moyen Orient, qu’en
quelque sorte il annonce.

Les très nombreuses terrasses de pierre sèche constituent l’autre volet de l’aménagement du
territoire rural de Battir, nécessitant un entretien régulier et permanent. Les terrasses

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 comprennent des éléments architecturaux propres à la région, sous forme de tours de guet,
manatir, intégrées dans la construction des murs. Très nombreuses, environ 230 sont
répertoriées, elles sont destinées tant à surveiller les cultures qu’à un habitat saisonnier. Pendant
la période des récoltes, d’octobre à novembre, les familles quittent leurs maisons du village et
s’installent dans les tours de guet agricoles dans les collines. Aujourd’hui, la récolte est toujours
une occupation familiale mais elle attire aussi les habitants des villes. Un nombre notable de
tours sont aujourd’hui à l’abandon et tendent à devenir des ruines.

Figure 4. Carte du système d’irrigation intégré en symbiose avec les terrasses à Ain el Balad © Ministère du
Tourisme et des Antiquités de Palestine, dossier de candidature

Le mise en œuvre de ce système agricole diversifié, par l’association de terrasses collinaires et

d’un réseau d’irrigation dense, semble avoir été exploité depuis très longtemps et de manière
continue, 4000 ans au dire du dossier de candidature, mais ce ne serait pas pleinement
démontré de l’avis d’ICOMOS. Des fouilles archéologiques ont révélé quelques vestiges du
bronze moyen, du dernier âge du bronze et de l’âge du fer, tandis que les tessons de poteries
sont datés de la fin de l’âge du fer et des périodes perse et hellénistique. Une occupation
continue depuis les débuts de l’époque islamique (VIIe - VIIIe siècles) semble par contre
prouvée. On peut par ailleurs penser que l’importance urbaine très ancienne de Jérusalem a de
tout temps stimulé la production de nourriture dans son environnement, et qu’une région riche en

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 eau et proche a eu toutes les chances d’être exploitée très précocement, même si l’archéologie
ne l’a pas pour l’instant pleinement démontré.

Figure 5. Terrasses et tours de guet associées © Ministère du Tourisme et des Antiquités de

Palestine, dossier de candidature

3 Valeur universelle exceptionnelle

Lors de l’inscription sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial, les critères retenus exprimant la valeur
universelle du bien ont été rédigés de la manière suivante :
 Critère (iv) : « L’architecture en pierre sèche représente un exemple exceptionnel de paysage
illustrant le développement d’établissements humains près de sources d’eau, et l’adaptation des
terres à l’agriculture. Le village de Battir, qui s’est développé à proximité de ce paysage culturel,
et qui est habité par des cultivateurs qui ont travaillé et travaillent encore ces terres, témoigne de
la durabilité de ce système et de sa persistance depuis au moins un millénaire. Le système
traditionnel de terrasses irriguées est un exemple remarquable d’expertise technique, qui
constitue une partie intégrante du paysage culturel. »
 Critère (v) : « La situation stratégique de Battir et la présence de sources ont été les deux
principaux facteurs qui incitèrent les habitants à s’installer dans cette région et à en façonner
les pentes abruptes en terres cultivables. Le bien est un exemple exceptionnel d’utilisation

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 traditionnelle des terres, représentatif de nombreux siècles de culture et d’interaction
humaine avec l’environnement. Les pratiques agricoles utilisées pour créer ce paysage vivant
incarnent l’une des plus anciennes méthodes d’agriculture connues de l’humanité, et sont
une importante source de revenus pour les communautés locales. »

4 Intégrité
Toutes les terrasses irriguées sont pleinement fonctionnelles, essentiellement cultivées par les
femmes. Elles fournissent des légumes et des fruits aujourd’hui essentiellement destinés à un
commerce de proximité et à l’autoconsommation. Les terrasses sèches sont en partie
abandonnées aujourd’hui, les plus éloignées des villages. Celles qui demeurent en activité sont
consacrées à l’olivier et plus secondairement à la vigne. Toutefois, il faut noter qu’une partie
notable des terres agricoles irriguées actuellement utilisées ne sont pas dans la zone retenue lors
de l’inscription sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial.

En résumé pour l’intégrité de l’ensemble : « Le paysage culturel de Battir comprend des terrasses
anciennes, des sites archéologiques, des tombes creusées dans le roc, des tours de guet
agricoles et surtout un système d’irrigation intact, représenté par un bassin de retenue, des
rigoles et autres. L’intégrité de ce système traditionnel d’irrigation est garantie par les familles de
Battir, qui en dépendent. »

5 Authenticité
En 2007, les vestiges d’un établissement humain comprenant quelques outils agricoles et datant
de l’époque califale (de 636 à 661 apr. J.-C.) ont été découverts. Ces fouilles suggèrent que le
paysage a été utilisé en continu depuis cette date. Toutefois, dans l’état actuel des recherches
archéologiques, ICOMOS considère que l’authenticité du site en tant qu’espace agricole irrigué
utilisé depuis l’âge du bronze et l’antiquité n’est pas pleinement démontrée.

En résumé pour l’authenticité de l’ensemble : « Le système d’irrigation et la culture ont peu

changé au cours du temps. Le paysage culturel possède un haut niveau d’authenticité. Cela va
être sérieusement détruit par la construction de la barrière de séparation, qui détruira également
une grande partie du paysage et de l’ensemble de terrasses, visuellement aussi bien que
matériellement, en raison de la route de service des deux côtés de la barrière. »

Figure6. Le grand réservoir près de Battir © Ministère du Tourisme et des Antiquités

de Palestine, dossier de candidature

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6 Menaces et pressions s’exerçant sur le bien
Les facteurs extérieurs qui ont un impact possible sur la conservation du bien, sur son
authenticité et son intégrité, ainsi que sur les pratiques traditionnelles de gestion associées sont
principalement :
 La construction possible du mur/barrière de séparation et l’installation possible de colons
dans la zone de Battir, ce qui en détruirait les caractéristiques paysagères et compromettrait
gravement son système traditionnel d’agriculture irriguée ;
 Les risques actuels de contamination bactériologique et de pollution des eaux de source,
rendant nécessaire la réalisation d’un réseau d’eau et d’assainissement indépendant ;
 Le développement non contrôlé des constructions dans le village de Battir et ses environs ;
 Le déclin des processus sociaux et culturels traditionnels, qui fragilisent les pratiques
d’irrigation traditionnelles des terrasses inférieures et favorisent l’abandon des terrasses
sèches du haut des collines ou suscitent des pratiques de boisement.

7 Gestion et protections légales

Il s’agit d’une gestion traditionnelle de l’eau. Elle est organisée pour chacun des bassins
d’irrigation en suivant un système réglementaire établi pour l’ensemble du site. Son application
est sous le contrôle collectif des familles d’agriculteurs de Battir, suivant une tradition ancienne
de répartition mutualiste de l’eau disponible. L’eau est collectée en continue dans un grand
bassin de stockage, puis elle est répartie équitablement entre les familles du village, suivant une
périodicité de huit jours, sous le contrôle de l’une d’entre elles. La mesure de l’eau utilisée
s’effectue par un bâton de jauge pour indiquer la consommation et la hauteur restant dans le
bassin. Il y a aussi un roulement dans le contrôle de la distribution de l’eau entre les familles afin
d’éviter les inégalités. Un grand soin est apporté à la mesure des quantités d’eau distribuées et à
leur bon usage. L’ensemble témoigne d’une expertise de très longue durée dans le domaine de
la gestion des eaux.

En conclusion : « Le paysage culturel est bien protégé par la législation palestinienne,

notamment par la Charte nationale pour la conservation du patrimoine culturel palestinien,
rédigée avec la contribution de l’UNESCO et de l’ICCROM. Un plan de gestion est en cours de
finalisation [2016] par le Conseil du village, et des mesures sont prises pour préserver les
terrasses, les sentiers et le système d’irrigation. Un écomusée a été créé pour garantir un
système durable de gestion et de protection. Ces efforts ont été menés en véritable partenariat
avec les principaux partenaires concernés et la communauté locale. »

8 Documentation - bibliographie
En lien avec l’inscription sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial :
 http://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/1492; site de présentation du bien tel qu’inscrit sur la Liste du
patrimoine mondial.
 Palestine, Land of Olives and Wine, Cultural Lansdcape of southern Jesrusalem, Battir,
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Department of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage,
Palestine, 2013, dossier de candidature.
 « Paysage culturel du sud de Jérusalem, Battir (Palestine), n° 1492 », évaluation de
l’ICOMOS.
A caractère académique :
 Carroll, W., « Bittir and Its Archaeological Remains », The Annual of the American Schools of
Oriental Research, Vol. 5, 1923-24, p. 77-103.
 Dillman, J., « Water Rights in the Occupied Territories », Journal of Palestine Studies, 19,
n°1, 1989, p. 46-71.
 Isac, J. and Sabbah, W., Water Resources and Irrigated Agriculture in the West Bank,
Jerusalem: ARIJ, 1997.
 Tmeizeh, A., Water rights and uses in Midland Palestine, Bergen: BRIC. 2004.

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 Sub-region E : Turkey
The cultural heritages of water in Turkey
The cultural heritages of water in Turkey
Gulsun Tanyeli
Istanbul Technical University
Deniz Ikiz
Oxford Brookes University

1 General characteristics
Situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Turkey is a transcontinental country comprising
the Anatolian peninsula at westernmost point of Asia and the Thrace region encompassing the
European part of the country. It occupies a total area of 78 million ha, which is bordered by eight
countries including Greece and Bulgaria at the northwest, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran
at the east, and Iraq and Syria at the south. Embodied as a peninsula, it is also surrounded by the
Mediterranean Sea at the south, the Aegean Sea at the west, the Sea of Marmara between the
European and Asian territories, and the Black Sea at the north. Its significant geo-strategical
position has favored the genesis of multiple civilizations throughout history, which functioned as
the focal points of transnational routes of commerce and cultural exchange.

1.1 General climatic data and general hydrological data

Turkey is located in the Mediterranean macroclimate region within the sub-tropical zone.
Associated with its diverse terrestrial and geomorphological positions, however, the climate
portrays a variety of geo-climatic conditions under the influence of multiple maritime and
transcontinental weather patterns. The southern and western coastal regions have a
Mediterranean climate, indicating a sub-tropical weather characterised by hot and dry summers,
and mild winters. Under the impact of an inland sea and the vast Russian plain in proximity, the
northern Black Sea region, on the other hand, is marked with high level of precipitation
throughout the year, along with mild summer and winter conditions. In contrary, the southeastern
Anatolia adjoining to the arid Middle East territories and the continental interiors of the country
sprawling across a vast plateau with a high altitude are characterised by a semi-arid continental
climate with hot and dry summers, and cold and semi-dry winters.

This climatic diversity also causes fluctuations in the level of precipitation, varying based on geo-
climatic zones and seasonal weather conditions. Overall, the annual average precipitation is
estimated to be 646 mm, but with large variations from one region to another. The northern
coastal zone receives the highest rate of annual rainfall (1260-2500 mm), whereas inland areas
have lower annual rates (320-600 mm). In relationship with global climate change, 2012 IPCC
(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) stated that there have been significant trends
towards drier conditions in winter and annual precipitation, which yielded to longer periods of
droughts and dry semi-arid climatic conditions in southern Europe, including Turkey, in the past
60 years. The annual rainfall variations lead to widespread and regional droughts of various
intensities, especially in the inland areas, that seem to recur periodically.

Despite being one of the most water-rich countries within the Mediterranean region, Turkey is
encountered with high levels of water security threats derived from numerous natural, socio-
political, economic and cultural factors: challenges of acquiring and controlling water resources as
a result of variant topographical conditions, unbalanced levels of precipitation and availability of
resources, shifts in geological conditions leading to desertification and depletion of ground water
sources, functional changes in the utilisation of water supplies, rapid population growth increasing
the water demand, and the lack of an integrated water management system that allows the
execution of regional, short-term infrastructure projects with adverse impacts. These effects of

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 climate change and water-related policies adopted at regional level might result in water scarcity
in Turkey in the upcoming years if necessary measures are not taken.

1.2 Cultural relations and technical exchanges with neighbouring zones

The cultural relations of Turkey with its immediate neighbours are built upon the Ottoman legacy
inherited from the three successive empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, their
administrative structures, socio-economic dispersion and external relations. Governed by the
same central authorities for a few centuries, Turkey shares a common history with almost all of its
neighbouring countries.

This shared past has stipulated the dissemination of the common knowledge and technological
advances to the territories under the same hegemony through commercial and cultural
exchanges. Similar building techniques, equipments, and sometimes materials had been utilised
to construct similar types of structures all around the Mesopotamia, Near East, Caucasians and
the Balkans. It is possible, for instance, to detect similar kinds of hydraulic structures built during
the Roman period, such as aqueducts and cisterns – despite varying in size and position – both
in the ancient city of Ephesus at western Turkey and the city of Carthage in Tunisia. Additionally,
the knowledge, social practices and traditions associated with the water-related tangible assets
had also been transmitted from one civilisation to another. The rituals practiced in public baths or
the daily life of women organised around fountains rendered similarities all around the former
Ottoman states. Thus, a common corpus of tangible and intangible heritage assets is shared by
Turkey and its bordering zones.

Figure 1. The regional map depicting the water-related heritage sites in Turkey (Source:
GoogleEarth image customized and developed by Deniz Ikiz)

2 Known sites and important sites for the cultural heritage of water
Being at the crossroads of numerous civilizations for the past four thousand years, Turkey is rich
in water-related tangible and intangible heritage assets (Figure 1) that bear testimony to the
hydraulic technologies and engineering of various periods. These historic waterworks including
pipes, canals, tunnels, aqueducts, inverted siphons, cisterns, dams, reservoirs and sewerage
systems are geographically dispersed all around the country. The hydraulic structures from the
Hittite period exist in central Anatolia, those from the Urartu period in eastern Anatolia, from the
Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras in western and southern Anatolia, whereas the Ottoman

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 structures are scattered nationwide. Although most of them are no longer functional, some of the
hydraulic properties are still in use for several centuries. Situated within ancient settlements,
urban settings or landscapes, they portray the four-millenia-long tradition of water use.

1.3 Archaeological sites

Eflatun Pinar: The Hittite Spring Sanctuary (WH Turkey Tentative List 5912; 2014)
The Hittite spring sanctuary of Eflatun Pinar (Figure 2) is composed of a relief-covered wall of
high boulders erected next to a spring at the top of a river valley in Central Anatolia. The remains
of this sanctuary form the original walls of the basin, which is an outstanding example of the
hydraulic technology developed during the Hittite era. The reliefs depict the religious practices of
the period, complementary to the tangible evidence of the civilisation. This archaeological site
was inscribed on the Tentative List in 2014 in regards to the criteria (iii), (iv) and (vi), suggested
by the Stat Party, which are associated with the representation of an effective water regime and
the intangible values attributed to it, the hydraulic technology utilising metal tools for the first time
at such a large scale, and bearing of unique testimony to a cult monument of the Hittite period.
This cultural property and its surroundings have been under protection of the national
conservation legislation since 1994. The monument and the mound are designated as an
archaeological conservation site, whereas the buffer zone is registered as a natural conservation
area. Following the rescue excavation and surface cleaning interventions, a comprehensive
conservation work and landscaping project were executed at the site in 2011. Currently, the site
is in good state of conservation and it is well-presented, especially after the expropriation of some
civic buildings impacting its visual integrity. Apart from the potential natural hazards such as
flooding, there are no serious threats to the authenticity and integrity of the site.

Figure 2. The Hittite spring sanctuary of Eflatun Pinar, Central Anatolia, 2009
(Source: Tayfun Bilgin, Bora Bilgin, Ertugrul Anil)

Archeological Site of Perge (WH Turkey Tentative List 5411; 2009)

Perge is a long-established city located at southern Turkey where the initial permanent
settlements date back to the Early Bronze Age. It is an exceptional example of urban planning
practices conducted during the Late Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Empires. The significance
of this ancient city also resides in its effective water supply and management systems dating from
st nd
the 1 and 2 centuries B.C. Conveying water through high-capacity channels, the hydraulic
facilities present in the city including four monumental fountains, two baths, cisterns, and a

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 sewerage system portray an image of a “water city” for that era. These hydraulic properties are
generally well-preserved within the registered archaeological conservation area.

Allianoi
Located in close proximity to the ancient city of Pergamon (Pergamon and its Multi-Layered
Cultural Landscape is on the WH List from 2014 under criteria (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) and (vi)), Allianoi
(Figure 3) was a Roman spa settlement composed of multiple hydraulic structures like thermal
baths, bridges and the nympheum drawing on the nearby hot springs. Initially mentioned by the
nd
medicinal writer Aelius Aristides concerned with the science of healing in the 2 century A.D., its
water was claimed to have healing powers. Associated with the existing tangible assets and its
intangible attributes, the site pursued its thermal functions during the successive Byzantine and
Ottoman periods. Affected by the adverse impacts of periodic flooding, neglect, and partial
th
agricultural practices, it had been in a rather poor state of conservation during most of the 20
century. In 1994 the national government devised a plan to build a dam nearby, which included
the heritage site within the potential reservoir area. Despite the international campaigns
conducted by ICOMOS, Europa Nostra and local NGOs to save Allianoi, the ancient city is
submerged in the reservoir since 2010.

Figure 3. The Roman spa settlement of Allianoi (Source: Europa Nostra Turkey)

1.4 Living Sites, which are still used or partially used

Kirkcesme waterway system

Due to the lack of a major river in close proximity, water supply to Istanbul has always been a
great challenge. Thus, the Roman waterway system delivering water to the city from 150
kilometers away had been the longest span in its typology (Cecen, 1996). As the population of
the city rapidly grew during the Ottoman era, the existing water conveyance structures were
mostly restored. Furthermore, Ottomans were able to maintain an un–pressurized distribution
system to meet the daily demand of urban population. The Kirkcesme (literally, “forty fountains”)
waterway system (Figure 4) was then developed during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent to
mitigate the water shortage problem (Cecen, 1992). This system integrated a vast number of
components either newly constructed, such as aqueducts (Figure 5), dams, pools and water
lines, or restored and reused the pre-existing structures. Its significance resides in constituting the
most developed public service project of the period, and being a masterpiece of Sinan’s
architecture. The Kirkcesme waterways were fully functional for centuries with minor amendments
th
until the establishment of central waterworks in the 19 century. Despite losing its original

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 function ever since, these hydraulic structures pursue to be exceptional water-related assets
situated within the cultural landscape of northern Istanbul. Although several components of the
system like the aqueducts are registered to be under national protection, the lack of a holistic
approach for their safeguarding makes them vulnerable to large-scale development projects. In
fact, the forty fountains (Figure 6) utilised by local habitants within the city had been dismantled
th
in mid-19 century as a result of urban infrastructure implementations. Constantly being
threatened by natural hazards like flooding, and the recent urban development projects, such as
the Canal Istanbul developed by the national government, augment the adverse impacts on the
historic properties.

Figure 4. A miniature of Nakkas Osman depicting
the Kırkcesme waterways system in Istanbul,
1579-80 (Source: y. 226-23a, Chester Beatty
Library, Dublin, MS.413)
th
Figure 5. The Maglova Aqueduct in late 19
century, B. Kargopolou (Source: Istanbul
University Archives of Rare Documents,
90763-0076)

Figure 6. Kırkcesme fountains with the

aqueduct of Valens in the background,
1935 (Source: ICFA.NA.0015,
Nicholas V.)

1.5 Cultural Landscapes related to water

Hierapolis – Pamukkale (on the World Heritage List from 1988 as mixed property under criteria
(iii) and (iv) for cultural attributes and (vii) for natural attributes).
Pamukkale (meaning Cottonwool Castle in Turkish; Figure7) is an exceptional natural landscape
composed of calcite-laden waters that make up mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of
terraced basins. Established on this natural site enriched by mineralized warm water flowing from
springs and creating pools and travertine terraces by the Attalid kings of Pergamom at the end of
nd
the 2 century B.C, Hierapolis was developed as a Graeco-Roman thermal installation.

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 Figure 7. The traverten pools in Pamukkale (Source: ICOMOS National
Committee of Turkey)

This mixed cultural landscape including natural water formations of Pamukkale and the complex
ancient water supply system of Hierapolis providing thermal water to nearby villages and
agricultural fields through canals was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988. The inscription
criteria includes criterion (iii) attributed in regards to Hierapolis bearing an exceptional testimony
the Graeco-Roman tradition of thermal water installations. Healing powers were attributed to the
hot springs, which yielded to the construction of numerous thermal installations that provide
hydrotherapy, accompanied by religious practices in the ancient city. Criterion (iv) was ascribed to
the site for being an outstanding example of early Christian building ensembles including a
cathedral, baptistery and churches. Then, criterion (vii) was assigned to the aesthetic values
attributed to natural formation of the Pamukkale. This cultural and natural property, in general,
has been in a good state of conservation. Its tangible assets are mainly intact and still prevails the
attributes of Outstanding Universal Value. Pamukkale is registered at the national inventory as a
mixed site, whereas Hierapolis is designated as an archaeological site, which are both under the
protection of the national conservation legislation. However, there is no specific planning or
legislative framework that ensures the safeguarding of the WH Site as a whole. As a result of this
fragmentary status of legal protection, the decision-making mechanism concerning the heritage
site involves the participation of a broad range of national and local actors to the management
process. Decisions concerning the physical integrity of the site, moreover, require the approval of
two different regional authorities. The multiplicity of decision-makers concerning the safeguarding
of the site brings up a level of complexity to the management of the site. Both sites are important
tourist attractions of the country, and intense tourist flows enforce an adverse impact on its
integrity, causing pollution and deteriorations, especially on the material formation of the
travertine of Pamukkale. The local authorities are in the process of setting up a periodic
monitoring system to detect the pollution rate as part of heritage impact assessment. Additionally,
an archaeological excavation and restoration project is undertaken at Hierapolis by a multi-
disciplinary team of national and international experts. Complementary to these measures, a Site
Management Directorate was recently established by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, abiding
by the national legislation of site management, which enhances coordination and communication
between different actors. A management plan is also being developed by this authority, with the

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 assistance of the Advisory Board, for the sustainable development and management of the
historic site. This plan comprises strategies and action plans focusing on issues of accessibility,
visitor management, risk management and better representation of the site.

Pergamon and its multi-layered cultural landscape (on the WH List from 2014 under criteria (i)
(ii) (iii) (iv) and (vi))
Recently designated as a World Heritage Site, Pergamon is a multi-layered cultural landscape
that embodies the archaeological and architectural remains of the Roman, Byzantine and
Ottoman empires, respectively. Established as the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty, the
water-related Hellenistic heritage of the ancient city contributes to the significance of the site.
Water was initially conveyed through clay pipe systems of 20 km long, then a masonry gallery
covered by a vaulted roof and a long arched aqueduct was added to the water supply system
during the Roman period. Another important hydraulic structure in Pergamon has been the
covered conduit like a twin tunnel, through which the river flow prevails.
The ICOMOS report for evaluation of the site by the WH Committee underlines the importance of
water management issues for the development of the city: “Water was brought to cisterns and
fountains on Kale Hill (which had no source of its own) by ceramic pipes and lead pipelines under
pressure from mountains some 50 km to the north of the city, using the principle that water finds
its own level to run down and up the intervening valley to a height of almost 200 m… In the
Roman period, the water supply was improved to serve the greatly increased population (up to
150,000 from 40,000 in the Hellenistic period) by the addition of aqueducts to the north of the
city.” The aqueducts and the majority of the pipe and conduit structures still remain, although they
are partially destroyed and currently dysfunctional.

2 Existing documentation

2.1 Inventories
There has not been a comprehensive documentation that covers all the water-related cultural
properties in Turkey. Nevertheless, relevant departments of specific national governmental
bodies that are either proprietors or administrators of these properties generally keep an
inventory of the listed hydraulic structures. These authorities are the Istanbul Water and
Sewerage Administration (ISKI) Directorate of Waqf Water, the Directorate of Pious Foundations
and the regional Conservation Councils. These inventories generally consist of a list of properties,
and sometimes the building survey and architectural restoration projects that manifest their
current state of conservation. Majority of these documents, however, are not open to public and
requires authorization for access.

2.2 Archive documents

The archival documents related to cultural properties and sites in Turkey are restricted to the
documentations of the Ottoman period. Thus, there are a highly limited amount of records
documenting the structures of the pre-Ottoman era. These records are mostly available and
classified under archeological sites of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods in Turkey at the
archaeological archives of national and international research institutions, universities and private
collections, such as Istanbul Archaeological Museums (http://www.istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr),
German Archaeological Institute (http://www.dainst.org), and American Research Institute in
Turkey (http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/ARIT/). The Ottoman Archives of the Prime Ministry
(http://www.devletarsivleri.gov.tr/) and the Directorate of Waqf Water possess Ottoman
collections of written texts including manuscripts, books of accountants and water-related
records, and visual documents that involve historic maps, drawings of main waterways (Figure
4), and several photographs. Some of these archival documents had been collected, transcribed
and published by several scholars.

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 The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (http://muze.gov.tr/turkishislamic) in Istanbul also has a
collection of historical maps manifesting the Suleymaniye Waterways and other Ottoman water
supply systems; and other tangible assets such as marble inscriptions of Ottoman fountains.
Sponsored by the Istanbul 2010 European Cultural Capital Agency, a visual exhibition depicting
the water heritage and water culture of Istanbul entitled “Ab-ı Hayat / Water of Life: Water and
water culture in Istanbul through ages” (http://abihayatsergisi.com) was established at the Turkish
and Islamic Art Museum in 2010. This event illustrated the historical narrative depicting the
development of water acquisition, management and distribution systems operated in Istanbul for
the past 3000 years. It also exhibited water-related archival documents available at the collection
of the Museum, such as collections of historical maps and drawings, and movable properties.

2.3 Collections of photographs

Even though there is no collection of photographs specified for the water heritage of Turkey,
numerous collections of historic albums and publications present photographs of a variety of
hydraulic structures dating to different periods. The Abdulhamid II Collection of Photographs
available online (http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/ahii/) is the largest album that portrays the
modernisation period of the Ottoman Empire. This vast collection also involves historical
photographs of hydraulic structures in use in different regions of the state. In addition, numerous
publications of national and foreign scholars that conducted archaeological studies in Turkey,
such as Wolfgang Müller-Wiener and Albert Gabriel, also provide a rich collection of photographs
depicting the water-related heritage existing in Anatolia and Istanbul.

2.4 Archaeological excavations

In addition to the documentation of archaeological findings and building remains present in
archaeological sites, numerous studies of documentation and publication concerning the water
acquisition, control and allocation systems employed in these sites have been conducted by
national and international experts. These sources of data derived from archaeological
excavations are available as publications in academic books, and journals, or in the archival
documentations of the relevant institutions and research centres.

2.5 Conclusion
The cultural properties and sites that represent the water heritage of Turkey have not been fully
documented yet. The existing documentation is limited in number, building type, period and
geographical distribution. The archival documents solely cover the Ottoman waterworks, whereas
ancient waterways are indicated only in the recordings and publications of archaeological
excavations. Thus, the existing water-related properties are partially documented and there is no
complete inventory. This situation clearly manifests the lack of interest and sufficient
documentation in regards to water heritage in Turkey. Consequently, it is an immediate necessity
to identify and document all the water-related properties and sites in the sub-region.

3 State of historic and technical knowledge concerning water heritage in the

sub-region

3.1 Definition of periods in man’s relationship with water

In the sub-region of Turkey, the historical progress of the technical knowledge and practice
related to water heritage can be divided into three phases: waterway systems in pre-Ottoman era,
waterworks in Ottoman era, and the urban waterworks of modernisation (Ozis, 1994). This
historic division enables a better understanding of the technological developments of
each period that facilitates the use of resource and advances the relationship of each society with
water.

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As a result of the desertification process occurred in the Mediterranean region during the period
of 5000 B.C., the early settlers moved to the banks of Tigris and Euphrates within the sub-region
where a high-level of hydraulic technology was developed. The Karakuyu dam constructed by the
Hittites towards the end of the second millennium B.C. is known to be the most ancient dam in
Anatolia. Referred as the “hydraulic civilisation” of near East Asia, the Urartians settled in vicinity
to Lake of Van developed an elaborate and well-managed water supply system that are
acknowledged as the pioneer of modern hydraulic technology (Garbrecht, 1980). The long-
distance underground conveyance and distribution of water through masonry-lined canals and
galleries, which are still in use for the past 2500 years, demonstrate the high capacity of the
hydro-technical knowledge of the time. This civilisation is also acknowledged for orienting the
local communities to farming.

Building up from these early technologies, the Roman period marks a time when the waterway
systems were developed to distribute water over vast urban areas. As Asia, or Anatolia,
constitutes the most affluent and developed province among its other Roman counterparts, the
most prominent examples of Roman water technological heritage exist in Turkey. The main
technical attribute of a Roman urban waterway network is the distribution of water through closed
and un-pressurized conduits (Hodge, 2012). The aim was to attain a continuous flow that relies
entirely on gravity. Since the main objective had been to keep the slope of conduits at a possible
minimum, these waterways stipulated the construction of tunnels and aqueducts to carry the flow
of water through hills and valleys. The water acquired by these structures was then stored in
open or closed reservoirs, such as dams or cisterns, from where it was conveyed to settlements
through pipes. The first of the three dams constructed in the Roman defense city of Dara (Figure
8), for instance, is known to be the oldest arch-type dam in the world. On the other hand, second
century the dam near Aizanoi, in inner Aegean region, was the highest structure of its kind in
classical Antiquity. Cisterns (Figure 9) were also vastly utilized within the walls of Roman and
Byzantine cities to store water (Crow et. al., 2008).

One of the greatest achievements of the Roman water technology was attained at public baths.
Built of monumental scales, they not only provided facilities for personal hygiene but also
functioned as public centers. Due to their colossal sizes and vast water consumption, massive
economic sources were required for their construction and maintenance. As a consequence of
changing economical and social conditions, on the other hand, none of the Roman baths survived
th
after the 6 century in Anatolia.

Figure 8. The Roman dams in the

ancient city of Dara, southeastern
Turkey (Source: Deniz Ikiz)

229
 Figure9. The Byzantine Yerebatan Cistern in Istanbul (Source: Gulsun
Tanyeli)

Construction of waterway systems or aqueducts constituted the most troublesome urban task in
the pre-modern world. Not only such a task required massive funding and advanced technological
input but also was problematic due to complex nature of its planning, construction and
maintenance phases. Consequently, the daily domestic water capacity of cities supplied by
th
Roman waterway systems was not surpassed for another 1700 years, till mid-19 century. Thus,
the hydraulic technology transferred from the Roman and Byzantine periods also pursued to
operate in most cities during the Ottoman era.

The most commonly known Ottoman public facility related to water had been the bath/hamam
(Figure 10). Adopting a similar technology with its Roman counterpart, Ottoman bath was
relatively small in dimensions and provided service in most quarters within cities. European
voyagers of the time were especially intrigued by hamams and the culture associated with it,
which were the primary architectural typologies articulated to create an illusionary east and
Islamic world. Fountains had also been significant examples of water-related Ottoman
architecture. As the final element of the water distribution systems, high aesthetic values were
th
attributed to these structures rich in architectural design and adornments. In the 18 century, the
aesthetic integration of water to the architectural composition of numerous monumental buildings
also complemented to the perception and representation of water heritage in the region.

Figure 10. Bathing culture as an intangible heritage asset, Cemberlitas

Hamam, Istanbul (Source: Gulsun Tanyeli- Banu Kutun)

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 As a result of rapid population growth and expansion of cities, the existing water acquisition,
collection and distribution systems failed to meet the increasing demand for water. The traditional
Ottoman water supply systems were highly fragmented and operated in low capacities. The
modern schemes adopted in urban planning in the nineteenth century stipulated the
implementation of central water supply systems in major cities (Tanyeli, 2000; 2009). European
companies and experts were thus delegated the responsibility to adopt central waterworks to
everyday life. As the mechanical pumping and modern sewerage mechanisms were adapted, the
pre-existing public water facilities such as fountains, wells and cisterns were regarded inadequate
for modern use. Following the nationalization of the private water-supply companies during the
interwar period, most of the public fountains and baths were closed, and a majority of households
were connected to centralized waterworks. Thus becoming dysfunctional in the twentieth century,
the traditional water-related properties were inevitably neglected and most of them maintained a
poor state of conservation.

3.2 State of current research

Until the second half of the twentieth century, there had been a limited number of water-related
studies focusing on the ancient waterworks of Turkey, which were mainly conducted by foreign
archaeologists and historians (Forchheimer and Strzygowski, 1893; Garbrecht, 1980; Crow,
2012; Hodge, 2012). As the worldwide interest on the subject augmented, more studies were
undertaken concerning the tradition of hydraulic engineering and building technologies.
Nevertheless, there is still a void in literature that covers the regional contributions to the
universal significance of this type of heritage.

The existing literature focusing on the water-related heritage of Turkey is highly fragmented with
regards to their building typologies, historical periods, and geographical distributions. This
discourse requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving the joint study of archaeologists,
historians, architects and civil engineers. The current research, however, is limited to the interest
of researchers where archaeologists are mainly concerned with properties in archaeological sites,
and art historians are primarily interested in architectural features and typologies. Moreover, the
spectrum of each discipline is strictly confined to various periods in history. Even though there are
numerous publications focusing on Ottoman waterworks, the contributions of Architect Sinan, or
the Roman hydraulic engineering (Danisman, 1980; Cecen, 1996; Ozis, 1995), there is no
specific study that discusses and analyses comparatively the progress of each period, or their
interactions with one another. Hence, there is a gap in literature that introduces a holistic
perspective to the studies of water heritage in the sub-region.

4 Threats to water heritage

The historic hydraulic structures and their settings in Turkey are currently threatened by natural
and/or man-made hazards. Located in a nationally high seismic risk zone and in close proximity
to natural water resources, the water heritage sites and landscapes are encountered with
constant or periodic earthquake and flooding risks. The shifts in hydrological and climatic
conditions as a result of climate change also give rise to new long-term trends that challenge
further access to clean water.

Complementary to these natural hazards, the contemporary economic and urban development
trends and activities also generate risks against the integrity of water-related properties. Rise in
urban population growth stipulates the transformation of natural sites to new agricultural or
construction zones by means of newly-adopted policies, which greatly impact on the values
attributed to these sites. As it had been the case for the Roman spa settlement of Allianoi and the
ancient city of Zeugma, large-scale development and infrastructure projects also highly threaten

231
 the existence of cultural properties and landscapes. These projects that only generate short- or
medium-term revenues often cause permanent and non-reversible adverse impacts on the
authenticity and integrity of those sites, like being submerged in the water reservoir of newly-
constructed dams.

Intense tourist activities may also harden the integrated conservation of water-related structures
and their settings. In Pamukkale, for instance, approximately 1.5 million tourists visit the site each
year, which causes serious material deterioration and pollution of the natural formations. Other
human-related activities that induce physical damages include treasure seeking and misusage of
the properties. Hence, necessary measures have to be taken to mitigate these natural or man-
related risks to ensure sustainability of this type of heritage.

5 Legal protection in Force

In Turkey, the safeguarding of listed properties and sites is ensured by the national conservation
legislation. The primary regulation concerning the preservation of listed buildings and
conservation areas is the 1983 Conservation Act that enhanced the engagement of conservation
in the statutory planning system and introduced the new instrument of conservation oriented
development plans for implementation. Despite the early adoption of this legislation, the status of
registration and definitions are limited to movable and immovable cultural and natural heritage.
Water heritage, thus, carries no specific formal status in terms of designation, conservation and
management.

Another substantial law directly concerning World Heritage Sites introduced the notions of
“management area” and “management plan” to the legislative framework for the first time in 2005.
In addition to the definition of these notions, this regulation identifies the provisions for the
assignment and operation of a site management unit, and sets the procedures for the
preparation, execution, monitoring and revision of the management plan. The adoption of this law
was immediately followed by the establishment of site management directorates and
development of management plans for the cultural and natural sites inscribed on the World
Heritage List or the Tentative List.

Nonetheless, manifold planning policies and initiatives have been adopted that contradict with the
conservation priorities in the past decades. As part of a series of informal strategic planning
frameworks, a new measure concerning earthquake mitigation of historic buildings was taken that
enforced the application of inconvenient preservation methods. Furthermore, the 1982 Tourism
Encouragement Act facilitated the construction of “tourist” facilities in close proximity to hydraulic
structures, often with adverse impact on the properties. The assignment of diverse authorities and
tools for the execution of plans and policies further enhance the paradoxical status of the existing
legislative framework concerning water heritage in Turkey.

In conclusion, the fragmentary nature of the protection policy in Turkey fails to address tangible
and intangible water-related heritage assets as coherent entities. Although historic hydraulic
structures that are registered as listed buildings or situated within conservation areas are under
the protection of the national legislation, the cultural properties that are not officially recognised
are threatened to lose the values attributed to the sites. Thus, the water-related cultural and
natural heritage properties have to be integrated into planning policies that recognise them as
parts of a whole entity rather than detached fragments.

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6 Conservation and management of water heritages

6.1 Conservation
As a result of the deficiencies and ambiguities existing in the planning and legislative frameworks,
the safeguarding of water-related cultural and natural properties, and landscapes remains as a
palpable challenge in Turkey. The conservation policies and practices are mainly in force for
registered sites only, whereas the protection of unlisted structures is not a priority.

Major monuments have been well preserved in general, as a result of periodic maintenance and
architectural restoration programmes implemented against the adverse effects of natural
disasters and material deterioration. In archaeological sites anastylosis, “the reassembling of
existing but dismembered parts”, is a valid intervention for the better presentation of the remains
(ICOMOS, 1964: Article 14). In the ancient city of Sagalassos, the Antonine Nymphaeum – a
monumental fountain – was completely re-erected by the archaeological excavation team through
the utilisation of original materials and techniques. The hydraulic systems which are still in use
are generally well-maintained and adapted to the current demands, often through attending to the
principles of authenticity with regard to integrity in material usage and total appearance. The
Urartian irrigation canals that are still functional mostly preserve their material and physical
originality. The ones which are no longer in use, on the other hand, are often conserved to attract
tourists and investments to generate revenues at local level. For example, the Ottoman baths are
currently adaptively re-used to pursue their original function but the social practices and intangible
values attributed to the facilities have changed. Hamams are common tourist attraction points and
numerous activities, like pre-wedding gatherings, are conducted as new social practices
associated with this type of water heritage.

Despite the efforts of conserving the nationally or regionally acknowledged heritage sites, the
dysfunctional vernacular edifices have been in poor shape or completely lost due to lack of
attention, abandonment, unlicensed demolition and development pressures. Small-scale
vernacular elements situated within urban or rural areas, such as fountains, wells or cisterns are
often neglected. This also goes for structures located in distant location and away from
settlements. The aqueducts used to supply water to ancient cities but now, totally detached from
settlements, are most times in poor conditions. Consequently, it is important to employ a holistic
conservation approach for water-related heritage assets instead of ensuring the protection of
individual buildings.

6.2 Management of properties and sites

In Turkey, currently, the processes of integrated conservation and management planning of
cultural and natural properties are restricted to sites that are either inscribed or intended to be
inscribed on the World Heritage List. Although the Site Management Act recently adopted
stipulates management planning for all the heritage sites under protection, the limited number
and capacity of expertise in heritage management has so far restricted the ongoing and
completed processes to World Heritage Sites.

In this regard, effective management mechanisms are adopted and tools are developed only for
hydraulic structures situated within designated sites. As some were previously listed, the
waterworks in archaeological sites or cultural landscapes inscribed on the WH List are integrated
to the management planning framework. Abiding by the Site Management Act, initial actions
taken involve the appointment of a site manager and establishment of a site management unit for
these sites. Then the management area and buffer zones are delimited and approved by the
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which is followed by the development of a management plan for
the whole site. The plan usually involves the definition of the global vision, identification of the
planning principles, plan objectives, strategies and actions, development of project packages and

233
 the explanation of the implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes. For each project
package, the institutions in charge, the resources and the duration of the action plan should be
determined. In compliance with the legislative framework, the authorised governmental bodies
are responsible for the allocation of the funds and resources and the implementation of the action
points they are assigned.

In spite of this well-structured framework of management planning for heritage sites, the
deficiencies in the implementation and monitoring of the plans and projects have hindered the
effective operation of the management systems so far. Local authorities have been rather slow in
issuing regulations to harmonise the management plan with the existing planning framework.
Developments should be regularly monitored, the monitoring and evaluation processes should be
operated, and community participation needs to be ensured for the management plans to be
effective. Keeping in mind that this management structure has only been adopted to a highly
limited number of World Heritage Sites in Turkey, it can be concluded that the management of
water-related heritage properties has been inadequate. The absence of appropriate management
instruments and lack of coordination among various stakeholders participating to the decision-
making process at different stages are the main challenges in the management of water heritage.

6.3 Sustainable development and current management of living properties

The responsibilities of maintenance, conservation and management of water-related living
properties and sites in Turkey are delegated either to the proprietors or the local and national
authorities in charge of their protection. These bodies are impelled to abide by the consented
international conventions, the national legislation and planning policies concerning the
safeguarding and sustainable development of the sites.

Despite the lack of appropriate tools and a holistic planning process, there are still several basic
measures taken to mitigate negative impacts and threats to the integrity of living properties.
Heritage impact assessments, for instance, are proven to be effective instruments in identifying
temporary and permanent threats to the sites and proposing solutions for their alleviation. If such
an assessment was conducted prior to the construction of the Yortanli Dam, for example,
appropriate precautions could be taken that would inhibit the inundation of Allianoi. Relevantly,
tourist management strategies adopted for Ephesus and Pamukkale are vital to ensure
sustainability in the safeguarding of these sites. Periodic maintenance and interventions
compliant with the unity of properties are also complementary to the management practices.

For living sites, it is also essential to adapt them to the current needs and demands of the users,
while sustaining an integrated approach coherent with the tangible and intangible values
attributed to them. Everyday water use structures often accompany specific social life and
practices exercised periodically. Respectfully, some local authorities committed certain actions to
pursue the Ottoman bathing culture in hamams and activated several fountains and wells in some
settlements in order to sustain the engagement of communities with these facilities. They also
become significant tourist attractions that portray the vernacular living traditions specific to these
settlements. Furthermore, two former water-pumping stations were transformed to be adaptively
re-used as the Istanbul Water Civilisations Museum in 2011. However, they have not been
inaugurated for public use since due to political conflicts.

Raising awareness about the significance of water heritage and its components has to be also a
priority of local authorities in order to enhance their safeguarding. During the World Water Forum
that took place in Istanbul in 2009, for instance, a cultural route concerning the water heritage of
Istanbul, including the structures of Kirkcesme waterways, was designated and several tours
were organised to visit the sites. However, these efforts were limited to this special occasion, and
no further actions were taken to carry it on. Educational and awareness raising activities should
accompany conservation practices for the transmission of this heritage to future generations.

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7 Conclusion
The rich water-related heritage in Turkey bears witness to the four-millennia of water utilization
representing the hydraulic/building technologies and water management systems developed by
multiple civilizations of different periods. Associated with the tangible assets, a corpus of
knowledge and social practice that forms the essence of the intangible attributes complements
the significance of water heritage in the sub-region.

Due to the lack of adequate documentation, knowledge and recognition, however, this kind of
cultural heritage is not well-acknowledged and appreciated in Turkey. The limitations of the
existing documentation, the fragmented nature of the current planning and legislative frameworks,
and inadequate conservation policies, tools and management practices generate challenges for
the safeguarding and sustainable development of water heritage at local and national levels. The
priority of certain properties over less-known assets by means of registration and management
also hinders the enhancement of a balanced representation. These complexities are, in fact,
common to all types of cultural and natural heritage in Turkey.

In conclusion, this research is one of the initial studies that has employed a holistic and
comparative approach to the water heritage of Turkey. It has defined its common significance,
identified the important properties and landscapes, reviewed the existing literature on the subject,
and analyzed the effectiveness of the existing conservation and management systems of such
sites. Consequently, the findings of this study evince that the employment of normative tools that
embrace water-related heritage sites holistically is crucial for their effective management.
Furthermore, immediate actions should be taken to identify and document all the historic
hydraulic structures in the region, and to raise awareness about their importance.

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CROW James, “Ruling the waters: managing the water supply of Constantinople, AD 330-1204”,
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DANISMAN Gunhan, “Anadolu’nun teknoloji tarihinin hazırlanmasında yontem ve sorunlar /
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OZIS Unal, Su muhendisligi acisindan Turkiye’deki eski su yapilari / Ancient hydraulic properties
of Turkey by means of hydraulic engineering, Ankara TMMOB, 1994.
OZIS Unal, Caglar boyunca Anadoluda su muhendisligi / Hydraulic engineering at Anatolia
through ages, Istanbul TMMOB, 1995.
TANYELI Gulsun, “Endustri arkeolojisi yapilarinin korunmasi ve yeniden islevlendirilmesi / The
conservation and adaptive reuse of industrial archaeological structures”, Domus m, 8, 2000,
pp: 27-34.

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TANYELI Gulsun, “Yüzyıl Dönümünde Kentsel Altyapının Modernleşmesi ve Mühendislik /
Modernization of the Urban Infrastructure at the Turn-of-the-Century and Engineering”, Mimar
Kemalettin ve Çağı: Mimarlik / Toplumsal Yasam / Politika, 2009, pp: 53-60.
TANYELI Gulsun, “Terkos Pompa İstasyonu - Su Medeniyetleri Müzesi / Terkos Water Pumping
Station – Istanbul Museum of Water Civilizations”, Arredamento Mimarlik, 259, 2012, pp : 70-
77.

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 Sub-region F : Iraq, Kuwait
Overview on Kuwait water heritage
Water management in Iraq: Case study Iraq,
with special focus on Southern Iraq
Overview on Kuwait water heritage
Noora Al Musallam
National Council for Cultures Arts and Letters, Kuwait City

1 General characteristics

1.1 General climatic data and general hydrological data

Kuwait is a hot, arid state, with scanty rainfall. Dry summer winds are experienced most of the
year. The general wind direction is North-western known for its heat and dryness and
representing 60% of total wind yearly with speed reaching up to 19 m/s, on the opposite side and
season; during spring the wind direction changes to south-eastern. In many cases strong South-
eastern winds with velocity reaching up to 29.5 m/s can cause severe sand storms. The average
rainfall in Kuwait is about 118mm a year. The pattern of rain in Kuwait is hardly detected; in some
years it can add up to 40 rainy days and in some years as little as 8 days. Rain affects patches in
Kuwait rather than the whole country. The season starts November and continues very
intermittently till April, January being the heaviest.

1.2 Cultural relations and technical exchanges with neighbouring zones

Historically speaking, Kuwait is located on the boarders of Mesopotamia, a 7500 years old land.
Mesopotamia is considered the most advanced civilization in the ancient world. Kuwait's history is
shaped by its arid climate. Sparse rainfall concludes that people spent their lives seeking water
for themselves and their herds aside from sea activities practiced by the inhabitants. Due to harsh
climate and people's constant mobility; rulers seldom claimed these lands, it was mostly left
independent and serving the region as an important transition zone for merchants of the Arabian
Peninsula. Kuwait can be divided into two zones; Coastal and Wadi al Batin. Wadi al Batin is
considered one of the 3 Pliocene Wadis that drained Arabia millions of years ago. Al Batin Wadi
is a low basin, a several kilometers wide typography. It is geographically responsible for shaping
modern Kuwait. As for the coastal zone, it is separated from the desert by Jal al Zor "al Zor
shore", a low ridge running all the way from behind al Jahra to Mudairah. Between Jal al Zor and
the sea lies a fair coastal strip, about 3 or 4 kilometers long. Several wells were discovered along
this line, many of which are remembered by older inhabitants of the region. These wells seem like
they were a part of a route network for caravans. In the northern desert of Kuwait, wells were a
crucial part of survival. Accessing groundwater, methods of extraction, storing water and
rainwater, these were skills that must be highly practiced in order to survive. Inhabitants in this
area were semi settled depending on the availability of water. Also nomads and itinerary
merchants crossing the merchant roads used to temporarily settle in these deserts.

There is a dense net of wells found parallel to the Gulf. It is assumed that in the prehistoric
periods the ancient climate of the region was more humid leading to a larger amount of
precipitation. It has also been recorded that the average yearly rainfall in northern Kuwait is
higher than any other area in the region which is no surprise to excavate and record nearly 40
wells starting from Kuwait city, Jahra, Muheita and Mughaira to Dubaij.

Water in the northern region has been used by many civilizations through history; from the
rd nd
Neolithic settlements to nomads of the 3 and 2 millennium BC as well as the temporary
settlements of Sassanian and Early Islamic periods during pilgrims, travelling to Mecca. Some
th
wells were used periodically until mid-20 century.

th
Shatt al Arab was considered a long lasting source of freshwater during the first half of the 20
century. The location of Shatt al Arab is identified by the separation of west Iraq and east Iran.

240
 Shatt al Arab water comes from Tigris and Euphrates River, the starting point of this river in Al
Qarna, north of Iraq. Rainwater and snowfall gathers in the mountains of east Turkey making their
way over the Gulf throughout the year. When freshwater increases due to heavy rain season the
freshwater from Shatt al Arab moves further within the Gulf. But in low rain seasons seawater is
pushed within Shatt al Arab. Kuwaiti water boats travel to Shatt al Arab for freshwater, however
due to the fact that it is located in Iraq; nominal amount of money is paid to Al Fao customs for
leaving Shatt Al Arab with freshwater.

The Dilmun civilization has been recognized in Failaka Island since 1800 BC. Some seals were
found during the Danish excavation (1958) dates back to the third millennium "Early Bronze Age".
According to Hopkins University analysis and examination which indicated the following; "More
than 50% of seals overlap in subject and style between Bahrain and Failaka. One can define an
independent Gulf idiom". This includes illustrations of Enki "God of Sweet Water" found in seals.

Figure 1. Regional map indicating the main sites for the cultural heritage of water (Research and Studies
Center)

2 Known sites and important sites for the cultural heritage of water
Water sources sites in this particular region are considered very valuable and scarce. Most wells
that were found in the first half of the past century are now dry and are not considered of
importance, we need to also take into consideration that because these wells are not long lasting
sources so the architecture and methods of construction built to extract water out is usually of a
temporary state that lasts until the well is dry. Rain plays a very important role in forming these
wells. During the Pleistocene era there were a lot of rainy and arid days, naturally during the rainy

241
 season, rainwater seeps through the pores of plutonic rocks creating fossil water. Since rainy
season is scarce nowadays; fossil water is considered a limited natural resource and therefore
wells are usually of an archeological nature. Some wells remain a good source of underground
water like Al Rawdatain field. In the second half of the past century, when the oil was discovered,
water sources changed drastically as with the modern methods were taking over the wells
disappeared under modern infrastructures and others were filled with stones and covered by
desert sand, three wells were found in an excavation in Muheita and Dubaij. Distillation plants
were growing larger in number and later they were accompanied with the largest infrastructural
water system in Kuwait with a distinctive architectural feature of both Water towers "mushroom
towers" and Kuwait towers.

2.1 Archaeological sites

Failaka Island
In 1976 an Italian excavation from Venice University discovered a well dug into the bedrock in a
location named Tell Khazneh located in Failaka Island, one of the nine Islands in the Gulf under
Kuwait's rule. Failaka Island is considered a historical hub for various civilizations throughout the
human settlement in the region. It is dug into the shelly conglomerate that was partly dug under
the wall built on a chocolate-colored layer which the well was filled with after the 1974 excavation.
The well predates the existing of the chocolate layer wall above it which means that the human
settlement dates to the 5th century B.C. Through the French excavation in Failaka Island in 1984-
1985, it was concluded that the well was cleared by the Italian excavation in 1976 excavation. It is
probable that this was the earliest finding of the well (1976) and it was not found during the
Hellenistic period and the accumulation found in the well in 1984 is most likely of the past 10
years only.

The chocolate layer partially covers the well-mouth in the southern section of square. Whatever
material collected in the well filling may suggest or indicate new ideas regarding the chronological
assessment. This is not possible to know until the Italian expedition is recovered. Nothing of
significance remains from this well except for a few fragment of small architectural stones made
usually of limestone, coarse limestone, local fine sandstone and local yellowish sandstone.

According to the John Hopkins University reconnaissance expedition to the Arab/Iranian Gulf,
October, 1972 several notes indicate source of freshwater in the Island and estimate the age of
the early settlements in the region.

The Danish expedition and excavation (1958 – 1963) conducted research in two separate Bronze
Age sites (2000-1100 BC) and two Hellenistic sites. There are three Bronze Ages that are
differentiated by wall width. There are physical proofs of wells found in early Bronze Age but no
proper study has been conducted yet. Some interesting Early Bronze Age finding were
discovered; a low square construction on the exterior side of one wall, it had the appearance of a
well. Also, in Failaka Island, on north and east side of the Danish excavations lies an oasis on a
low sandy plain, This is considered to be a large focal point for freshwater surrounded by palm
trees. The excavation dates this oasis to be from the Dilmun civilization due to some shreds
remains from pot.

Northern Kuwait
The stone curbs and walls found around the excavated wells in these areas prove a highly
organized social structure with heavy and long usage. According to the Kuwaiti-Polish
Archaeological investigates in Northern Kuwait, 2007-2010, wells were given codes:

242
Well- cistern SM 12, Muteita region
The discovery and study were conducted in 2008-2010. The well was found on a hollow desert
plain sloping towards seacoast. The shaft consists of 22 layers of sandstone blocks without
mortar, the stones used seem from a single local source and the flat blocks were of similar
measurements.

Figure 2. General view of the well-cistern SM 12 at the end of the excavations, spring 2010 (M.Okulus,
L.Rutkowski, F.Pawlicki, A.Reiche, L.Wojnarowicz, E.Mizak)

The blocks were arranged in “stretcher bond” [stones overlapping midway with the ones below
and above]. The horizontal section indicated an opening of 3.25 m diameter from the top and 1.35
m at the bottom. The fullest well capacity is estimated to be around 10 cubic meters of water. The
well is accessed by three steps, which are unfortunately of ruins now and a 9 m diameter circle
(NS axis) by 8 m diameter circle (EW axis) surrounds the well, nearly three layers of sandstone
blocks without mortar high. The construction is for either to protect inhabitants and animals from
the deep shaft and to protect the well from sandstorms. The construction work on the well attests
to a true skill of masonry work however, this observation does not aid into concluding to which era
this well belongs so the date of the construction remains hypothetical.

Desert well complex SB 23-1 in Dubaji Area

Excavation work was in 2008-2010. Made of 23 layers of sandstone; this well is 4-meter wide
from the mouth and 1-meter smaller at the bottom. It is surrounded by cliffs from three different
directions and the water is collected from the north by two wadis cutting the cliff.

A curb is flush with the surrounding ground and gradually rising towards the south to a height
approximately 70 cm, it was designed this way to cater for water collecting. At the depth of 2.9 m
water appeared proving not only it collects rain water but also groundwater. The well has been
buried with rubbish and desert sand. Many campfires stationed around the well; the walls are

243
burnt as an apparent indication with a thick soot layer on the stones of the upper part of the curb
and the collar of the shaft wall were cemented in the 1930s. The horizontal section of the shaft
retains an oval looking shape but the construction does not look properly uniformed and very
irregular. Two modern structures were found next to the well, it is believed that they are used for
pumping water from well and they probably had electricity.

Figure 3. Well-cistern SB 23-1 in Dubaij, before exploration (M.Okulus, L.Rutkowski, F.Pawlicki, A.Reiche,
L.Wojnarowicz, E.Mizak)

A smaller, inverted bottle shape like well SB 23-2 was dug close to SB 23-1, with a diameter of
1.25 m at the mouth. Walls of shaft were out of 12 regular layers of limestone, and the deepest
part was hollowed out in bedrocks. The smooth surface of the walls of well is an indication that
this well was permanently filled with water. Even now, after removing the sand layer water
appeared at the bottom of the well. Chances are that these two wells functioned together as one
structure. The form of the well creates pressure in underground water making it easier to surface
up. There is a small horizontal shaft found at the bottom of well, it is assumed that it's leading to
underground water pockets.

Figure4. Section through SB 23-1, M.Okulus

244
 Mughaira
In an area in the northern region of Kuwait, nearly 40 inhabitable archeological structures were
found in an 800 m by 300 m area, indicating life in the area. The location overlooks salt flats,
which probably dried the tidal bay when the site was occupied making it an easy access to sea
for fishing and trading. Nearby the area and below the cliff lays a well well-known to current
Bedouins. The well supplied the area in the early Islamic periods; 1200 years ago.

The well for Camel Caravan

Al Kadhima is a northern excavated area by a team of archeologist from Durham University in
2014. A part was discovered with 3 to 4 stones arranged in an unusual formation. It appeared that
it has been surrounding a low-lying circular area filled with sand. After excavating the site, which
turned out to be a circular stone lined well, 4.5 m wide and 5.5 m deep. Stones until 4 m depth
were intact by a clayey mortar and last meter was cut through a green solid clay material. Water
started to come out as excavators went deeper. It was brackish and quite drinkable. (Figure 4)

Around the well were notches caused by constant rope friction due to the action of taking buckets
in and out the well through ropes. According to archeological analysis, the well went under
several changes through the time it was used. Five troughs were found around the area with
depth not exceeding 40 cm, a 3 m square looking basin. Archeologists reason the abundant
number of troughs with heavy demand. Large number of camel caravans moved along the
coastal trade route, filled with merchants and their herds. It is difficult to be certain of the exact
date of the well but it can be estimated according to the surrounded excavated sites dating back
th th
to 7 – 8 century AD.

Figure 5. Kite photograph of well complex showing the camel-watering trough around the well (Mark
Woolston household)

Al Jahra Farms
Al Jahra is located near Kuwait's bay head. It is historically acclaimed to be an important oasis
filled with palm trees and vegetation. The historical fortress also known as the Red Palace was

245
 located in Al Jahra and was inhabited by the Sheikh. It is believed that in the courtyard there was
4 m deep well providing fresh water for the sheikh and the army when they fought against Muslim
th
brotherhood, a sub division from Al Wahabis on October 10 in 1920.

For the longest time Al Jahra farms provided fruits and vegetable supplies for Kuwait city. These
farms are believed to have been alive since 1709. The red palace is the only historical monument
left close to the location of these farms in the south of Jahra; the water system in consists of an
old irrigation systems, old wells and different ways of distributing fields. The farms used to
connect to the houses from the northern east side to the red palace. Mud walls surround the farm;
some are still standing to this day. Traditional irrigation systems and water canals are optimized
to this day as well. Basin based agriculture which suits palm trees and leafy plants. Some sand
rock wells are maintained.

2.2 Living Sites, which are still used or partially used

Water towers and Kuwait Towers

When the oil industry boomed in the 50's, the population increased with higher standards of living.
The search for freshwater grew higher in demand; Kuwait's first solution was to build two
distillation plants (Figure8) and distribute water through tank trucks. (1950 – 1953).

The freshwater demand increased and in

1965 the Ministry of Electricity and Water
commissioned the Swedish architectural and
engineering firm VBB "Vallenbyynadsbryan"
to develop the first modern water supply
system for Kuwait. The company divided the
country into six service zones. Five out of six
were already occupied and the later was for
future expansion of the urban plan. The zones
were divided according to altitude, location
and density of population. The quantity of
water would differ in each zone according to
distance from distillation plant and water
demand. The height of the towers would vary
for adequate pressure. The towers supply
both fresh and brackish water in separate
pipelines. Freshwater is usually for residential
and brackish water is for several purposes;
firefighting, washing, street cleaning and
irrigation.

By December 1976 the water tower project

was completed. The most astonishing feature
of the project is the thirty-three storage towers
with a combined storage capacity of 102,000
cubic meters. These towers are divided into
two types of physical structures. First group is
Thirty-One Mushroom looking towers in each
zone they are either six or nine towers. Due to
the strategic location of the second group of
Figure6. The process of assembling the mushroom
towers (Aga Khan report)
246
the last three towers, they were designed differently and were named Kuwait towers. The
Mushroom towers vary in height, color, arrangement and number. The space surrounding these
towers is treated as a public space with some greenery, walking areas and seating. These
Towers became a landmark of each district it serves. Concrete is the main element for the
structural systems of these towers which are reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete. The
concrete was mixed on site; it consisted of cement, local sand and gravel collected from desert, it
didn't require a waterproof system due to its high quality. A wooden formwork was required for
reinforcing concrete. For the Mushroom towers it was sliding wooden prefabricated formwork to
be reused for 15 weeks of construction of the total of thirty-one mushroom towers. (Figure 5)

The mushroom towers were considered a structurally economical design that was aesthetically
pleasing as well. Each reservoir contains about 3000 cubic meters capacity. The inverted conical
shape insured water delivery at a constant pressure even at low water levels. The Kuwait towers
formwork construction was made of plywood panel in order to achieve its tapering profile. Due to
its prompt location it was requested by Sheikh Jabir Al Ahmed to design these three towers
differently and more appealingly than the mushroom towers. The design was originally by
Malene Bjorn, with water storage over 9000 cubic meters. The Kuwait Towers hosted other
functions, such as the viewing sphere, a restaurant and a café. The composition of the three
towers is highly thought of, with two tower containing 4500 cubic meter water reservoirs, and the
third needle like tower to illuminate the group at night. On June 2014 a Tentative List entry of
Kuwait towers was submitted and approved by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre as a modern
heritage monument. The team at the National Council for Cultures Arts and Letters is currently
preparing the nomination file to be submitted on January 2016.

Al Rawdatain Fields
Groundwater fields with freshwater (underground brackish water):

1- Al Rawdatain low field, 114 ft. above sea level

2- Umm al Aish low field in the north (destroyed during Iraqi invasion, 1990-1991)

First usage of fresh groundwater was in 1962, with salinity levels between 600 – 1000 ppm.
Groundwater was fresh which ultimately started Al Rawdatain water filling company, a Kuwaiti
investment company.

The Al Rawdatain field was discovered by coincidence in May 1960 by the Ministry of Electricity
and Water; searching for low sodium groundwater wells while working on Kuwait-Al Abdil road
and from there Kuwait summoned a British engineering firm, Parsons Corporation, to study and
dig Al Rawdatain field, producing 26 wells at that time.

Most of Kuwait’s natural water resource is brackish underground from Al Dammam limestone
aquifer pouring onto Kuwait's group by the hydraulic pressure coming from Damam's formation.
Brackish water is limited in Kuwait and it is generally abundant in the northern part in Al
Rawdatain and Umm al Aish "where it occurs in the form of freshwater lenses floating on top of
Kuwait's group of brackish water."

Al Rawdatain is a rectangular internal basin with width reaching up 4 -5 Km and length up to 15

Km. It is considered shallow with a descended mild slope on the edges. Rainwater is collected
within creating a temporary Playa lake reaching up to 2-4 ft. deep; however, this lake is not a
freshwater source of the field.

Al Rawdatain is considered a part of a bigger field that is divided into two. The surface of the field
consists of rocks from sand and log gravels. As for the areas where water rafts; the rocks are

247
 from silts, fine sand and mud. The field is positioned in low lands consisting of 4 -6 inches of
compact brown-grey silt. The deeper fields have a less compacted soil and their color changes
from brown-red to brown-grey. The soil of the field's surface is locally of recent age whereas the
lower layers of the field belong to Pleistocene era.

There are three layers in Al Rawdatain field which consists of freshwater, separated by layers of
silt rock and laminated mud layers with low permeability. Most of the field's production is from the
upper layer of the three.

The water quality varies in the degree of quality. Parson corporation studies indicated that the
usable fresh groundwater of the field is in the upper part of saturated sandstone bed of Dibdibba's
(an area in the region) formation. Quality ranges from 200 to 800 mg/l of TDS (Total Dissolved
Solids). Freshwater is surrounded by brackish water. The deeper layers have a higher salinity
level. Also the closer we are to the center of the field the salinity level will become higher. Salinity
levels raise when the production increases and an increase in the drop in water level. Al
Rawdatain water contains high levels of magnesium and sulfate ions with a tendency of a
corrosive effect.

The thickness of layers consisting of water within is constantly reducing throughout the years.

The evolution of any groundwater reservoir is subject to the amount of renewable water entering
the reservoir on an ongoing basis.
According to a study published in 1979 by Parson's company surveying the field and concluding
the field's daily production is 3.8 million gallons. 2.7 million is underground water, 7 million from
naturally charging the field and 4 million from artificially charging the field. According the previous
estimation, the life expectancy of Al Rawdatain field will terminate in the early 90's; this estimation
lowered yearly production from the 70's and witnessed an increase in experimentations to
increase life expectancy of the field. But this study is proved not accurate; as we reached 2015
with an abundant amount of water from these fields with regards to the experiments done for
water increase back in the 70's. As for a study by Bergstrom in 1965 in University of California it
was estimated that the life expectancy of the field is less than 500 years.

Between years 1962 -1976 highest production level recorded for both Al Rawdatain and Um Al
Aish field was in 1967 with a sum of 1272 million gallons per day.

2.3 Cultural Landscapes related to water

The concept of Mai Sabeel

It is to offer fresh water for drinking without a fee for the public. An example of this concept was
by Abdul-Aziz Ahmed Al Duaij, who opened a store in the old souk (Mubarakiya) by the name of
Souk bin duaij, which offers fresh water for passing people for free. People started to call it
"Sabeel Duaij".

It was two pottery pots filled with water from wells outside Kuwait city and transported by a camel.
According to historian Farhan Al Fahran, Sheikh Yaseen was the first person in Kuwait to initiate
“Mai Sabeel” concept back in Sheikh Abdullah Al Sabah reign (1762 – 1763), the second ruler of
Kuwait.

Diminished historical water businesses and job opportunities

As the water business grew; new trades and job opportunities were created. Water delivery
required a large and a strong labor force. An example of an emerging profession is the Al Kandri

248
which is now a name of a large family in Kuwait today. Al Kandris hold two Kerosene tins by a
rope hanging from a wooden stick and placed on his shoulder. (Figure 6) Al Kandiri originally
means the water carrier in Persian and Kanadar means stick in Farsi.

Al Hammarah is a title of a man owning donkeys for water delivery purposes from various places
and carrying water from wells outside of the old city walls to Kuwait city; this method goes back to
the Gulf region. The carrier owns a donkey or a couple, one for his own usage and the other two
are for renting. Each donkey can hold up to 3 water jars made of goat skins. Either water is
delivered to houses or sold in "Souk Al Mai" The Water Market where the owner is obliged by a
law established by the municipality in 14/4/1930 to take the water jars down the animals or he will
face charges. After sealing a deal; either the costumers fills their jars or order Al Hammar for
home delivery. When water from Shatt al Arab is scarce usually well water is sold, which is not
very likeable by the public.

Usually Al Kandiri and Al Hammar announce vocally

around the neighborhood "Shatt! Shatt!" which means
Shatt al Arab water and "Ad Mai" which means well water.
Water is sold to the highest bidder. Sometimes buyers
would pay weekly or monthly. The houses that receive
water get a mark on their walls, saving fresh waters in
pottery pots. Kandar and Hammarah would gather around
water boat "Boom al Mai" once it arrives inside the port,
either people swim to it with their jars to fill or they drive a
small boat "Keter boom" to reach it. (Figure7)

If Shatt al Arab waters from "Boom al Mai" is not taken

away directly from the port by Al Kandiri or Al Hammar to
sell it in different neighborhoods, it would be delivered and
sold in Water Souk in Mubarakiya in the old city market
near Mubarak shop "Kushk Mubarak". In some cases;
women on their own used to balance Kerosene tints on
their head to head to "Boom Al Mai".

Figure7. Al Kandari (National Maritime

Museum, Greenwich)

Figure8. A water boom

docks on the beach in
Kuwait (National Maritime
Museum, Greenwich)

249
House delivery methods were tough and took a lot of time to be accomplished, resulting in “Al
Mahara” which is basically two men pushing a wheeler wooden carriage with water tanks. After
the first sea water distillation plant (1951 and 1953), in those years water trucks started to deliver
water around the streets by filling steel tanks distributed around different neighborhood . This
method was used until 1958. Some areas use this method to this day.

An interesting job emerged, creating order in the logistic and financial department in the old water
business. "Al Karrani" is the boat's accountant, keeping track on the arrival and departure of
boats, amount of water shipped from Shatt al Arab and keeping track on the change in cost of
water depending on several factors.

Kuwait Water Company

The Kuwait Water Company was established in 1939 under the command of Sheikh Abdullah Al
Salem to supply the people with water at reasonable prices. All water boats owned by different
families traveling to Shatt al Arab for water were bought by the company, owning up to 45 water
boats "Abwam Al Mai" however; in the beginning it had about 25 ships only.

By 1940 it was owned by the government and some major merchants. Khaled Zaid Al Khaled was
elected to head the company. In 1941 there was a water crisis and so KWC stopped selling water
to whoever had a water basin in their courtyard, and in 1942 KWC increased capital, formed a
new board of directors and built 11 ships. Families that owned water ships used to price their own
water; however when KWC took over, many families sold their ships to the company. Also, KWC
built 3 basins to store water and sell it to the public. The KWC also established a simplified paying
system for the ship crew: 5 to 10 rupees each trip and the captain was paid double the amount,
excluding food supply during trip.

Figure9. Water distillation plant in Shuwaikh established

250 in 1953, Research
and Studies Center of Kuwait
Methods of gathering rainwater
Al Berka: a manmade pond in the middle of the courtyard of every house enclosed with cement, 4
meters deep and 4m in diameter at the bottom, but shrinking as it reaches the top of the opening
to about 1m or 2m. This pond fits about 4000 gallons of water.

Shatar: is a huge piece of thick cloth hung from the top four edges of the courtyard with an
opening in the middle on top of the pond "Al Berka".

Al Fintas: a semicircular wooden container.

Selhi: a container made from pottery with a cover that is usually opened during rainy season to
gather water as much as it can contain, this is a very simple and guaranteed method to gather
rainwater throughout the season not that it generates a large quantity but it is sufficient to serve
basic needs for a short period of time.

Types and locations of historical wells

Groundwater; water extracted from the bottom of the earth by digging deep holes; in old Kuwait
we had 4 types of wells:
1- Al Jeleeb: Most common and widespread type. It varies in depth and freshness. Nealy 156
wells are located in Kuwait. Most of these wells are diminished and only exist in literature
context.
2- Al Ad: Freshwater, mostly in deep levels and it is available throughout the year. Nearly 9
are recorded in literature context.
3- Al Mashash: A group of shallow, low salinity level wells close to one another, mostly
drinkable. Nearly 30 are recorded in literature context.
4- Al Thumailah: Dug in a rectangular hole, this type gradually regressions towards the depth
after a rainfall. Sand dugout from the hole is kept close to it as an indication to its location.
It's shallow and considered a low freshwater source but nonetheless has freshwater.
Nearly 13 are recorded in literature context.

Wells in Kuwait have been discovered to have different historical background, some wells belong
th
to the Bronze Age and others are as recent as the 20 century. Found nearly in every direction in
Kuwai, there are certain locations however that are considered more common than the rest:

1- Kuwait city
2- Shamiya
3- Adailiya
4- Hawali
5- Al Niqra
6- Al Dasma
7- Al Salmiya (Dumna previously)
8- Al Ra’as
9- Al Beda’
10- Al Maseela
11- Al Funaitees
12- Al Fintas
13- Abu Hulaifa
14- Al Fahaheel
15- Al Shuaiba
16- Al Jahra
17- Malah

251
 18- Al Mugwa
19- Al Sulayil
20- Ghudhi
21- Failaka Island

Shatt al Arab trip

Boats leave Kuwait's shore on high tide. The trip takes about 10 to 15 hours. During summer
boats stop inside Shatt al Arab or in Abdan to get fresh waters. In order to fill the tanks; the boat
must be stabilized by four anchors. Water is pulled out by "alzeelah". It takes about 3 to 4 hours
to fill 10 tanks with 4000 to 5000 gallons.

The captain then pays Al Fao customs 3 rupees, and then the boat goes through inspection. In
some cases the way back could be dangerous due to the heavy carriage.

Boats are evacuated in "Al Niqa'" which is manmade ports to prevent waves from flipping the
boats over. Each boat pays about 10 to 20 rupees to park at "Al Niqa'".

3 State of historic and technical knowledge concerning water heritage in the

sub-region

3.1 Definition of periods in man’s relationship with water

The definition will be presented as a chronological timeline representing important dates with
regards to water heritage and man's relation to it.

Pleistocene era: Witnessed heavy longer rain periods and naturally during the rainy season,
rainwater seeps through the pores of plutonic rocks creating fossil water. Since rainy
season is scarce nowadays, fossil water is considered a limited natural resource.
rd nd
3 and 2 millennium BC & Early Islamic periods: archaeological wells discovered in northern
Kuwait serving the Neolithic settlements to nomads, the temporary settlements of
Sassanian and Muslims during pilgrims, travelling to Mecca. Some remained in periodical
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use until mid-20 .
615 AD: Discovery of Abudawarah wells currently Al Hamra mall in Sharq, Kuwait city. Found
nearly 1400 years ago.
1709: AlJahra farms, wells and ancients irrigation systems.
1820: Kuwaitis traveled to Failaka Island for fresh water.
1831: According to a statement by J.Ash Stalkler when he visited Kuwait "Water was not remotely
close to being fresh."
1841: According to a statement by Captain Asse Henel when he visited Kuwait "The area is all
deserts, sand and salt. No trees or jungles. Some trees exist; indicating wells in the region
however, the taste and quality of these waters are not suitable for Europeans."
1896: Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah sought after an efficient system to get freshwaters especially
with the constant growth of the population.
1905: The first fresh water well discovered in Hawalli but lasted for three years only.
1908: Drought due to low rainfall.
1909: Boat owner Mohammed Al Yacob traveled to Shatt al Arab. His boat was equipped with
wooden tanks to fill them with water and sell them back in Kuwait.
1910: Nearly 50 ships travelling to Shatt al Arab each carrying 5000 gallons.
1911: Scarcity in labor force concerning water shipment due to the pearl diving boom

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 Aside from these issues; the population increased due to the migration of merchants from
Persia to Kuwait.
1912: Shakespeare, the British politician living in Kuwait suggested to the Sheikh to build a
distillation plant with financial support from the Indian/British government. The debt was
shared by many Kuwaiti merchants along with the Kuwaiti government costing 109,000
rupees.
1913: E.H.Pascoe, the geologist arrived from India for an initial scan for groundwater in Al
Shuwaikh, Kubar Island and Warah Island.
1914: Sheikh Mubarak desired to establish the first distillation plant through a British
agency
1915: First machine to desolate water, from the English-Indian government. The water was
less pure and more expensive therefore the machine was discarded shortly.
1917: Salem dam built in Al Shaab valley during Sheikh Salem bin Mubarak Al Sabah's reign.
1919: The first desalination plant started to fully function due to delays from WWI.
1921: The machine needed adjustment in order to reach the agreed amount of water. The
company titled Scott and Co. but it didn't work and they paid Sheikh Ahmed Al Jabir
225000 rupees.
1924: The distillation plant station failed and was shipped to Eden.
1925: A seafarer placed several empty barrels in the hold of dhow and sailed to Shatt Al Arab.
1927: An agreement with Eastern and General Syndicate Ltd was established to dig a 140 ft.
deep well in sharq and another 500 ft. deep with no luck in finding any freshwaters.
1929: The first distillation plant was closed due to its expenses and impure water.
14/4/1930: A law governing animals used to carry water. "Al Hammar" either delivers water to
houses or sells water in "Souk Al Mai", the Water Market. He then must take the
water jars down or else he will get a fine for tiring the animal.
1931: The water tanks on ships suffered from hygiene issues as a result the municipality
ordered to clean the boats after every trip or else it will pay a fine worth 9 rupees.
1933: Nearly 600 wells were recorded by the British management.
1933: There were 49 water boats travelling to Shatt al Arab six journeys per day. Each boat
has about 50000 to 80000 gallons of water.
1937: Sheikh Ahmed al Jabir started a campaign to find underground water with the
assistance of groundwater hydrology consultants but no luck in finding it.
1938: The idea of building a pipeline to Shatt al Arab was highly supported however this
meant Kuwait will still depend on Iraq for fresh waters; so the project never instigated.
1939: Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Sabah established Kuwait Water Company to supply the
country with water in a reasonable price. All water boats "Abwam Al Mai" were bought
by the company totaling to 45 boats.
1940: Kuwait Water Company was owned by the government and some major merchants.
Khaled Zaid Al Khaled was elected to head the company. In the beginning it had about
25 boats only.
1941: Another attempt in finding underground water. A lot of wells were discovered and are
used to this day. High salinity level wells are naturally more common so the water
extracted is for irrigation and construction.
1941: Water crisis which led KWC to stop selling water to families with a water basin at their
courtyard.
1941: First field discovered in Kuwait with an abundant amount of groundwater was in
"Sulaibiyah".
1942: Water price increased due to higher demand. The price of 4 gallons of water was a bit
less than 1.5 rupees.
1942: Kuwait Oil Company dug a well close to Dasman palace, but the water was not
drinkable.
1942: KWC increased capital, formed a new board of directors and built 11 new water boats.
1943: Water price increased to 1.5 rupees per 4 gallons.

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1944: During WWII, water boats decreased to 28 boats due to lack of maintenance and water
prices went from 1.5 rupees per 4 gallons to 1 rupee per 4 gallons.
1947: Second attempt for a distillation plant was on the horizon due to financial ease from the
new petrol industry.
1948: A number of Kuwaiti merchants decided to go forward with Shatt al Arab pipeline with a
capital of 1 million Sterling pounds but there were no guarantees from the Iraqi
governments to assure the success of the project and the idea never came to life.
1948: The distillation plant was commissioned as an idea from Britain to Sheikh Ahmed al
Jabir costing 6 to 8 million Dollars.
1948: Price of water was 1 rupee per 4 gallons.
1949-1950: The KWC built three basins to collect water on the shore, locations are as
followed: Sharq, facing Nuqa'at aL Ghunaim and Qibla with total capacity of 880000
gallons. Water was pumped from boats to tanks through pipes.
1950: KOC built the first distillation plant in Al Ahmidi pumping about 120000 gallons per day
to Kuwait city.
1950: Discovery of Al Abdiliyah field; a low salinity levels.
1951: KOC built the first real water distillation plant in Al Ahmidi port producing up to 100000
liters of water daily.
1953: Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem installed a desalination machine.
1953: The second desalination station was built in Shuwaikh port.
1955: The idea of Shatt al Arab pipeline was discussed once more by the Sheikh and Kuwaiti
merchants but they decided to close the case once and for all and focus on expanding
the distillation plant for more freshwater.
1958: Marked the end of delivering water by trucks around the streets by filling steel tanks
distributed around different neighborhood.
1962: Marks the first usage of fresh groundwater with salinity level lower than 1000 ppm in Al
Rawdatain and Um Al Aish.
1962: Discovery of Al Shaqayah field; a low salinity levels.
1964 to 1976: The average annual precipitation over land is 30.3 mm-242.4 mm, this is quite
little for supplying fresh groundwater.
1965: Shuaiba station produced freshwater with seven distillation plants and a capacity of 14
million gallons of water per day.
1965: The Ministry of Electricity and Water commissioned a Swedish architectural and
engineering firm VBB "Vallenbyynadsbryan" to develop a modern water supply system
for Kuwait.
1970: The Gas and Water division, 1950 changed names to Underground Water
Administration.
1971: Al Dasma group of wells (nearly 40) spread around the area of Al Dasma are used for
irrigation because they are low in sodium.
1971: Southern Shuaiba station with capacity of 5 million gallons per day with six distillation
plants totaling to 30 million gallons per day.
1973: An expedition from Hopkins University came to Kuwait. The expedition studied the
history of residential areas since Prophet Mohammed's immigration.
"There are several expeditions afterwards; Denmark, Polish, Italian and French, all
concluded that there was life in this area and people settled. They've also discovered
hundreds of wells that were "folded" which mean that they excavated the edges of the
well to the bottom. These wells are largely distributed in the northern area of Kuwait.
Wells are usually found in areas where travelers pass by during their travels."
1976: An Italian excavation from Venice University discovered a well dug into the bedrock.
1976: The Water Tower project by VBB was completed.
1978: Eastern Doha station with seven distillation plants and capacity of 42 million gallons per
day.

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 1983: Southern Doha station with 16 distillation plants and capacity of 110.4 million gallons
per day.
1986: Discovery of Um Qadeer field; a low salinity levels.
1988: Water production lowered to 9 million gallons due to low maintenance, low efficiency
and uneconomic operation.
1988: Capacity was lowered to 28 million gallons per day due to low maintenance, low
efficiency and uneconomic operation.
1988: Southern Zour station with 16 distillation plants and capacity of 115.2 million gallons per
day.
1990: After the Iraqi invasion destroyed Shuwaikh station; they were replaced with three
distillers with capacity of 6.5 million gallons per day and a total of 19.5 million gallon per
day.
1993: Kuwait's production of freshwater by desalinating brackish water reached 81 Million
imperial gallons per day.
2003: Kuwait dedicated 8 units of Reserve Osmosis method with production capacity of 2
million imperial gallons per day and by today it produced 6.25 million imperial gallons
per day.
2006: Sabbiya station with 4 distillation plants and capacity of 50 million gallons per day and
another 4 distillation plants and capacity of 50 million gallons per day.
2012: North Shuaiba with 3 distillation plants and 45 million gallons per day.
2012: Maximum recorded consumption was in 87.283 Million imperial gallons.
2012: There are over 156820 connections to all private and commercial properties around the
country for freshwater and 78702 connections for brackish water.

4 Legal protection in Force

Any legal protection with regards to water heritage falls under Kuwait's Law of Antiquities, 1960.
The Law governs movable and immovable antiques, and Archeological excavation. Water
Heritage can fall under all of the above-mentioned categories. In some cases like Archeological
sites or antiques used for gathering water or even built immovable structures.

5 Conservation and management of water heritages

5.1 Conservation
- The well found in Sabbiyah under the SM12 code will be a part of an archaeological park in
Sabbiyah.
- Al Jahra farms are under the NCCAL protection, to be preserved.
- Al Sabbiya and Failka Island are under NCCAL protection.

5.2 Sustainable development and current management of living properties

- Currently the National Council for Cultures, Arts and Letters is preparing the nomination file
of Kuwait Towers for examination by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee of June 2016.
A Tentative List entry was submitted on June 2014 and approved by the World Heritage
Centre.

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6 Bibliography

Water and electricity in Kuwait "biography and the march", Kuwait, Publisher: center for research
and studies in Kuwait, 2005.
Yacoub Y. Al Hiji, Old Kuwait-memories in Photographs, Kuwait, Publisher: Center for research
and studies on Kuwait, 2004.
Ibrahim Sager, Summery in Kuwait's groundwater's geology, Kuwait, Publisher: Al Wihda
Foundation for publishing and distribution,1979.
NCCAL and University of Warsaw, Kuwaiti-Polish Archaeological investigations in Northern
Kuwait, Warsaw and Al Jahra – Lukasz Rutkowski, 2011.
Mutlaq Fahaad Al Jafour, Groundwater in old Kuwait; Locations and sites, Kuwait, Publisher:
Center for research and studies on Kuwait, 2011.
Monique Guingand in collaboration with Glibber Guingand, The search for water in the State of
Kuwait before the discovery of oil- Mai Sabeel; The revival of a noble symbolic gesture,
Kuwait, Publisher: Al Qabas, 2009.
Abdulhameed Saleh Faras, The story of water in old Kuwait, Kuwait – Kamil Abdulhameed Saleh
Faras, Publisher: The golden swords press.
Theresa Howard Carter, Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, Boston - James
M. Weinstein, 2014.
Yves Calvet and Jean-Francois Salles, Failaka French excavation 1984-1985, Paris, Publisher:
Travaux de la maison de l'Orient, 1986.
Yacoub Y. Al Hiji, Old naval activities in Kuwait, Kuwait, Publisher: Center for research and
studies on Kuwait, 2007.
Derek Kennet, Khadima, Kuwait, Derek Kennet, Publisher: National Council for Cultures, Arts and
Letters and Durham University, 2013.
K.M. Hadi, F.M. Al Ruwaih, “Geochemical evolution of the fresh groundwater in Kuwait desert”,
Emirates Journal of Engineering Research, Vol. 13, No. 3; 2008. (Please note: This article is
provided by Seham Al-Salim, Information Specialist in Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research)

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Water management in Ancient Mesopotamia: Case study Iraq, with
special focus on Southern Iraq
Margarete van Ess
German Archaeological Institute Orient Department

1 General characteristics

1.1 General climatic data and overall hydrological figures

As part of the arid belt of the northern hemisphere, Iraq is characterised by hot and dry summers
and cold and semi-dry winters. Typically, rain only falls in winter, whereas the summers are very
dry. Iraq’s topography is defined by four major zones: the mountainous zone of the south-eastern
Taurus and north-western Zagros, a fairly hilly region at the foot of these mountains, the south-
eastern alluvial plain of Mesopotamia (formed by the deposits of the two major rivers the
Euphrates and the Tigris), and the western desert zone (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Map of Iraq indicating the main sites mentioned in the text. Claudia
Bührig/German Archaeological Institute.

In winter, west-wind drifts and cyclones coming in from the Mediterranean bring up to 1000 mm of
annual precipitation to the country’s north-eastern highlands. There, where the peaks of the
intensely-folded mountains attain altitudes of 4000 m AMSL, and where deep gorges are
squeezed between steep flanks, the preconditions for human settlement are quite restricted.

The region east of the line between Mosul and Kirkuk is characterised by a hilly morphology,
receiving an annual precipitation of more than 400 mm. This zone is therefore safe for rain-fed
agriculture, and subsequently belongs to those parts of the world where humans first chose to
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settle on a durable basis, as early as the 8 millennium BC. The situation is, however, quite

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different for all other parts of the country to the west of this isohyet. There, farming practices
relying on rainfall are much more dependent on other favourable circumstances, and must
therefore be considered as risky. Settlements are situated close to the few rivers, which in
Northern Iraq are often deeply cut into old geological formations. Because agriculture is possible
on bordering terraces at higher levels, it often relies upon water lifting or draining systems (Figure
2).

Figure 2. The Tigris south of Assur. Margarete van Ess/

German Archaeological Institute.

The Mesopotamian alluvial plain is, on the other hand, unique. Although it only benefits from 100
to 200 mm annual rainfall, the deposition of sediment by the two main rivers, the Euphrates and
the Tigris, has created a vast fertile plain south of Hit and Samarra, covering a region of 600 km
by 200 km, at only 45 m elevation. As soon as humans began to develop irrigation techniques, it
became possible to permanently settle in the area, which shortly afterwards saw its population
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grow (6 millennium BC).

Both rivers originate in Eastern Turkey, with a distance of approximately 30 km between them.
Today, the Euphrates river has a length of c. 3000 km and is thus the longest river in Western
Asia. The Tigris is the second longest river, with a length of 1862 km. In the past, both rivers
frequently changed their course, and still do so today. The mean annual flow rate of the
3 3
Euphrates at the Iraqi border is around 28 to 30 km . That of the Tigris at Mosul was 22.2 km
3
prior to 1984, but this subsequently dropped to 17.7 km , reflecting both an increased control of
the water by neighbouring countries as well as climate change. In Iraqi territory, only the Tigris
has tributaries; these feed into the river from the left bank, and this additional amount of water
3
reaches 25 to 29 km per year.

In the desert west of the rivers, human occupation is possible only where artesian springs allow
permanent access to water, or where groundwater levels are high enough to be tapped by wells.
This offers a classic situation for oases comparable to those typical for neighbouring countries.

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1.2 Cultural and technological exchange with neighbouring zones
The historical region of Mesopotamia by and large covers the territory of modern-day Iraq, as well
as parts of north-eastern Syria and south-eastern Turkey, and is traditionally referred to as the
land between the two large rivers of the Euphrates and the Tigris. The area is part of the so-
called Fertile Crescent, and cannot be understood without considering its close relations with
adjacent areas. Even at the earliest stages of human occupation, neighbouring areas in Syria,
Turkey, Iran, the Arabo-Persian Gulf, and the Arabian Peninsula had already developed close
contacts with Mesopotamia. Trade relations between the areas are demonstrated by the import of
precious stones and other materials to Mesopotamia at a very early stage in history. Trade and
cultural connections with the Mediterranean shore, in this case mainly with the Syrian west coast,
th
Lebanon and Palestine, as well as with Egypt, can be traced back to at least the 4 millennium
BC. Developments within the technological, cultural, and social sectors were therefore by and
large interconnected too, and cannot be seen as locally specific. The ways by which this
interconnectivity worked, as well as when exactly inventions occurred, is a recurrent issue within
academic discussion.

2 Known sites and important sites for the cultural heritage of water
With more than 10,000 registered, and countless additional and unregistered, archaeological
sites and historical monuments, Iraq is no doubt one of the world’s wealthiest countries regarding
the cultural heritage of Antiquity. On the other hand, so far, only very little information is available
on Iraq’s cultural heritage of water.
Three major sources of information on this heritage category are available:
1. Geo-archaeological observation and documentation of relict landscape features sanction not
only the evaluation of the evolving knowledge of technical installations, but also the evaluation of
interventions into natural topographical settings for the improvement of water availability.
2. Written historical sources, relating to the construction of dams, canals, and other specific
th
hydrological constructions, provide information as from the 24 century BC.
3. Known technical installations, i.e. those excavated or still standing, are another source of
information, even though such monuments are still poorly-documented in Iraq. While this may
reflect a, thus far, low interest in the topic to some extent, it doubtless also reflects the choice of
construction material, which was, by preference, mud and hence not durable. With the increasing
application of satellite imagery and geophysical prospection methods in archaeology, it has only
recently become possible to anticipate the location of technical installations buried below
sedimentary layers.

2.1 Archaeological sites

2.1.1 Water management in the alluvial plain of the Euphrates and Tigris in historical times
The abundance of water and its management has characterised the alluvial plain of the
Euphrates and Tigris for thousands of years. Tony J. Wilkinson described this important
achievement as a “hydraulic landscape”. Water did not only serve as drinking water, essential for
humans and their flocks, or even to irrigate fields. Rivers and canals also formed the main
transport axes through the country and, especially in the southern part of the alluvial plain, the
well-known marshlands were a major economic asset, providing fish, reeds, and other wetland
products. Rivers were valued as sacred beings, and water was considered the major source of
abundance in the country.

From time to time, however, the rivers changed their courses, and the inhabitants were forced
both to seek protection from the resulting inundations and to promptly adjust the direct water

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supply accordingly. It is, therefore, not surprising that all kings and rulers of Southern
Mesopotamia dedicated most of their attention to water and irrigation systems, as is revealed by
th
letters, cadastre lists, administrative records, and the like. Starting late in the 4 millennium BC,
the controlled management of natural drainage systems, through diverting and damming river
branches and channels, was followed by the construction of larger-scale artificial canal networks
rd
in the 3 millennium BC. This reiterated the need for a constant water supply, both for use in
agriculture and in the day-to-day lives of humans and their livestock. The first inter-regional
rd
artificial canal projects were apparently undertaken by the end of the 3 millennium BC, and
expanded in the following millennia. Well-known in this respect are the large canals of the
Sasanian Period, which, in some cases, reached several hundred kilometres in length. They are
still visible within the landscape, and some can be identified as construction projects mentioned in
historical sources.

a. Irrigation and drainage canals

Today, the alluvial plain between the Euphrates and the Tigris is still characterised by a
sophisticated and dense network of natural channels and different-sized irrigation and drainage
canals built in different periods (Figure 3). The data obtained from archaeological sites adjacent
th
to these canals, dating from the beginning of the 6 mil. B.C., allows estimates of the site’s date,
and interpretations of its development, to be made. The rivers, but more often the main canals
derived from the rivers, served to irrigate arable land. Local and smaller irrigation networks
brought water to gardens and fields. Many of the main and local canals, dating to different
periods, are still visible today in the form of eroded levees. Their courses have been investigated
in several archaeological surveys since the 1960s, and are currently being mapped through
satellite sensing. Archaeological and geo-morphological investigations of such canals were
undertaken by the field mission to Telled-Der and Sippar during the 1970s and 1980s. The
levees, which may reach considerable heights, were fashioned through the regular extraction of
sediments from the canal beds and their subsequent accumulation on both sides of the canals.
Thereby, more or less high berms developed that could become much higher than the
surrounding plain. They could then, at the same time, serve as dikes. The canals themselves
were cut approximately 2 m deep into the plain without any special reinforcement of the banks.
Constant maintenance was necessary, such as the cleaning of sediment in the canals, in order to
balance the interaction between the groundwater and the water table, and to manage the gradient
between the canal and irrigated areas.

Figure 3. Alluvium of Southern Iraq with canals and irrigated fields.

German Archaeological Institute.

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Main canals were often built under the responsibility of kings or local rulers. As early as the pre-
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Sargonic periods (24 century BC), canals were given names which were recorded in the annals
and year-names of the respective rulers. Some canals have been identified, together with their
preserved features, but to date, virtually none have been the object of detailed archaeological or
technical analysis.

Cities in the flood plain were very often established by canals rather than by streets. Canals
served as travel or traffic arteries, the water supply of households, and they were the main source
for smaller irrigation canals leading to gardens inside the cities. Remains of intra muros canals
have been documented at Abu Salabikh, Mashkan Shapir, Nippur, Sippar and Uruk, and
geophysical surveys have led to the detection of an irrigation system in Uruk (Figure 4).

rd
Figure 4. Artificial canals have been built since the 3 millennium BC. The geophysical
survey at Uruk clearly reveals the canal system. Helmut Becker/Jörg Fassbinder /
German Archaeological Institute.

b. Harbours
Several, perhaps even many, cities in the alluvium had at least one harbour. Harbour areas have
been recognised in Mashkan Shapir, Ur, and Uruk. They were mainly defined as such because of
their shapes, locations and technical connections to canals. None of them, however, have been
thoroughly investigated yet. Textual evidence informs us that boats of different sizes and
functions served as transport to nearby, far, and even long-distance destinations. No
archaeological remains of boats, however, have yet been found, most probably because of the
nondurable materials used in their construction. Boats were usually made by bundles of reeds
lashed together with ropes and sometimes covered with a layer of bitumen.

c. Dams/Dikes
nd
Flood control techniques were practiced from the 2 millennium BC at least. When the the water
bed became too elevated, the danger of a breach of the berms was imminent. Controlled

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breaching of berms, and the opening of canals into basins, presented one solution to avert the
dangers of a potential disaster. Several natural depressions might have served for this purpose,
as they still do today.

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A dike from the 18 century BC protecting a town has been investigated at Tell ed-Der.

d. Water lifting devices

Archaeological remains of technical water lifting equipment date back to a time as early as the
th
late 4 millennium BC. Several installations have been reported at the archaeological site of Uruk
that were used for the transport of water to the more elevated central part of the town. The
findings date from the period between 3300 and 3000 BC. The lifting technique itself remains
unknown but the equipment may have been operated by the force of manpower (Figure 5).

Figure 5. In terms of archaeology, water lifting devices have been found dating from the end of
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the 4 millennium BC.Ricardo Eichmann / German Archaeological Institute.

A water lifting device called dalia in modern Iraq (also known as shaduf in Egypt) consisting of a
wooden beam with attached buckets, is operated by hand. The earliest known depiction of a dalia
rd st
is represented on a cylinder seal from the Akkadian Period (23 century BC). In the 1 millennium
BC, texts seem to refer to another technique, which is known in modern Iraq as ascherd or bakra.
It was used to lift water from the river or canal to a higher level. It was powered either by man or
an animal, like an ox, horse, or camel that hauled up the water, which was contained in a skin
bucket attached to a pulley with a skin cord. By drawing the rope, the skin bucket was
automatically emptied into a basin or canal.

e. Weirs
Weirs were used to raise the water level and control its distribution. Their existence has been
st
documented from the 21 century BC in written texts. One example has probably already been
excavated at Tello (the so-called hypogeum), but it was not recognised as such at the time of its
th
excavation (at the end of the 19 century AD).

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 f. Bridges
According to textual evidence, bridges in pre-Islamic periods were constructed from wooden
beams or from stone. To date, however, no bridges from such periods have yet been excavated.
Two bridges from the medieval period have been preserved but have not been in use for a long
time: the al-Harba bridge, close to Samarra, and the Kiri Si’da bridge, close to the city of Kufa.
Both were entirely built with bricks and were decorated with brick ornaments. According to an
inscription for visitors on a decorative band on the bridge, the al-Harba bridge was erected by
Caliph al-Mustansirin in 629 H./1228 AD (fig. 6). The Kiri Si’da bridge spans over a canal that
may date from a much earlier period. Local historians date the canal back to the Sasanian Period.
th th
The bridge was built in the 14 /15 century AD, and consisted of one arch flanked by four solid
round towers that had been erected at the arch’s corners.

Figure 6. The al-Harba bridge, close to Samarra, is given a date of construction in an

inscription to Caliph al-Mustansir. Ernst Herdieckerhoff

2.1.2 Water management in Iraq’s hill country during historical periods

th
From the Middle Assyrian Period (13 century BC), Assyrian kings invested in sophisticated canal
constructions in order to divert water to their capitals, artificial gardens, and extensive arable
regions. In particular, the hydraulic projects undertaken by the Neo-Assyrian King Sennacherib
(704–681 BC) belong to the most outstanding technical achievements of ancient Iraq. Even more
than the project’s technical and artistic facets do its gigantic dimensions affirm its uniqueness
within the entire Ancient Near East during this period.

a. Canals
Information on canals in Iraq’s hilly regions, which are commonly equated with the central part of
the Assyrian Empire, is mainly gleaned from royal inscriptions and, more recently, by landscape
maps developed using satellite imagery. The Assyrian kings ordered the construction of canals
and aqueducts in order to satisfy their demand for large amounts of water for their residential
cities. Assur UballitI was the first to mention a “canal of abundance", whereas Tukulti Ninurta
I(ruled 1244–1208 BC) built a water conduit named “canal of justice” for his capital.
Assurnasirpal II (ruled 883–859 BC) was the first to build even larger canals, such as Babilat-
ḫegalli, which carried water from the Upper Zab to Nimrud.

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An even larger system was established by Sennacherib (ruled 704–681 BC). It partly conveyed
water to his capital Nineveh (now Mosul), but, by improving the irrigation over much of the region
to the north of Nineveh, the canal also aimed to enlarge the amount of arable land, and thus feed
a greater number of people. In general, four different canal systems of more than 150 km in
length channelled the water through the region. Recently-conducted archaeological surveys are
about to profoundly modify our knowledge of all these canal systems. They were partially
analysed many years ago: the so-called Khinnis-Khosr canal is renowned for its well-preserved
technical and artistic components. At Khinnis (formerly known as Bavian), the head of the canal is
one of the best preserved pieces of construction work from the Neo-Assyrian Period (Figure7).
Here, an artificial canal cut into the rock collects water from the natural rivers of the Atrush and
the Gomel, as well as from a series of smaller springs. A weir and a dam helped to control the
water quantities. The canal leads the water over a distance of 35 km before it flows into the Khosr
river. Some of the technical structures, as well as the steep rock cliffs, display reliefs depicting
King Sennacherib, in addition to cuneiform inscriptions and other figurative scenes. The site has
high potential for both tourism and research. Despite the available documentation on the
structures, which was published in a monographic study, details of the technical construction of
the canal head, and all other installations east of it, require further investigation by specialists in
former hydro-technologies.

Figure7. At Khinnis, the preserved head of a canal system built by the Neo-Assyrian
King Sennacherib. Winged bulls carved in high relief into the local rock.
Margarete van Ess / German Archaeological Institute

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Along the canal’s course, aqueducts were necessary to cross the valleys and dry river beds. One
aqueduct near the village of Jerwan is still extremely well preserved, revealing another focal point
of Neo-Assyrian technical know-how (Figure8). It was built from limestone blocks, measures a
distance of 280 m and a length of 22 m, and consists of two massive stone ramps on either side
of the wadi and a bridge supported by five pointed arches. A recurring cuneiform inscription
ascribes its construction to King Sennacherib.

Other parts of the canal system, such as those close to al-Faidi and those at Maltai, were
decorated with reliefs showing the Assyrian king and processions.

Figure8. At Jerwan, an aqueduct by the Neo-Assyrian King Sennacherib for transporting

water through a valley. Margarete van Ess / German Archaeological Institute.

b. Dams

The Kisiri canal, which follows the Khosr river for c. 16 km and formerly diverted its waters, also
belongs to the Neo-Assyrian canal system. The canal’s head required a barrage which is
probably still preserved inside the reservoir dam, which is still in use today at ash-Shallalat. The
Khosr river itself was controlled by stone barrages. The still-visible remains near the village of
Ajila possibly represent the remains of one of these dams.

c. Quays
Canals and rivers were sometimes equipped with embanking quay-walls and mooring piers that
most probably aided the loading of goods or the strengthening of the river sides. In terms of
archaeological research, quays have been recognised and documented at Assur and Nimrud, as
well as more recently along the Assyrian canal systems north of Nineveh. Monumental dressed
limestone blocks, resembling those of the aqueduct at Jerwan have been recorded at these
structures at almost all known spots. Scholars, therefore, tend to date them back to the Neo-
Assyrian Period.

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d. Qanats

This water collecting technique taps the ground water at an elevated point in the landscape, by
means of a deep shaft, and diverts it, via a controlled fall through to a subterranean canal, to the
location where it is needed. Typically, air shafts dug at 20–30 m intervals were built to assist the
removal of debris during the tunnel’s construction and later maintenance. From above, qanats are
seen as long line-ups of holes crossing the landscape, and are typical countryside features in
many regions of Iran, the Gulf States, and parts of Iraq. It is still unknown as to when this
technique developed. The earliest reliable source is the Greek historian Polybius, who refers to
them as engineering works of the Achaemenid Empire, during his report of the military campaign
of Antiochus III against the Parthians in 210 BC.

There is evidence of Qanat systems in the region around the city of Erbil from both medieval and
th
modern periods. An aqueduct from the 7 century BC that formerly diverted water from the
Bastura valley to Erbil (Figure9) has also been preserved. While an inscription attributes the
head of this water conduit to King Sennacherib, the remaining part is more difficult to date.
According to the first surveyor, it was built in a similar fashion to a qanat, i.e. with vertical shafts at
regular intervals.

Figure9. A subterranean canal built by the Neo-Assyrian King Sennacherib led water from
Bastura river to the city of Erbil. Margarete van Ess / German Archaeological Institute.

e. Bridges
To date, no bridges from pre-Islamic periods have been preserved or verified by archaeological
investigations.

th th
A stone bridge called Jisr al-Abbasi, close to the town of Zakho, from the Seljuk Period (12 /13
century AD, Figure 10) is still in use. While the lower parts of the bridge were built from limestone
blocks, the upper part consists of rough stone slabs laid in mortar. Two other bridges from the
same period have been documented from the region north-west of Mosul: the Kisik Kupru and the
Eski Mosul bridges.

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 Figure 10. Close to the town of Zakho in Northern Iraq, a bridge built during the Seljuq
period (12th/13th century AD) is preserved and still in use.
Margarete van Ess / German Archaeological Institute

2.1.3 Historical water management in deserted areas

The nowadays deserted areas of the badiya between Syria, Jordan, Saudi-Arabia, and Iraq have
witnessed major climate changes that occurred after the end of the last glaciation. A strong
pluvial high between c. 10.000 and 6.000 BC rendered the region suitable for human settlement.
Archaeological surveys show that, during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A and B, many settlements
were located close to now-dry valleys (wadis). Referring to the rock art from these periods,
people most probably first hunted wild animals and later grazed livestock. However, because of a
lack of archaeological projects, evidence from Iraq for such activities, as well as strategies to
guarantee permanent access to water, is as yet virtually non-existent.

With subsequent dryer climates, settlements were noticeably abandoned. Nomadic stock
breeders still roam the deserted landscapes today as they follow well-demarcated routes and
seasonal schedules for grazing their flocks. This, however, not only depends on the seasonal
availability of water in the deserted areas, but also on the knowledge of high ground water
aquifers in order to dig wells. Such traditional wells still exist and are generally known and marked
on maps. So far, there has been no study specifically dedicated to the documentation of such
sites in Iraq.

2.2 Sites still in use or still partially used

a. Irrigation canals
Today’s traditional canal irrigation systems hardly differ from those developed 6000 years ago.
Nevertheless, there has been a considerable increase in scale of the irrigation systems. During
nd
the second half of the 2 millennium BC, as a result of the construction of large scale canals on a
regional level, extensive new areas were made available for human settlement and agriculture.
rd th
During the Sasania nPeriod (3 –6 century AD), irrigation projects increased to still-unknown
echelons. Ambitious canal projects were carried out that impacted entire landscapes with respect
to both morphology and hydrology. The gain of vast extents of land for agriculture affected natural
drainage patterns and generated complications such as soil salinisation and the loss of pastures.

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With changing political patterns, wars, and disasters, former arable lands fell into neglect. People
moved to other settlement areas within the alluvium but continued to maintain traditional irrigation
techniques.

Natural irrigation is, for instance, mentioned by al-Khatib al-Baghdadi (written c. 450 AH/1058 AD)
as the prevailing system in Iraq, which, in the alluvium of Southern Iraq, consisted of the following
sub-systems: from government-controlled canals (jadwal/main canal, tributary water course),
water flows into a series of smaller canals (badʿa/first take-off) and distributes into secondary
take-offs (naharan). From there, the water may flow into smaller canals, which frequently pass
through the centre of low earthen walls enclosing the plots of land under cultivation. From these
small canals, the water may flow into even smaller channels, which carry the water down the
length of a lowh. The system and the nomenclature are still in use and are supplemented by
many local terms.

b. Water lifting installations

So-called nāʿūr, the huge water wheels that turn by the thrust of the flowing river, are much better
th th
known. The technique is described by Buzjani (4 cent. AH/10 century AD) but it most probably
draws on a much older tradition. The water wheels can be operated day and night at an average
speed of 250 revolutions per hour. They are distinctive within areas where the rivers run several
metres below the cultivable terraces, and still survive today in the region of Hit (Figure 11).
Other types of water lifting devices like the daliya (operated by manpower and mainly used for
gardens) or the cherd / bakra (a skin bucket attached to a rope hanging from a pulley and
operated by oxen) already existed in Ancient Mesopotamia, whereas the dulab (a cog-wheel
construction driven by a horse or an ox) is mentioned in medieval sources. All techniques have
remain in use today.

Figure 11. Close to the town of Hit, water wheels were used for lifting water from the river to
the fields and gardens located on higher terraces. Ernst Herdieckerhoff

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2.3 Cultural landscapes of water

The marshlands of Southern Iraq

The south-easternmost part of Iraq perhaps forms the largest wetland area worldwide within an
otherwise arid environment, regardless of the fact that much of it was intentionally drained during
the 1980s and 90s. Here, the main rivers have shaped an enormous and extremely flat delta,
characterised by very high levels of ground water, which mixes with the seawater from the Shatt
al-Arabregion. The marshes are home to very particular flora and fauna. Today, the marshes do
not form a large interconnected environment, but they most probably never did so, at least not on
a permanent basis. The entire area instead consists of a significant number of different
marshland patches, with slightly differing natural habitats that join in a specific way as a result of
their exploitation by man. The marshes’ location changes depending on sea levels, riverine
sedimentation processes, and tectonic movements. Geological research has shown that the
th th
marshlands were located much further north during the 5 and 4 millennia BC compared to their
location today, and therefore must have covered the area near Uruk, some 80 km to the north.
th
Accordingly, the coastline ran some 200 km inland. Towards the end of the 4 millennium BC, the
climate, and, contingent with this, the sea level, more or less changed to today’s conditions. On a
micro-scale, however, the marshland also alters according to climate change and sea level
variations, both in the past and today. In terms of settlement, this has a significant impact on the
way in which man has adapted to the marshland environment and its surroundings.

The Mesopotamian Marshes are famed for the high specificity in which human life is organised
there: on slightly higher natural terrain, or artificially-raised locations, island-like settlements
evolved, with reeds as the predominant building material (Figure 12). Be they foundation
platforms, huts, fences, or boats, most structures of everyday life are traditionally made from
reeds. People there have subsisted on fishing, harvesting reeds, and breeding water buffalos.
Until very recently, living conditions have changed only a little, as illustrated by depictions on
th
early archaeological objects. Towards the end of 4 millennium BC, records already began to
describe the living conditions in the marshes.

Figure 12a: In the area of the confluence of the Euphrates and Tigris in Southern Iraq,
large marshland areas have characterised the landscape for several thousand years.
Patrick Rau / German Archaeological Institute

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 Figure 12b: The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict
Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities: Buffalo grazing in the marshes
UNESCO/ Jasim Al-Asady

Recent theories contend that the interaction between the marshes’ occupants and those of the
bordering drier areas was a key factor in triggering the rise of complex administrations and urban
th
development in the region. Accordingly, 4 millennium settlements adjacent to the marshes were
the frontrunners in the development of regional organisation, because of the particular challenge
of the constant necessity to organise life within both the marshy areas and beyond, and also
because of the advantages both settlement zones had to offer. The abundance of raw materials
sourced from the marshlands’ vegetation and wildlife, in addition to the developing agriculture and
livestock breeding in the drier zones, thus would have laid the foundations for the growth of local
wealth. On the other hand, this generated an increasing necessity to organise cohabitation. Well-
known archaeological sites, such as Eridu, Lagash, and Uruk, were witness to this development.
The still limited data from organic material vestiges therefore urgently needs to be supplemented
through new archaeological fieldwork in order to verify these theories.

3 The existing documentation

Except for the scientific publications of archaeological, geo-archaeological, and philological
studies, no specialised inventories, archives, or photographic collections are presently available.
Owing to the fact that archaeological research in Iraq has suffered an extended interruption
lasting many years, little has been published on this topic in recent studies. By contrast, all
current research projects are now involved with the documentation and analysis of as much data
as possible regarding water management resources.

4 The current state of knowledge of the history and technology of the water
heritage in the sub-region
The development of irrigation techniques, as well as the constant enlargement of arable land and
the construction of new and larger canals for water supply, in Mesopotamia is a major issue
within all disciplines engaged in the study of the Ancient Near East. Nevertheless, little of this is
known within the wider public.

270
 Thematic studies of the Neo-Assyrian canal systems and the medieval bridges have been and
are still given attention by archaeologists and cultural heritage specialists.
As a result of the preparatory work necessary for the application of the Mesopotamian Marshes
and several archaeological sites in Southern Iraq to the World Heritage List (“The Ahwar of
Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities”),
cultural heritage experts and Iraqi politicians have become aware of the utmost prominence of the
still well-preserved archaeological and hydraulic landscapes in the region.

5 Threats to water heritage

While the historical bridges and water wheels located within the Iraqi sites of Khinnis and Jerwan
have been identified as essential sites that both distinguish the country’s specificity and represent
crucial assets for tourism, all other water engineering features are threatened by a rapid and
relentless technological modernisation within both agriculture and large development projects.
Beyond the academic sphere, there have been no efforts either to preserve the enormous
technological legacy transmitted from ancient history through traditional water management
systems, nor to safeguard the countless other surviving water installations still scattered all over
the country.

In Northern Iraq, old water managing structures are particularly impacted by the extensive
extraction of pebbles from rivers and dry waterbeds.
As a result of the application to include the Mesopotamian Marshes, alongside some
archaeological sites, to the World Heritage List, the local interest in the explanation of the history
and archaeology of water management features received considerable attention from cultural and
political bodies. Nevertheless, nationwide water shortages and low water levels in the Euphrates
and the Tigris and its tributaries, induced by climate change and political prioritising of water
access, are now threatening all traditional means of water management in Iraq as well as in the
natural habitats of the marshlands.

6 Legislation in force
Known archaeological and historical water controlling installations are recognised as
archaeological sites and monuments under the terms of Law No. 55 for the Antiquities and
Heritage of Iraq (2002). It specifies that all archaeological sites, historical monuments, and
movable objects older than 200 years are protected cultural heritage properties, and instructs that
all are to be recorded and published in the Official Gazette (§§5–7). There is no special mention
of water controlling monuments, and the law is less explicit as to relict cultural landscapes that
still preserve features from erstwhile water management. The Ministry of Environment Law No. 38
of 2008, however, protects not only the general health of natural resources, biodiversity, and
natural heritage but also cultural heritage.

7 Conservation and management of water heritage properties

So far, no regular and specially-focussed investigation of Iraq’s water heritage has been
implemented. The canals of the Neo-Assyrian Period in Northern Iraq have been the object of
recent archaeological surveys. In addition, this canal system, mostly dating back to King
Sennacherib, has been identified as being eligible for its inclusion in the World Heritage List.
Additional archaeological research, as well as plans for the conservation of the reliefs at Khinnis,
has been initiated.

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 Under the title “The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of
the Mesopotamian Cities”, the marshlands of Southern Iraq, together with the archaeological sites
of Eridu, Ur, and Uruk have been proposed by the government of the Republic of Iraq to be
th
classified as World Heritage, and were inscribed as such during the 40 Session of the World
Heritage committee. A management plan has been set up for the launching of further research,
for preservation projects for landscapes and archaeological sites, and for promoting the
uniqueness of the region.

The important archaeological sites of Khinnis and Jerwan have received preliminary conservation
and site management measures, while the bridges at Zakho, al-Harba, and Kiri Si’di have been
given extensive restoration work.

8 Conclusion
The mainly arid and semi-arid zones that characterise Iraq depend highly on the water of the
country’s two main rivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris with its few tributaries. The principal water
sources are situated in the mountainous areas of Turkey and Iran. Iraq’s water supply is therefore
dependent on winter precipitation in the neighbouring states, as well as the respective attitudes of
the latter towards water management. The climate, which has become increasingly arid over the
last decades, has had a major impact on the possibilities for irrigation, and is growing into an
impending threat, especially for Southern Iraq. Due to the subsequent increase in the use of
heavy earthmoving machinery, this not only imperils Iraq’s unique and fragile marshland area but
also the relict landscapes of Mesopotamia as a whole.

Water is the key resource of life. All archaeological and historical sites and many monuments are
therefore directly connected to the availability of water and hence, ever since the very beginnings
of Iraq’s early history, also to its management. Because of its wealth in still well-preserved sites
and surrounding traditional landscapes, this connection, as well as the several millennia-old
technological developments and traditions in land-use, can be documented and studied. At any
rate, until recently, the traditional ways of accessing water and of irrigating and draining fully kept
up with supplying most of the country’s water.

It is worthwhile preserving and rehabilitating this millennia-old legacy, and to develop strategies
for its assimilation into the much more engineered, but, in the long term, frequently destructive,
modern technologies.

9. Bibliography

BAETEMAN, C., „Geomorphological Features in the area of AbūḤabbah and Tell ed-Dēr”, in: de
Meyer, Leon, Tell ed-Dēr III. Sounding at AbūḤabbah (Sippar), Peeters Leuven, 1980, 15–21.
BAGG, Ariel, Assyrische Wasserbauten, Baghdader Forschungen 24, Philipp von Zabern-Verlag
Mainz 2000.
FERNEA, R.A., Shaykh and Effendi, 1970.
GASCHE, Hermann, TANRET, Michel, Changing Watercourses in Babylonia. Towards a
Reconstruction of the Ancient Environment in Lower Mesopotamia, Mesopotamian History and
Environment. Memoirs V, University of Ghent and the Oriental Institute of the University of
Chicago, 1998.

272
IssaI. E., Al-AnsariN. A., Sherwany, Govand, KnutssonS., Expected Future of Water Resources
within Tigris-Euphrates Rivers Basin, Iraq, Journal of Water Resource and Protection2014, 6,
421-432.
MORANDI BONACOSSI, Daniele, „River navigation and transport in northern Assyria. The stone
quay-walls of the rivers Gomel and al-Khazir in the Navkur plain, Iraqi Kurdistan, in: GASPA,
Salvatore, GRECO Alessandro, MORANDI BONACOSSI Daniele, PONCHIA Simonetta,
ROLLINGER Robert, From Source to History. Studies on Ancient Near Eastern Worlds and
th
Beyond. Dedicated to Giovanni BattistanLanfranchi on the Occasion of His 65 Birthday on
June 23, 2014, Ugarit-VerlagMünster 2014, 441–453.
NÜTZEL, Werner, Einführung in die Geo-Archäologie des Vorderen Orients, Dr. Reichert-Verlag
Wiesbaden, 2004.
EL-SĀMARRĀIE, ḤusāmQawām, Agriculture in Iraq during the 3rd Century, A.H., Librairie du
Liban Beirut, 1972.
STOL, Marten, „Kanal“, in: Edzard, Dietz Otto, Reallexikon der Assyriologie und
Vorderasiatischen Archäologie V, Walter de Gruyter Berlin – New York, 1976 – 1980, 355 –
365.
STONE, Elisabeth, ZIMANSKY, Paul, The Anatomy of a Mesopotamian City. Surveys and
Soundings at Mashkan-shapir, Eisenbrauns Winona Lake, 2004.
WILKINSON, Tony J., “Hydraulic Landscapes and Irrigation Systems of Sumer”, in: CRAWFORD,
Harriet (Ed.), The Sumerian World, Routledge London – New York, 2013

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 Sub-region G :
Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates,
Qatar, Bahrain
Case study – The aflaj irrigation system (Oman)
Origin and technique of the Falaj System :
an evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Water heritage in Qatar
Approaches to the Cultural Heritage of Water in Saudi Arabia
Case study
The aflaj irrigation system (Oman)
th
From the ICOMOS evaluation for the 30 World Heritage Committee Session, 2006

Basic data

State Party: The Sultanate of Oman

Name of property: The aflaj irrigation system of Oman
Location: Dakhiliya, Sharqiya and Batinah Regions
WH Listing: 2006 (WH property n° 1207)
Criterion: (v)
Serial nomination, name of the individual falaj (plural is: aflaj):
- Falaj Al-Khatmeen
- Falaj Al-Malki
- Falaj Daris
- Falaj Al-Jeela
- Falaj Al-Muyassar

Figure 1. Location of the aflaj (nomination file, SP of Oman)

277
Figure 2. Falaj Al-Jeela, the open water channel (nomination file, SP of Oman)

Description of the properties, tangible attributes

Applied to water, falaj has come to mean a physical and social structure for the sharing of water
among those who have a right to it.

The collection systems of five aflaj irrigation systems represent some 3,000 still functioning systems in
Oman. The constructions in Oman are one of the largest concentrations of irrigation systems of this
kind anywhere in the world.

The five nominated sites have been chosen to represent the sophistication and technological
achievements of the total remaining working irrigation systems in Oman. Four of the sites lie around
the Western Hajar mountains. The fifth site is in the southern end of the Eastern Hajar mountains.
The aflaj system of irrigation consists of tapping substantial underground water resources, springs or
surface water and conducting the water by gravity alone often over long distances, to towns and
villages where it is distributed to domestic and agricultural users. Relatively constant supplies of water
are ensured by the aflaj system for large areas of desert throughout the year, and this in turn has led
to the growth of permanent urban settlements based on an assured agricultural production and water
resources for both people and livestock.

The areas nominated cover the collection and part of the distribution sections of five aflaj systems.
This includes the underground channels which run between the mother well, spring or wadi (surface
water) where the water is tapped, to the distribution network around the settlements, together with part
of the above ground distribution channels around the plantations within settlements, and the
associated buildings, such as mosques, watchtowers, houses, sundials, and water auction buildings.
Three types of aflaj are recognized in Oman: Ghaili (48% of all): this form is based on the perennial
flow in a wadi; Aini (28%): the sources of water are perennial mountain springs; and Daoudi (24%).

278
The Daoudi type is the most exceptional of all. It taps into underground water sources at the foot of
mountains. Deep “mother” wells are sunk to tap into the source of water and this is then conveyed to
settlements on the plains through underground channels often over very long distances. The Daoudi is
by far the most complex. Its construction relies on sophisticated engineering expertise and must also
have demanded considerable labour forces and organisational capacity. A mother well is first dug at a
point as near as possible to where the underground water system or aquifer emerges from the
mountains. Finding this point demands traditional knowledge of the mountains and their geology. The
mother well may need to be up to 60 m deep.

Figure 3. Schematic longitudinal section of a daoudi falaj (nomination file, SP of Oman)

History and development, intangible attributes

The precise dating of most of the underground channels is not known. The present network appears to
result from several building campaigns, the earliest of which could be around 500 AD or even earlier.
Recent archaeological evidence is suggesting that irrigation systems existed in the area as early as
2,500 BC, but when the first deep channels were mined and faced is not clear.

Historical records indicate that there was a period of falaj construction in Oman during the Yaruba
Imamates in the second half of the 17th century, when the Portuguese were finally expelled from
Oman, and it became the first independent state in the Arab world.

The success of the alfaj systems depends on the social and economic structures, which underpin it
and have done for centuries. These are rooted in local communities and guarantee fair shares to
stakeholders. The system is not based on any form of written or statute law, but rather on a traditional
system of time-sharing that is passed from one generation to the next.

The fair and effective management and sharing of water in villages and towns is still underpinned by
mutual dependence and communal values and guided by astronomical observations. Sundial and
night sky positional observations (moon, planets stars) were used for determining the irrigation right
and duration. The time distribution system for the water may be based on either a seven or ten-day
cycle. The units allocated to shareholders vary from between 12 hours down to as little as 1.25
minutes.

Numerous watchtowers built to defend the water systems reflect the former total dependence of
communities on the aflaj system.

279
Around 3,000 of these systems are still functioning and these reflect a restoration programme carried
out by the Ministry of Water Resources over the past 25 years. This in turn demonstrates the crucial
significance of the water systems as a major national resource that still underpins agricultural systems
across a large area of the country.

Figure 4. Falaj Al-Khatmeen, distribution point at the end of the shari’a (nomination file, SP of Oman)

Outstanding Universal Value

Justification
Without the existence of the aflaj, there would be no more than impoverished settlement in the Gulf
Region (or other desert regions). The aflaj technology has been bought to a high level in Oman and
has been functioning successfully for more than two millennia.

The organisation of the water distribution systems is an outstanding example of a traditional structure
at least a thousand years old which continues to play a vital role in society.

The combined aflaj systems in Oman are one of the largest irrigation systems anywhere in the world.

Criterion (v)
The collection of Aflaj irrigation systems represents some 3,000 still functioning systems in Oman.
Ancient engineering technologies demonstrate long-standing, sustainable use of water resources for
the cultivation of palms and other produce in extremely arid desert lands. Such systems reflect the
former total dependence of communities on this irrigation and a time-honoured, fair and effective

280
management and sharing of water resources, underpinned by mutual dependence and communal
values.

Authenticity- integrity
The basic layout of the nominated aflaj is wholly
authentic. There are some modern interventions
such as the use of concrete for lining shafts, and
cement for reinforcing the tops of the mother wells
and access shafts, at some of the shari’a, and in
the distribution channels to individual agricultural
plots, and new building around the settlements.
The authenticity of the management of the aflaj is
incontrovertible. The traditional system of
ownership and management functions efficiently
and is complemented by the administrative,
technical and financial support from the Ministry of
Water Resources.

Following existing documentation and oral memory,

the today extension of each if the 5 aflaj seems
similar to its traditional extension and use during
th
20 century.

Figure 5. Restored distributing point (UNESCO website,

photo Jean-Jacques Gelbart)

Comparative analysis
There is some uncertainty about where and when the daoudi falaj type of irrigation originated. It is
known in Iran, Armenia, in large parts of Central Asia and western China, in Chile and Peru in South
America, as well as in Oman and neighbouring United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Morocco, and Spain.
There are close similarities between the aflaj in Iran and those in Oman. There are said to be 20,000
qanats still in use in Iran.

Threats

Development
The last few decades has seen rapid development in Oman including the smaller towns and villages.
This had compromised some of the settings of the aflaj system. Road construction has also affected
the water channels. The water flow has been affected as a result of development pressures and the
flow rate falls during periods of drought.

Water demand
Increased development has led to increased demand for water, which has resulted in the drilling of
large deep wells. This in turn has affected the level of underground water supplies.

281
Climate change
Lack of rainfall in the Gulf Region over the past two decades has seriously lowered the water table.

Visitors – Tourism
Currently it seems that very few visitors visit these sites.

Protection and management

Legal provision
The aflaj systems are owned by the individual
shareholders, with certain shares allocated to the
mosque. The legal title to shares is recorded in the
form of a registration document (sukk). Details of
ownership and all transactions are recorded by the
wakeel. Certain shares are owned communally by all
the shareholders in the falaj.

The underground sections of the aflaj system are

well protected. The key protection measure is the
Water Wealth Protection Law.

Management system
There are complex and detailed traditional
management systems for the management of the
water and the water channels. It could be described
as a co-operative water management, the best one
in Oman.

The executive authority in each system is the falaj

agent, or wakeel, appointed by the local sheikh in
consultation with the stakeholders and advised by a
technical expert, arreif. The wakeel is responsible for
the overall management of the falaj.

Figure6. Aflaj irrigation system in Oman

(UNESCO website, photo Ko Hon Chiu Vincent)

Traditionally, aflaj have been financed entirely by their shareholders. Taking into consideration of
important difficulties for maintenance during the 1970s, the Government of Oman assumed
responsibility for falaj maintenance from the early 1980s. This responsibility continues.

282
 Figure7. Interior of large daoudi falaj lined with clay and stones (nomination file, SP of Oman)

Documentation
 Wilkinson, J. C., Water and Tribal Settlement in South-East Arabia: A study of the Aflaj of Oman,
Oxford, 1977. Al Shaqsi, Saif bin Rashid, Aflaj Management in the Sultanate of Oman, PhD
dissertation, University of Wales, Bangor.
 Nomination File prepared by the State Party of Oman (2005)
 Aflaj documentation on the UNESCO World Heritage website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1207/

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Origin and technique of the Falaj System:
an evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Walid Yasin Al Tikriti, Phd.
Historic Environment Department
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA)

Preface
To start this research it should be noted that the present situation of insufficient water resources which
th
have arisen since the mid-20 century is not the only one in mankind history. Ancient communities,
especially those living in arid regions must have suffered from this phenomenon, which is caused
today by both the increase in human population and natural climate change. In ancient times humans
had little or no effect on this case, but today, the situation is different. The decline in ancient
civilizations during the second millennium BC in the region, especially at Wadi Suq Period of the
Bronze Age in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been attributed by some scholars to climate
change. Jorgenson and al-Tikriti have stated that to overcome such a shortage of water in the Al-Ain
region some of the inhabitants may have migrated to mountainous areas where flowing streams and
springs still existed (n.d, p.34). In the view of the author, several generations in the UAE and Oman
must have suffered from this climate change but eventually managed to find a solution to this natural
cause. This solution came in the form of the aflaj (sing. falaj.) which caused human communities
development and landscape change. It was however a temporary solution as water in aflaj flow
permanently, i.e. 24 hours a day, without being controlled except when being redirected into the fields
and, consequently, depleting the groundwater by time. The new irrigation system developed a new
water culture different from that which was known before the creation of the falaj. ICOMOS, in the
introduction of the thematic study, states that the relationship man and water clearly produces both
heritage and culture, in the sense of both tangible goods and the associated intangible values. This
can clearly be applied onto the Iron Age culture of southwest Arabia (Oman and UAE), as we will see
below.

1 General characteristics
This chapter discusses the falaj irrigation system in the UAE concentrating on history,
engineering and origin. Etymology of the word falaj is locally used in the UAE and Oman but its
origin goes back to the Akkadian time some 4300 years ago (Wilkinson 1977). In his campaign to
Urartu in 714 BC in the Lake Urmiya region, the Assyrian king Sargon, mentioned the term palgu
as open ditch. This early record of the system as well as records of Polybius, the Greek historian
rd nd
of the 3 – 2 century BC made scholars, until recently, consider the Persian origin for this
system as indisputable. It seems that using this type of irrigation system in the United Arab
Emirates for several millennia, as the archaeological evidence has shown, helped the word falaj
survive. Today, this sematic word is used in Arabia only. In southeast Arabia, occupied by the
UAE and Oman, the system has been considered as equivalent to the qanat of Iran and was
described as gently sloping tunnels for taping groundwater. However, recent excavations carried
out in and around the city of al-Ain, UAE demonstrated that standard aflaj i.e., taping water from
mother wells sent deep into the ground, rather than diverting surface water have been in use in
the region since the beginning of the Iron Age (1300-300 BC). It is now known that this early date
precedes the earliest known qanat in Persia by several centuries. The cultural sites of Al Ain
(Hafit, Hili, Bdaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas) were listed as World Heritage in 2011 under criteria
(iii), (iv) and (v). Three aflaj from the early Iron Age Period have been discovered at Hili and Bidaa
Bint Saud, so far, whilst four more dating to the same period are today known from the UAE.

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 Figure 1. Map of the Iron Age aflaj in the UAE (after Al Tikriti
2011).

Apart from Iran and Arabia the falaj is known but it has different names in Iraq, Afghanistan,
China and Central Asia. The system is also known in North Africa and, it seems that it has
reached the northern coast of the Mediterranean such as Spain, Sicily and Greece from there.
Aflaj of more recent dates are also known in Japan and Peru.

Regarding its techniques and engineering the falaj consists of five sections: The mother well(s),
the tunnel, the cut and cover section, the shari’a and the surface channels. The mother well is the
first step to start with while building a falaj. Locating a suitable aquifer and sinking a well to find
out if the bulk of discovered water is large enough to build a falaj determines the go ahead with
the construction or not. Once the mother well is dug and water is discovered, other nearby wells
are also excavated and connected by tunnels in order to increase the supply. The tunnel, which is
pierced with vertical shaft holes (thuqab sing. thuqba) is dug from the mother well to the field or
vise versa. The thuqab are dug to allow ventilation and removal of the spoil. They can be used as
access points to the tunnel whenever maintenance is necessary. The cut and cover section starts
at a point where the top of the actual tunnel becomes closer to the surface, while the shari’a is the
first place where water comes on the surface and can be utilized.

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 Figure 2. A diagram of the falaj sections (after Al Tikriti 2011)

1.1 Climatic and general hydrological data

In regards to the geography and climate the UAE is located on the margin of two rainfall zones;
the Mediterranean, and the Monsoonal zone, which effects, the Indian Ocean in addition to south
and south-east Asia. Annual rainfall is therefore low, with Mediterranean zone rains falling lightly
between December and April, and occasional Monsoonal zone rain reaching the eastern part of
the UAE during summer months (June, July and August). The climate of the Emirates is
characterized by north winds from the Mediterranean called shimal, sometimes bringing winter
rain; and southern wind called suhayli bringing sand storms from the “Empty Quarter” (Rub al-
Khali desert in central southern part of the Arabian Peninsula) and sometimes followed by rains, if
they come during the monsoon season. It should be noted however that palaeoclimate in Arabia
during the late Quaternary was different from what is today, with more wet periods (Mclure,
1976). The climate was even substantially different in the Upper Miocene (6-8 million years ago)
when mammals such as hippopotamus, elephant, giraffe and many other animals were still living
in the western region of Abu Dhabi Emirate (Whybrow and Hill, 1999).

Figure 3. Hydrograph of water-level declines at Hili, Al Ain since the Bronze Age
(after Jorgensen D & Al Tikriti W, modified from Indermuhle and others, 1999

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 Being located close to the western foothills of al-Hajar Mountains, ancient communities in the al-
Ain region utilized the water reserves generated over millions of years below the gravel plains
which characterized the al-Ain and Buraimi region. A study carried out by Jorgensen and al-Tikriti
has shown that while groundwater level was only 4 meters below the surface during the Early
Bronze Age (ca. 3000 BC), it was dropped to about 70 meters or more during the twentieth
century AD (ibid, p. 33) (Figure 3).

1.2 Cultural relations with neighboring zones

Southeast Arabia in general, as the archaeological evidence has shown, enjoyed cultural
relations with ancient civilizations, particularly with Mesopotamia, Iran and the Indus Valley.
Overseas trade was practiced with these civilizations especially Mesopotamia when the copper of
Magan (ancient name of Oman and UAE) was exchanged for wheat, barley, onion and other
agricultural products. Bitumen originating from Iraq was also a substance in demand for making
boats in the lower gulf. Archaeological investigations in the UAE during the last five and half
decades brought to light aboveground tombs and settlements with pottery imported from Iraq,
Baluchistan and Pakistan. Within the region archaeological discoveries and historical researches
have shown strong contact with neighboring Oman in terms of tangible and intangible heritage.
Both countries have been sharing one method of irrigation system, the ‘falaj’ since the beginning
of the Iron Age.

2 Sites of importance for the cultural heritage of water

The archaeological evidence in ancient Arabia and elsewhere has shown that blocking the rain
water with boulders and diverting it to the fields was the earliest irrigation methods used in arid
countries. Digging vertical wells to exploit the groundwater was another method used in the UAE
since the Bronze Age. The Neolithic communities must have used the same methods to meet
their requirements though there is no archaeological evidence yet demonstrating this. From the
Bronze Age however, there is ample archaeological evidence for this method use, as four wells of
different depths were excavated at three different locations, giving evidence for the fluctuation in
the groundwater level. Soon after the end of the Bronze Age the communities that lived during the
Iron Age discovered a new irrigation method which may have been the result of attempts to
overcome the droughts they had as a result of a climate change. The new method was the falaj.
Six of these aflaj dating from the Iron Age have been discovered in the Al Ain region alone.
These, along with the associated ancient settlements and the existing oases, which are irrigated
by the same system, form the core of the water heritage, tangible and intangible. The intangible
part is reflected in the water management methods used (see Nash H., 2011).

2.1 Archaeological sites

Around 5000 years ago underground water level at Hili (one of the Al Ain Heritage sites) was only
4 meters below the surface, as it was indicated by Well 1 excavated at the Early Bronze Age site
at Hili 8. Pumping, however, has drastically affected the reserves. Wells from the Bronze Age
excavated at Hili indicate that water was utilized by a traditional system; drawing water by
buckets. The traditional jazra system, known as Saqiya in Iraq, which is described as animal
water drawn system, was still known some years ago in both Oman and the UAE today countries
(Figure 4). Around 1000 BC the falaj system was introduced by ancient inhabitants of the today
UAE. Although the falaj was considered the possible result of mining tunnels in the northern
Alburz and Armenia (Goblot, 1979), the author believes that its introduction was a result of a
direct requirement for water exploitation as it does not seem to have any connection with the
mining activities. The tunnels resulted of mining are not suitable for, draining water without proper

287
engineering or considering the direction and the slope in advance. Digging irrigation tunnels need
to be studied carefully before connecting them to the water source. Copper miners would not
consider any of the conditions to obtain tunnels suitable for irrigation except when they have to
drain out water during the mining process.

Figure 4. Sketch illustrating a jazrah (after Costa P & Wilkinson T. 1987)

Despite the extensive investigations in Iran, which have been going on since the nineteenth
century, the falaj is still not known before the fifth century BC while the relatively recent
explorations in the UAE brought to light at least five aflaj all from the Iron Age. We have to admit
however that the system was extensively used in Iran during the Sassanid Empire. In the author’s
view the power that the Sasanians had on their neighbors, including the coasts of the Arabian
Peninsula, as well as, Egypt seems to have been the reason for attributing this system and
several other cultural aspects to Iran rather than to Arabia.

Figure5. The surface channels Figure6. 3000 years old shari’a-Site Hili 15 (after Al Tikriti 2011)
of the Iron Age falaj at Hili-Site
15. (after Al Tikriti 2011)
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The Al Awamir tribe in Oman was specialized in digging aflaj throughout their history (Birks &
Letts, 1976). Due to the decline that happened in the underground water, and the turmoil in the
political situation since the Portuguese invasion, the tribe became more involved in maintaining
the existence aflaj rather than digging new ones. It is natural that due to these changes they
became more involved in the maintenance of the existing aflaj that their ancestors had dug. Falaj
Al Aini (Sarooj), which irrigates the groves in the middle of the city of Al Ain, may have been
originally built by the same tribe. In the 1940s Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Al Ain
governor by then, employed Al Awamir tribe to extend this falaj, a job that lasted 18 years to
complete.

At Hili, located in the city of al-Ain, the

Department of Antiquities and Tourism (the name
has been changed to Department of Historic
Environment) discovered and partly excavated a
falaj from the Iron Age (ca.1000 BC) designated
as Hili 15. Surface channels, Shari’a with sluices
still in situ, a cut and cover section, and two shafts
have been excavated (Figures 5-7). In the
exposed shari’a and at the surrounding area a
large collection of pottery belonging to the Iron
Age was discovered. A nearby Iron Age fortified
site (Hili 14) may have been used, among other
functions, as administrative place to manage the
water shares and run the falaj (Figure8). For this
reason it was dubbed by the writer of this article
bayt al falaj. It may have been also used as a
caravanserai, as was explained by the French
archaeologists who studied the site (Boucharlat,
1985). This falaj (Hili 15) and the nearby Iron Age
site (Hili 14) are significant components of the Al
Ain World Heritage site, inscribed in June 2011.

Figure7. Cut-and-cover section and a

thugbah (shaft) at Hili-Site 15 (after Al Tikriti
2011)

Two more Iron Age aflaj were discovered by the author at Bida Bint Saud, an area located at a
distance of 14 km northwest of Hili 15. This discovery led to extensive excavations to be carried
out to define the direction of these aflaj, the irrigated land and their date farms. Continuous work
at Bida bint Saud revealed 11 shaft holes forming two lines at the first falaj and several others at
the second (Figure9). The Shari’a of the first falaj (Falaj 1) was discovered and turned out to be
different from the aboveground shari’a at Hili 15. It was found at a depth of 3.8 m. below the
surface of the ground. The access to the shari’a was made through steps descending to it from
the northern side. While excavating the steps, fragments of Iron Age pottery were collected. Like
Hili, a large public building is located near this falaj and thought to have served as bayt al falaj
(Figure 10). Since the discovery of aflaj at Bida bint Saud it became clear that the Iron Age aflaj
are not confined to the Al Ain oasis only, as it was originally thought, but can be found anywhere
along the western foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains. They have been later identified elsewhere
at al-ayaay, al-jebeeb, Nahil, and Al madam Plain; all located north of al-Ain. Apart from
sustaining farming communities they were also link posts on the ancient caravan routes, that was

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 linking the Al Ain oases with other Iron Age settlements located in the northern today Emirates.
Archaeologically speaking, no explorations have ever been taken place in the areas located
across the very close boundary of Oman, a country which five of its many aflaj have been listed
as World Heritage sites.

Figure8. Plan of Hili 14 (after Boucharlat R & Lombard

P, 1985)

2.2 Living site which are still used or partially used

The above mentioned sites are all archaeological remains and none of them are still used. They
are dry and dead aflaj bearing witnesses to an ancient culture that once thrived some 3000 years
ago. Most interesting about dating these aflaj is not only the datable artifacts found associated
with them but also the obvious remains of settlement sites that were established on them. None
of these ancient settlements remained except the ingenious system that was behind their
establishment inherited from generation to another and still used in Al Ain and in other parts of
the UAE. The existing oases in Al Ain, which form some components of the World Heritage sites
in the city, are witnesses to the continuation of the system and constitute part of the water
heritage in the region.

Figure9. Falaj 1 at Bida Bint Saud

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2.3 Cultural landscapes related to water
Since the introduction of the falaj system in the region some 3000 years ago we assume that Al
Ain must have enjoyed a landscape different from what was in the Bronze Age when water
exploitation methods were confined to the wells and the runoff surface water. Introduction of the
falaj system allowed water to run continuously for 24 hours a day and subsequently, must have
contributed to the expansion of the agricultural fields and products at the same time. Fields of
palm trees and crops must have surrounded the existing well-preserved villages covered with
sand, like the archaeological sites at Rumeilah and Hili (both World Heritage sites), some 3000
years ago. The Iron Age falaj at Hili 15 is significant not only for being the oldest known
archaeological falaj and the most preserved, but also because of its impact on the domestic
architecture of the Iron Age and on several other aspects of the culture. Today, the historical
oases in Al Ain, which belong to the last few centuries, such as Hili, Qattarah, Mutaredh and Al
Ain form parts of the World Heritage sites in the city and they all directly relate to water,
transported to them by underground galleries. Some of these oases, especially those that yielded
Iron Age fragments of pottery like Qattara oasis may have been established on much older ones.
The existing oases dominated by date palm trees, together with the associated historical
buildings, such as mud brick houses, mosques, forts and towers, which were mostly constructed
in the nineteenth and the twentieth century, complete the landscape and are indebted to the
invention of the falaj system. The same irrigation method is still used in watering the plants but,
today, relying on pumped water due to the sharp decline of the groundwater at the source. The
forts were built to be administrative places and symbols of authority, whilst the watch towers were
erected to defend the community and ensure protection for the oases and the aflaj. Being
components of the Al Ain World Heritage these structures are protected by law, frequently
restored and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) has a plan to present some of them
to the visitors.

Figure 10. Like Hili 14, this Iron Age building at Bida Bint Saud may have been used
to administrate the nearby falaj.

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 3 Existing documentation

3.1. Al Ain map which has been developed by Al Ain Municipality with the help of TCA indicates
the location of both the historical and archaeological aflaj within the city. Access to the map
is limited to certain departments at the municipality.

3.2. Two general maps marking the historical and archaeological aflaj in the UAE have been
produced by the author and published in his book titled “The archeology of the Falaj”... This
book is the only publication which has researched the system in the UAE in details (see
reference list). The book of J.C. Wilkinson (refer to the reference list) is another interesting
document discussing water and tribal settlements in southeast Arabia and is worth
consulting. Among some other publications on the subject the two papers written by Remy
Boucharlat are of interest (Boucharlat 1985 and 2003).

3.3. Some photographs of the excavated aflaj and wells are available in the Department of
Historic Environment TCA (best consult the author’s book on the system).

3.4. Hili 15 and Bida bint saud (both Iron Age aflaj) and the dry Falaj Hazza’a (historical) are two
sites where extensive excavations have been carried out. Finds, consisting mainly of
fragmented pottery from aflaj and large complete storage jars from the associated settlement
sites, are kept in the Department of Historic Environment. Some of these are on display in
the Al Ain Museum.

3.5. The two above mentioned books published by Al Tikriti and Wilkinson and the other various
papers and articles (a few are listed below) can be used for making comparative studies and
further research.

Notes: None of these documentations, unfortunately, are possible to consult remotely.

4 State of historic and technical knowledge concerning water heritage in the

sub-region

4.1. Humans in the Al Ain region in the UAE have been in relationship with water since prehistory
and there are tangible evidence from the Bronze Age that wells were used for the daily
human needs and limited farming. When the falaj system was created in the region, the
relationship with water heritage continued and became stronger since that time and
agricultural possibilities significantly enlarged. Between the remote Iron Age aflaj and the
more recent ones still in use, there are three dry archaeological aflaj in Al Ain belonging to
the Early Islamic Period. Their discovery has filled a gap in the long history of the system.
Regardless of their dates, aflaj were created to maintain supplying water to the cultivated
lands, however the increase in population and subsequently the increase in the cultivated
lands and date farms must have put pressure on the land owners. Moreover, the real
pressure in the view of the author is the continuous drop of groundwater level, which was
solved by lowering the tunnel and the farms to meet the new groundwater level and maintain
the water flow. This disseminated idea was costly, as it involves deepening the whole
underground gallery and the farms. This solution, however, is a temporary one due to the
continuous impact of the system on the groundwater level.

4.2. The state of the current research concerning water heritage is disseminated to a few
institutions in the UAE. The Environment Authority in Abu Dhabi has documented hundreds
of deserted and still in use wells within the territories of Abu Dhabi Emirate. These were

292
 mostly dug by the tribes or individuals who kept roaming the desert in the pre-Oil Era. The
Historic Environment Department, TCA, is in charge of the archaeological explorations in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In addition to other duties, and because they are significant
components of the water heritage, the department is concerned with the identification of
dead aflaj and wells regardless of their dates. Documentation concerning the current
hydraulic projects however is the job of the Department of Water and Electricity. The
National Water Centre at the UAE University is a new entity which aims to support research
in areas related to water sciences.

5 Threats to water heritage

The water heritage reflected in the archaeological sites is well conserved and protected as the
majority of the sites are fenced and monitored. Nevertheless, they are exposed to the action of
nature. The sites in use, such as living aflaj within the oases and outside, are managed by the
municipality and they are not prone to real impact, despite the fact that cement has been used to
waterproof the bottom of the channels and strengthen the sides. The real threat is the lack of
interest of the new generations in maintaining their farms if the municipality stops acting on their
behalf and stops feeding the falaj with pumped water. Because they are parts of the city
landscape there is no reason, in the medium term, for the government to stop maintaining and
providing water to the Al Ain oases. The additional supply is a mixture of water extracted from
deep wells and desalinated water.

6 Legal protection in force

In general, the cultural heritage in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is protected by the 1970 archaeology
law. The Al Ain archaeological sites, especially those that have been inscribed on the World
Heritage List in June 2011 are well defined and mostly fenced off. The Abu Dhabi Authority for
Tourism and Culture holds ownership certificates of the mentioned sites, while the oases, living
aflaj and water management are the responsibility of the Aflaj Section at the Al Ain Municipality.
The Executive Council resolution No. 38 of 2005 made the Al Ain Municipality responsible for
regulating, monitoring, managing and watering oases palms. The draft of the new Heritage Law,
which has not yet been approved, is a comprehensive document that would lead to a better
preservation and management of Abu Dhabi cultural assets, whilst the Preliminary Cultural
Reviews (PCR) is a program initiated by TCA to control development and issue No Objection
Certificates (NOC) to the developers.

The Municipality and the Urban Planning Council (UPC) are two entities responsible for planning
and they are well aware of the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi and the landscape of the city.

7 Conservation and management of water heritages

7.1 Aflaj and oases are a significant component of the water heritage in the Al Ain region and are
still a living heritage in the UAE, despite the rapid modernization of the city. The early
hydraulic project element has not much changed, except for the introduction of mechanical
pumping due to the sharp decline in the groundwater level, and the use of concrete to both
waterproof the bottom of the channels and strengthen their walls. The dry archaeological
aflaj of the Iron Age are well preserved but some of them still need little intervention. Site 15

293
 at Hili is a very well preserved falaj from the Iron Age but its exposed parts need sheltering to
protect them and reduce the impact of nature.

7.2 Oases are regulated by the Aflaj Section at the Municipality, while TCA has defined the
buffer zones around the oases, and also in charge of maintaining the existing landscape by
the guideline which is preparing. These two entities are solely in charge of the oases and
rely mainly on Law no. 38 of 2005 to exert their efforts and preserve such an important
heritage. Though the system is not threatened by the existing plans the real threat lies in the
low interest level of the owners and the ability to maintain the pumping of water into them.

7.3 The current management of living properties, i.e., water pumping, is a good solution to
sustain development, however it is only temporary. Eventually, these aflaj will be under real
threat. At the moment, TCA is implementing a conservation program at Qattara oasis which
aims to present some of its historical buildings to the visitors. In cooperation with the Aflaj
Section at the al-Ain Municipality, this should lead to organize visit tours to the falaj channels
there and the farms.

8 Conclusion
Climate change must have had an impact on shaping cultures throughout the history of mankind.
The reaction of the ancient communities of the Al Ain region towards these changes may have
been the reason for the introduction of the falaj system, as less surface water led to groundwater
exploitation. Al Ain is considered a focal point in the United Arab Emirates in terms of the falaj
system, which seems to have played a significant role in shaping the history of the Oman
Peninsula throughout the last 3000 years. Its existing oases, which are significant components of
the Al Ain World Heritage site, are important heritage assets, not only for their ecological value,
but also for the cultural value and way of life that has survived until today. Indeed, the creation of
the traditional falaj system in the region was a revolution that led to the establishment of many
settlements reminiscent in many ways to the modern Arab villages before the oil boom. Quite
large fields must have been cultivated and the ancient landscape must have been not very much
different from what it was before modernization. The former vertical irrigation system that was in
use in the region during the Bronze Age was replaced by the horizontal one, i.e. taping ground
water in gently sloping tunnels, rather than relying on wells only. This has helped the
establishment of a new culture different from that of the Bronze Age. At Hili, a few hundred
meters to the north of the Bronze Age settlements, an Iron Age falaj designated as Hili 15 has
been extensively excavated and found in association with a fort-like building and other Iron Age
habitation sites.

Outside Al Ain, the discovery of two Iron Age aflaj at the area of Bida Bint Saud, and examining
three more aflaj of the same date further north, indicate that the system was already well
established in the region. This Early date (Iron Age) proceeds with several centuries the
foundation of the Achemanean Empire to which the system was mistakenly attributed. Recent
excavations in the middle of Al Ain city have revealed three aflaj running close to each other and
associated with mud brick buildings and a small mosque dated to the Early Islamic period,
therefore filling a blank in the region’s falaj and oases history in the region (Al Tikriti W. & et al
2015). The Al Ain oases are products of this ingenuous system and the continuation in using the
system even today indicates the adherence of the local communities to the system over the last
three millennia. This adherence however is threatened by further change in the climatic, the
introduction of the machine, in addition to the fact that aflaj are permanent flow of water draining
the ground reservoirs.

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 Encouraging state parties to give priority to water heritage and asking them to carry out further
research, especially into the living sites aiming at promoting water heritage to the concerned
governmental institutions, might be one method for sustaining them and also raising awareness
among the public. The tourism point of view should also be considered as, if adopted, it could
lead to a better protection, conservation and management of the sites, whether they are living or
archaeological.

9 References

Al Tikriti W., Archaeology of the Falaj-a field study of the ancient irrigation systems of the United
Arab Emirates. Published by the Department of Historic Environment (ADACH), 2011.
Al Tikriti W., ‘The Southeast Arabian origin of the falaj system’, Proceedings of the Seminar for
Arabian Studies, Vol. 22, 2002, pp. 117-138.
Al Tikriti W., Al Tawalbeh D., Al Nuaimi A, Al Kaabi A & Omar W., ‘Filling a Blank: New
Excavations at an early Islamic Site at Oud Al Toba/Muataredh in Al Ain, UAE’, submitted for
publication in the Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies, Volume 45, 2015.
Birks J.S. & Letts S.E., ‘The Awamir: Specialist well and falaj diggers in Northern Interior Oman’,
Journal of Oman Studies, Vol. 2, 1976, pp. 93-100.
Boucharlat R., ‘Iron Age water-draining galleries and the Iranian qanat’, in Potts D, al-Naboodah
H & Hellyer (eds.), Archaeology of the United Arab Emirates: Proceedings of the first
international conference on the Archaeology of the United Arab Emirates, Trident Press,
London, 2003, pp. 162-172.
Boucharlat R. & Lombard P., ‘The oasis of Al Ain in the Iron Age: Excavations at Rumeilah 1981-
1983, Survey at Hili 14’, Archaeology in the United Arab Emirates, Vol. 4, 1985, pp. 44-73.
Costa P. and Wilkinson T., ‘The Water Supply of early Islamic Sohar’, Journal of Oman Studies’,
Vol. 9, 1987, pp. 43-78.
Goblot H., Les Qanats: une technique d’acquisition de l’eau, Paris, 1979.
ICOMOS, Introduction to the thematic study
Jorgensen D. & al-Tikriti W., Water, Man & Climate Change since the Bronze Age in Al Ain ,
U.A.E, Published by National Drilling Company, Abu Dhabi, n.d.
Nash H., Water management: The Use of Stars in Oman, BAR International Series 2237, 2011.
Wilkinson J.C., Water and Tribal settlement in South-East Arabia, Clarendon Press, Oxford,
1977.

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Water Heritage in Qatar
Phillip G. Macumber
Phillip Macumber Consulting Services, Melbourne, Australia

1 Introduction
Central to any holistic understanding of water heritage in arid settings is the relationship between
occupation and the natural environment – why people live where they do. This is especially the
case in Qatar where low rainfall and high temperatures coupled with low relief, result in the
absence of fresh surface water and a relatively hostile natural environment. Unlike its neighbours,
there are no supporting streams, springs or aflaj. The only natural water source is from
groundwater occurring in the Tertiary marine limestone aquifers, and recharged during storm
events through the internally draining rawdha system. The rawdha are shallow depressions
formed at the surface by sub-surface solution and collapse within the limestone aquifer system
(Figure 6). The two critical constraints on groundwater use are its quality/potability, and its
availability by shallow hand-dug wells, which mostly tap a fragile freshwater lens precariously
maintained by a low and erratic rainfall. For Qatar, these constraints dictate the nature of its
occupation, and determine where settlements were established.
The history of Qatar is one of wells, which were the permanent fixtures used by transient
populations, and around which settlements developed and evolved. The heritage of water use in
Qatar is therefore intimately entwined with that of the wells, which are an expression of a fragile
hydrological system dependant on the rawdha.

2 Climate
Qatar lies on a limestone peninsula extending 160 km northward into the Arabian Gulf, along a
north-south anticlinal structure referred to as the Qatar Arch. Varying in width between 55 and
2
90 km, Qatar has an area of 11,437 km . Almost all of Qatar has an arid to hyper-arid climate with
a highly unpredictable and erratic annual rainfall, averaging about 80 mm in the north and less in
the south. Rainfall is mostly in winter, from winter westerlies. In addition, there is the winter
shamal, the wind system from November to March, which is closely associated with frontal
systems passing from west to east across the Arabian Gulf, and frequently associated with
thunderstorms. As a consequence of its arid climate, high temperatures and lack of relief, Qatar
had no permanent surface water, and prior to the modern era of desalinization, all potable water
was obtained from the groundwater system. Groundwater recharge of the Tertiary limestone
aquifers occurs mostly during storm events over the winter period.

The summer (June to September) is very hot with a low rainfall, when daily maximum
temperatures can reach 40°C or more; winter is cooler with occasional rainfall. Spring and
autumn are warm and mostly dry, with maximum temperatures between 25°C and 35°C and
cooler night temperatures between 15 and 22°C (Figure 1). The annual average evaporation
rates are 2,200 mm.

The arid to hyper-arid climatic setting across Qatar has been in place since the end of the
hydrological optimum (Macumber, 2011) which lasted from about 7,500 to 6000 yr BP, and during
which period rainfall was greater and sea levels reached levels up to 1-3 m above those at
present. The subsequent decline in rainfall and fall in sea levels after 4,000 yr BP ushered in the
present significantly more inhospitable arid climatic regime, one that has remained essentially
unchanged throughout Islamic times up to the present.

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 Figure 1. Climatic averages at Doha (data from Weatherbase.com) - P. G.
Macumber, 2014

3 Water awareness in the context of landscape and hydrology - northern

Qatar
Given the absence of surface water, the cultural heritage of water in Qatar lies in the awareness
of the complex nature of groundwater occurrence, its accessibility by hand-dug wells and its
usage/management. The relief across Qatar is low, being below 50 m in the north but reaching
103 m in the south where the landscape represents the dissected remnants of a former plateau.
The flattish surface is mostly eroded across dense cryptocrystalline Eocene marine limestone of
the Dammam Formation. The low relief coupled with the high aridity results in no permanent
surface water, and occupation in the past was dependent on groundwater, only accessible by
hand-dug wells. While most wells were shallow, commonly to depths of less than 10m, an
occasional deep well was recorded, such as at Al Kararrah in the south, where the well was ~ 50
m deep (Lorimer,1908).

The relationship between settlement patterns, potable water and groundwater depth is clear from
the distribution of settlements across Qatar in the past, and farms in the modern era. The location
of settlements was controlled by the presence of a large fresh groundwater lens in the north and
central parts of the country, and scattered small occurrences of fresh groundwater in the south.
The archaeological record on water availability is sparse and reference mostly restricted to the
occasional mention of wells being present at sites across Qatar (e.g. De Cardi, 1976;Tixier,1980;
and Inizan 1988), or at individual sites (e.g the Abbasid site at Murwab - Geurin and Al Naimi
2009). There are also broader accounts of groundwater occurrence - Eccleston 1981, Lloyd,
1981; Macumber, 2009; Macumber, 2014) and regional archaeological surveys (e.g. Walmsley et
al, eds, 2012). Undoubtedly the deepest insight on the pre-modern water presence across Qatar
comes from Lorimer (1908) in his listings and descriptions of places in the Gazeteer of the
Persian Gulf, Oman and Central Arabia. In addition there is a documentation of pre-existing
Native Wells obtained from the 1938 and 1958 (pre-modern) list in the FAO/UNDP 1974 hydro-
agricultural resources survey. An account of water availability and usage in the Doha area comes
from the Origins of the Doha Project, Season 1 (Carter and Eddisford, 2013).

The position of the freshwater lens in northern Qatar is controlled by geology, and is associated
with a calcium carbonate facies of the Rus Formation limestone aquifer shown as the calcareous
and extended calcareous zones in Figure 2. Groundwater in the lens recharges in the hinterlands
and flows coastward to discharge into hyper-saline coastal sabkha, which formed following the
retreat of the mid-Holocene transgression commencing at ca 4,000 year BP. Between Al Zubarah

297
and Fuwayrit in northern Qatar, the freshwater lens has supplied a number of coastal settlements
including those along the north-western coast at Al Zubarah, Furayah, Al Jumayl, Al Arish, Ain
Mahomed, Al Nabaah, Al Khuwayr and the Ruwayda Fort. In the north it supplied Al Shamal and
Al Ruwais, and Al Mafjar, Al Ghariyah, Fuwayrit and Huwaila in the north-east (Figure. 2). While
many of the towns were described as abandoned by Lorimer (1908), those coastal towns still
extant in the early 20th century went into rapid decline with the partial destruction of the coastal
freshwater lens, and consequent intrusion of seawater in the mid-late 20th century.

Figure 2. The locations of selected towns and early Islamic linear sites
(numbered) - from Macumber, 2014

Of special significance for early occupation was a zone of shallow wells (Eccleston, 1981; Taylor,
1836) tapping the freshwater lens along the northwest coast. The wide time range for
archaeological sites since Neolithic times within the zone of shallow wells indicates that
favourable conditions for settlement were present along the north western coastline for perhaps
as long as there has been occupation of Qatar; these conditions persisted throughout Islamic
times up to the modern era. Taylor (1836) in Thomas (1856) comments "...on the coast, half a
day south-east of (Ojair), is a tract of land inhabited by the Beni Khalid Arabs in the spring and

298
autumn, and containing shallow wells, or springs of water". The area includes a number of
Abbasid linear sites such as the ruins of Murwab, Al Haddayah, Musaykah , Makin, Rakayit and
Umm Al Kilab (Macumber, 2014). Between Murwab and Al Haddayah are the sites of Jogbi and
Umm Ma (Geurin and Al Naimi, 2009). Of the known early Islamic linear sites only Al Athbar lies
outside the zone of shallow wells. All the linear sites have much the same alignment, being
roughly at right angles to the shamal and approximately aligned towards Mecca (Figure 3). The
linear villages are located inland at elevations close to the 10 m asl contour and alongside
rawdha depressions where they obtained their water supplies; their low elevation guaranteeing
ready access to shallow fresh water (Figure 3). The ruins and the associated rawdha are closely
linked and must be considered as a composite site. Groundwater mounding beneath the rawdha
following storm events, brought water tables close to the surface for lengthy periods.

o
Figure 3. Umm al Kilab linear village - length 410 m (direction of Kaaba, Mecca - 248 ) on the edge of
a rawdha. The 'rawdha association' includes trees, well(s), former settlements (ruins) and/or modern
farm(s) - from Macumber 2014

The linear sites consist of a number of aligned stone houses having parallel NE-SW orientations,
o o,
ranging from ca 235 to 245 which approximates the direction of the Ka'aba. This is seen in the
case of Umm Al Kilab (Figure 4). However, the sites also lie at right angles to the predominant
NW-SE wind direction, which is the preferred orientation adopted for tent lines to minimize the
impact of the shamal winds in the hotter months (Macumber 2014).

299
 Figure 4. The location of early Islamic linear villages in relation to landscape
and the zone of shallow wells. The sites lie close to the 10 m contour where
the depth to groundwater in adjacent rawdha depressions would have been
minimal - from Macumber, 2014

At Al Haddayah, a linear village located about 17 km to the north of Jamaliyah (locality Figure 2;
Figure 3), a small outdoor mosque consisting of a qibla wall and mihrab niche lies at the SW end
of the settlement (Macumber, 2014). The qibla wall lies at right angles to the line of the village.
There were several graves adjacent to the houses, and coarse grained pottery and turquoise
glazed pottery were present. The village lies on a ridge overlooking two treed rawdha
depressions on the northern and southern sides, the likely sites for the water supply at the time.
This is the most southerly of the early Islamic linear villages so far identified in northern Qatar,
and the mosque firmly establishes an Islamic identity for the village.

Wells, were commonly present in towns bordering the sea, but were underlain at shallow depth
by seawater, and were mostly brackish and non-potable, and instead used for domestic purposes
such as cleaning and bathing. One example is a well in the mosque at Al Jumayl on the northern
coast (Figure 12). Wells providing the water supplies for the coastal towns were located further
inland beyond the coastal sabkha zone, where they intercepted the coastward flowing
groundwater prior to its becoming hyper-saline. Unlike Bahrain, where large coastal and near and
off-shore freshwater springs were/are present, this is not the case in Qatar. In a comprehensive
list of Native Wells covering the immediate pre-modern period, created from the 1938 and 1958
groundwater surveys, only one mention was made of a pre-modern spring, that being near Al
Khor, the one area where reference to springs span the ca 7,000 years of Qatar occupation. In
some instances the terms 'springs' and 'wells' are mistakenly interchanged in usage and this
seems to be the case with references to water from the same sites near Doha, being deemed to
be from both wells and springs.

Southwards, beyond the limits of the freshwater lens, potable groundwater becomes increasingly
less available, and was found as small localized occurrences wherever run-off and recharge has
been concentrated in closed depressions or wadis (stream courses), sufficient to establish a
small localized lens in the underlying sandy shoe-string aquifer. The fresh water in such cases
may directly overlie brackish to saline groundwater, or be 'perched' on a less permeable layer
above the otherwise saline to brackish water table.

The northern freshwater lens also overlies more saline regional groundwater. The lens is a
remnant of an earlier lens formed during the wetter period of the hydrological optimum from about

300
7,500 yr BP until 6,000 yr BP (Macumber, 2011), and maintained by modern day storm-fed
recharge, which passes into the groundwater system by means of the rawdha.. They are the
principal areas of groundwater recharge, which occurs mostly during storm events when the
rawdha are flooded. Recharge occurs through coarse-grained sediments around the rawdha
margins, and thence downwards via high permeability zones associated with peripheral collapse-
induced fractures in the limestone (Eccleston et al, 1981).

Figure 5. Flooding of Helwan — winter 2014 (picture courtesy of Sandra Rosendhal)

Figure 6. Development of rawdha in response to collapse following gypsum dissolution in the Rus
Formation

Overall there are about 1000 rawdha which make up less than 3% of Qatar, covering an area of ~
33,500 ha, and ranging in size from a few metres across up to 60 ha. In the north of Qatar, the
depressions occupy terminal positions in small basins of internal drainage with localized
2
catchments, ranging in area from 0.25 to 45 km . They collect surface water from direct rainfall
and from storm run-off from bare bedrock areas via an incipient natural internal drainage system.
Colluvial soils made up of calcareous loam, sandy loam and sandy clay loam have accumulated
in the rawdha to depths ranging from 30 to 150 cm, overlying limestone fragments and bedrock.

301
They provide the main agricultural soils of the country. The rawdha are a crucial feature of the
hydrology, without which no freshwater lens could be maintained in the arid, flat landscape. They
are grassed in winter, and are the focus for hand-dug wells for drinking water, stock, domestic
and agricultural purposes. Date palms have been variously described growing in the rawdha, and
were irrigated from shallow wells. In modern Qatar, farms are commonly established on or
adjacent to the rawdha, as were most inland settlements during pre-modern times, including the
early Islamic linear villages.

Being the focus of recharge, the rawdha depressions are commonly underlain by a groundwater
mound, a feature described as 'depression groundwater' of Le Grande, 1959 (FAO/UNDP 1974).
Groundwater mounding in response to recharge during storm events at Rawdat Al Faras and
Musaykah located 34 and 11 km southeast of Al Zubarah, was documented in Eccleston et al.,
(1981). At Rawdat al Faras rain over several days in January 1977 caused a 4 m rise in the
water table, bringing it within 4 m of the surface (Figure7). Given more prolonged and perhaps
larger storm events, such as those shown for Musaykah in 1976 (Figure7), it is likely that
groundwater levels would rise to the surface. In such instances, the presence of surface water on
the rawdha is not simply a relatively brief ponding effect of rainfall and runoff following wet events,
but is an artefact of the length of time that artesian conditions exist in the groundwater system.
This response is likely to have been more pronounced in the past given that the freshwater lens
had been somewhat depleted by the mid 1970's, especially in the vicinity of pumping wells.
Whatever the individual circumstances, storm-induced groundwater mounding beneath the
rawdha enables a greater certainty and predictability of water availability, than would otherwise
be the case with the erratic rainfall in the arid and hyper-arid settings.

Figure 7. Groundwater mounding beneath Rawdat al Faras (left) and Musaykah (right) after storms
- (redrawn, Macumber, 2014, after Eccleston et al, 1981)

The floors of the silty rawdha depressions, which are often treed, reflecting the presence of fresh
shallow groundwater, commonly display fine meandrine/dendritic stream patterns ('playettes' of
Macumber, 1968; 2011). These fine erosional features are developed as a consequence of both
radial flow outwards from the centre towards the recharge areas at the periphery of the rawdha
when wet, and a reversed flow towards the rawdha centre during discharge events at times of
high mounded water tables (Figure 8).

The occurrence of rawdha, trees, playettes, wells and settlements, present an association across
northern Qatar - referred to as the rawdha association (Macumber, 2012). Rawdha with such
features provide a focus, when uncovering early sites, as was the case with Al Haddayah and
Umm al Kilab.

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Figure8. Small rawdha with playette pattern and large trees (shallow water) adjacent to early Islamic
(Abbasid?) sites (1) at Makin, and (2) Umm al Kilab. Radial streamlets are both to and from the rawdha sides
where groundwater both recharges and outflows into the depression. The Makin and Umm al Kilab rawdha
have nearby modern farms. Note the well at the southern end of Makin playette - P.G. Macumber, 2014

In more recent times, the use of modern drilling techniques has enabled water to be exploited
from deep within the aquifer, whatever its depth. This was not the case in the past, when two
principal factors dictated the location of past settlement - the presence of fresh groundwater, and
its accessibility by hand dug wells. The latter was in turn controlled by relief. Since Qatar is an
elongated peninsular with low relief and low rainfall, the elevation of the water table is relatively
flat and lies deep beneath the peninsular and graded to sea level. Even in the hinterland its
elevation rises at most to about 9 m above that of sea level. For much of southern Qatar and
inland parts of the north, the depth to the water table was normally beyond reach by hand-dug
wells, and readily accessible groundwater was restricted to lower areas, thereby causing
settlements to be concentrated closer to the coast (Figure 2). For this reason, many of the wells
and settlements lie at about 10 m above sea level, often established on small rawdha or on the
surrounding Tertiary limestone surface (Figure 4 and Figure9).

Coastal towns are commonly located on palaeo-shoreline ridges backed on their inland side by
coastal sabkha. The towns were centres for exploitation of the rich pearl banks and trading, while
the remains of stone fish traps dot the coastline. They are commonly underlain by saline
groundwater, and having no local water source, obtained their potable water from further inland,
beyond the influence of seawater intrusion. This led to the development in Qatar of 'twin-towns',
one coastal and the other inland, in a symbiotic relationship linked by trade and produce, each
providing different resources with fish and trade goods from the coastal towns, and water and
agricultural produce from the corresponding non-coastal settlement. This was the case for the
World Heritage site of Al Zubarah on the coast and Murayr further inland (Figure 10). Al Zubarah
had a relatively short, albeit important history which lasted through parts of the 18th and 19th
centuries. While perhaps less historically significant than the more transient coastal settlements
such as Al Zubarah, Fuwayrit and Al Khuwayr (Khor Hassan), further inland set back from the
coast, are found some of the longest extant settlements such as Al Athbar and Musaykah, whose
wells were an important source of potable water. Both have a heritage of occupation dating back
to earliest Islamic times. By contrast, Al Zubarah, built on a Holocene beach ridge had no
immediate water source, and instead received water from nearby settlements at Al Muraya and
Umm Al Shuwayl, and perhaps Ain Mahomed and Musaykha, the latter being one of seven
known early (?Abbasid) linear village sites dotted across northern Qatar (Figure 4).

303
Similarly, Fuwayrit and Al Ghariyah on the northeast coast received their water supply from Ain
Sanan, Fililah, and Al Adhbar further inland (Figure 2 and Figure9). As was the case with
Murayr and Al-Zubarah, the towns existed as ‘twin-towns’ - one coastal and one inland – each
providing different resources with seafood and trade goods from the coastal towns, and water and
agricultural produce from the corresponding non-coastal settlements.

Figure9. Well distribution in the Fuwayrit - al-Ghariyah area, inland of coastal

sabkha. Major well sites are found at Al Adhbar and Ain Sanan, and smaller
sites nearer the coastal towns. The map shows the preferred location of wells in
the vicinity of the 10 m contour where the water table was readily accessible by
shallow hand-dug wells - P.G. Macumber, 2014. embayment marked by the 6m
contour - P.G. Macumber, 2014

Al Adhbar, southwest of Al-Ghariyah, and Ain Sinan, southwest of Fuwayrit, are set well back
from the coast beyond the influence of any seawater intrusion or hyper-saline water present
beneath the coastal sabkha. Between Ain Sanan and Fuwayrit is the site of Zarqa, deemed by
Lorimer (1908) to have brackish ('indifferent') water. The broad transition from saline to brackish
to fresh water in wells on passing inland from the coast was a measure of the extent of seawater
intrusion into a coastal plain having low relief.

The supply wells are most commonly found in or alongside areas of rawdha, where the water
table is shallow and rapidly recharged during storm events. Lorimer (1908) notes that the Ain
Sanan well was protected by a fort built by the Ma'ahid, but was at the time occupied by the Al Bu
Kuwarah, attesting to the permanency of the well and the transient nature of its users. Nearby, Al
Adhbar is developed on the site(s) of early Islamic linear villages, and the wells have clearly been
used over a considerable time period.

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 Al Zubarah, was a walled city that flourished as a pearling and trading centre for a short period of
some fifty years in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Its prosperity related to its involvement
in trade of high value commodities, most notably the export of pearls. It is the only undisturbed
pre-modern pearling and trading city in the Arabian Gulf, and as such is of very great importance
to an understanding of the way of life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Having no potable water
source, it was obliged to access water and agricultural needs from the nearby wells and fields at
Murayr and Umm Al Shuwayl, which are located inland of the sabkha, towards the centre of the
'zone of shallow wells' on the northwestern coast. It was also able to obtain produce from small
but intensive irrigation areas such as that of the Muhayriqat irrigation settlement, located a few
kilometres to the south, and small irrigated areas such as that at Murayr, where date palms were
recorded. A constructed canal passes from the tidal zone towards Murayr. Lorimer (1908)
suggested that the canal enabled sailing boats to discharge their cargoes at the gates of Murayr,
but it was silted with sand. It is difficult to see how any entrance could remain open across the
sandy tidal flat, and its use was probably opportunistic, occurring at times when the supra-tidal
zone was flooded. This implies that the entrance to the canal was navigable only to those boats
with a shallow draught capable of crossing the tidal zone.

Figure 10. Groundwater distribution and salinity between Musaykah and Al Zubarah showing settlement and
well field locations (diagrammatic) in a coastal setting - from Macumber, 2014

At Murayr are the remains of the Qal’at Murayr fort, provided protection for the scarce water. The
present fort was constructed in 1938. Further inland, the settlement of Um Al Shuwayl, also had a
fort. The importance of the supplier wellfields to prominent coastal towns is underlined by the
presence of associated forts such as those near Umm al Jumayl, near Fuwayrit at Zarqa and
near Al Zubarah at Umm al Shuwayl and Murayr. Lorimer (1908) notes that at Mushairib, one of
the water supply sources for Doha, 'there is a military outpost of 8 men in a tower to watch the
wells". Peterson et al.(2010) notes the presence of forts at Al Thaqab and Al Rakiyat in the
vicinity of Al Ruwaydah. Both were important sources of water, probably from early Islamic times
given the presence of the linear site of Al- Rakiyat. Peterson et al, (2010) comment that forts are
a ubiquitous feature of Islamic settlement in Qatar, possibly indicating a lack of security or
perhaps some form of communal or tribal identity. However the widespread dual presence of both
wells and forts, even at small sites such as Zarqa near Fuwayrit, suggest that the primary
purpose of the forts was more functional, and designed to protect the wells which provided the
crucial water source.

In coastal aquifers, seawater intrudes inland, underlying coastward flowing fresh groundwater.
Between Al Zubarah and Murayr are sabkha (Figure 10). Outside the walls of Al Zubarah, small

305
shallow pits were dug in the sabkha floor intersecting the hyper-saline groundwater. Salt (halite)
crystallized in the pits and was harvested. Beyond the inland edge of the sabkha, there are
about 10-12 wells in two groups at Murayr. Because of the underlying saline water, the wells were
relatively shallow, and used for drinking, stock and domestic purposes. Potable water would have
been obtained from those wells furthest from the sabkha, while those nearer the sabkha would
have served for stock and domestic purposes. Freshwater would have been taken from the top
using the process of “skimming”, in order to avoid the underlying saline water. The Murayr wells
are mostly large shallow square pits (box wells) up to 7m x 7m in area, and several metres deep.
Their shape and size suggests that in some cases they were entered from one side. The
skimming of water is carried out by manually removing the upper layers of fresher water from the
well without drawing in more saline water, which would otherwise pollute the well. In more recent
times it is achieved by low pumping rates to achieve the same result.

At Umm Al Shuwayl, there are 3 wells, a small ruined settlement and a nearby fort, alongside
which is a further well. The site was recorded by Beatrice de Cardi (Site 13b). While it was
recorded as suplying potable water for Al Zubarah, the salinity of the wells when measured in
2009 was ca 3,700 mg/L and too saline for this purpose, reflecting the impacts of recent
groundwaterpumping on the freshwater lens. Umm Al Shuwayl is a rawdha site, and within the
depression are two large pits which filled whenever the rawdha was flooded. The water level is
about 5 m down, but when water tables rose after prolonged wet periods or major storms, the pits
could have become small groundwater- fed dams, which held water for prolonged periods, as
long as the groundwater levels remained close to the surface. The water from the wells was used
on adjacent fields, as shown in Figure 11, or transported by animals/humans to where it was
utilized as a potable water supply. There is no evidence, as yet, of canals or pipes, and these
only appear in the modern period of mechanically drilled wells and whole farm layouts.

Linked to the coastal towns were a limited number of irrigation settlements, such as that at Al
Jifarah, inland of the towns of Al Jumayl, Al Khuwayr, Naba'ah and the Ruaydah Fort.

Figure 11. Abandoned irrigation area near Al Jifarah to the south of Al Jumayl, lies within the 6 m
contour on a coastal terrace developed within a former marine embayment. Small farms now border
the embayment. Nearby settlements were the Ruwaydah Fort and Al Naba'ah, near where
outseepage occurs in a small embayment marked by the 6m contour - P.G. Macumber, 201

306
 The now abandoned irrigation area at Al Jifarah, was established on a remnant of a late
Pleistocene marine terrace delineated by the 6 m contour (Figure 11). The Al Jifarah irrigation
area, although small, was perhaps the most intensely developed of any irrigation area on the
northern coast. The 6 m contour marks the approximate upper limits of the late Pleistocene
(Eemian?) transgression, which formed shallow marine embayments at Al Thaqab and Al Jifarah.
The sandier sediments deposited during the marine transgression provide permeable soils
suitable for irrigation. By contrast, the surrounding limestone was often bare and the soils were
poorly developed skeletal soils. At Al Jifarah, the water table is within several meters of the
surface. Nearer the coast, groundwater outseepage is present, being concentrated in the small
embayments as in the vicinity of Naba'ah, where there are a small number of shallow wells
(Figure 11).

Al Jifarah was clearly chosen for irrigation because of the better soils, and the ready availability of
shallow groundwater, which is still evidenced by trees scattered across the area. A feature of the
Jifarah irrigation area is the large number of small plots and shallow wells, there appearing to be
almost one well for each plot (Macumber, 2011). The depth of the wells, as at Murayr, was limited
by the presence beneath the fresh water of an underlying brackish transition zone to deeper
saline water. As a consequence, the large number of small wells tapping the shallow water table
enabled just sufficient water for the adjacent fields while not significantly lowering the water table,
thereby retaining a flat cone of depression. This approach only skims the fresh water from the top
of the transition zone above the freshwater-saltwater interface with a minimum of mixing, and
without causing a significant up-flow of saline water from deeper in the aquifer. The overall farm
layout and irrigation practice in earlier small irrigation settlements, guaranteed sustainable
agriculture while maintaining the freshwater lens on which the coastal towns relied. The presence
of palms is indicated by their common presence in abandoned irrigation areas such as Jifarah and
villages such as Murayr (Warden (1865: 368). The extant small scale near-coastal irrigation areas
were abandoned as a consequence of salinization and/or seawater intrusion after the shift to new
techniques following the introduction of large scale groundwater extraction from the 1950's
onwards. It parallels the abandonment of near coastal settlements previously dependant on
groundwater (see below).

4 Southern Qatar - water heritage in a nomadic regime

Southern Qatar is markedly different from northern Qatar by dent of its thick sand sheets and
dunes, which influence the nature of the rawdha and associated vegetation. In southern, central
and western Qatar, a deeply eroded central plateau mostly lies at elevations between 40 m and
60 m above sea level, but reaches a height of 103m.The water table is commensurably deeper
than in the north. Driven by the north-westerly winds, sand dunes and sand sheets are prevalent,
presumed to have migrated southwards from exposed northern shorelines following the fall in sea
levels after 4,000 yr BP. Across the region the landscape is subject to intense sandblasting during
the seasonal sandstorms, which has resulted in scalloped and fluted limestone surfaces. While
rawdha-like depressions occur in the south, they are fewer, and are small and isolated, with a
sandy infill and sandy floors; the scattered vegetation utilizes the infiltration and limits
groundwater recharge. Larger rimmed structural depressions are present, however the floors are
well above the water table. The southern groundwater is mostly brackish to saline fossil water
and small freshwater lenses are limited in extent. Even where potable water exists beneath the
major depressions, it remained largely beyond reach by hand-dug wells. As a consequence
settlements were rare, and located on small locally recharged freshwater lenses as near San Al
Furayah near Turayna (Figure 12).

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Reflecting a largely nomadic population, the architectural feature most symbolic of southern Qatar
are small open mosques, which are scattered as mostly isolated structures across the landscape
(Macumber, 2014); they were at times constructed in lightly vegetated areas but were mostly not
associated with wells. They consist only of a qibla wall laid out in stones and a mihrab niche.
There are a small number of existing towns such as Al Karanah, Al Karrara and Turayna, but
even abandoned settlements are few. One such site is the ruins of a small village to the north of
Khor Al Dayd near San Al Fuzayrah. The site is located on the floor of a small sandy wadi, and
owes its existence to a well, located over a small freshwater lens fed by runoff from the
surrounding bare limestone slopes. A small open mosque lies within the village, however an
unusually large open mosque is present on the limestone hill overlooking the settlement. The
qibla wall is 17 m long and terminates against a rectangular shaped open 13 m square, demarked
by stones (Figure 12). The area was clearly a major meeting place and its presence reflects the
significance, perhaps rarity of the small well in an area where such wells were uncommon.

Despite the inhospitable conditions, the prevalence of small open mosques indicate that nomadic
people visited southern Qatar regularly on passage to and from the north, usually during
favourable seasons, when storm water temporarily ponded in the rawdha or accumulated in
basins in the limestone. Despite its scarcity in the south, fresh water was not essential for travel,
since camels are able to drink brackish to moderately saline water and produce (fresh) milk. In
this respect, they may be considered as early versions of portable desalination plants. Camel
wells, established where groundwater was too saline for human consumption, enabled movement
through those areas where little potable groundwater existed, as was the case for much of
southern Qatar. The remaining brackish camel wells represent an important part of the water
heritage of Qatar (Figure 13).

Figure 12. Open mosques with mihrab and qibla wall (left) on a low hill above ruins near San Al Fuzayrah.
The settlement was established around the now abandoned walled well (right) in a nearby sandy wadi, fed
by runoff from the surrounding bare hills - P.G. Macumber, 2014

308
 Figure 13. Camel well in southeastern Qatar near Shagra

5 Modern changes bearing on the viability of the groundwater system and the
water heritage.
The last major hydrological change was ushered in with the development of modern Qatar in
response to the oil/gas discoveries. Upto1958, a steady state existed in the groundwater system
such that coastal outflow including extractions by hand dug wells was balanced by inflow
(recharge and down basin flow), and water levels and salinity remained static (Eccleston, et al.,
1981). Villages and towns were dependent on hand-dug wells to provide fresh water, thus greatly
limiting extractions, and consequently preserving the northern freshwater lens.

However with gradually increasing abstractions from 1958 onwards, water levels fell markedly but
only across north and central Qatar, reflecting the insignificant amount of pumping in the south
due to the higher groundwater salinity. High, post-development groundwater abstractions using
modern drilling and pumping techniques rapidly depleted the freshwater lens, thereby impacting
upon the aquifer quality and its availability (Eccleston et al., 1981, and Lloyd et al., 1981). This
saw a significant reduction in groundwater flow to the sea, required to counter seawater intrusion.
In response to the lowered groundwater levels, seawater intrusion migrated into the coastal
aquifers, which led to abandonment of coastal and near-coastal towns. Nearer the coast, water
tables were very shallow and often only a few metres from the surface, the use of very large
pits/wells in conjunction with high yielding pumps greatly exacerbated the decline in groundwater
levels. This is seen at Al Thaqab, a traditional water supply site, where the newly established
wells were little more than broad shallow trenches cutting the water table (Figure 15).
Groundwater modeling results were consistent with the observations showing the replacement of
freshwater by saline water in the aquifer (Lloyd et al., 1987). On the basis of the modeling, it was
calculated that for the Rus Formation, the annual rate of advance of sea water intrusion was 90
metre/year but where active well fields occurred close to the coast, this rose to 1000 metre/year.
Further inland, on newly established farms, bores were drilled and linked to a number of pumps
providing for extensive irrigation layouts. The freshwater lens, a relic of the earlier higher rainfall
of the early Holocene period but maintained by rawdha recharge in an otherwise arid climate, was
seriously impacted. There was an inevitable up-coning of saline groundwater into the bores

309
which in turn caused salinization of the soils, thus making this approach to irrigation
unsustainable (Figure 15). Saline water now occupies much of the coastal aquifer, where it was
known that freshwater was previously present, and the towns have been abandoned (Figure 14).
Many wells which once were town supply wells are now brackish or saline and no longer capable
of providing potable water. The small irrigation settlements located on the more permeable late
Pleistocene marine terraces were equally impacted, and are now abandoned (Figure 11). In the
case of the Helwan well, the salinity changed from 400 mg/L in the 1960s to 4,000 mg/L in 2010.
While most seriously impacted nearer the coast, the freshwater lens remains varyingly present
further inland where extractions have been significantly reduced to ensure its protection.

Figure 14. Abandoned town of Al Jumayl (north-west coast) in response to salt water intrusion - P.G.
Macumber, 2014

Figure 15. Abandoned pump house (left) near Al Thaqab on an irrigation pit showing the present a
high water table. It was constructed for irrigation purposes, but rapidly become saline. Nearby dead
date palms (right) attesting to the salinization of the groundwater in large nearby pumped pit-wells.
(P.G. Macumber, 2014)

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6 Conclusion
The cultural heritage of water lies in the recognition by the inhabitants of Qatar of the physical
constraints of water availability, and the adaption of successive generations to an innately hostile
environment, the key to which was an understanding of the nature of groundwater occurrence. In
this sense it is of necessity a narrative of landscape and the physical processes surrounding
groundwater, its distribution, usage, and protection. Once the protective role weakened in the
post-modern era of intensive extractions, the freshwater lens contracted at the coast to be
replaced by seawater. With the loss of their groundwater supply the remaining traditional coastal
settlements supported by pearling and trade, largely died out. With the switch to desalination as
the principle water source, the cultural heritage of groundwater location and usage in Qatar
virtually became itself a part of the archaeological record as did many of the settlements
dependent on it. In the south of Qatar, where water availability was significantly more limited, the
link between a traditional nomadic lifestyles and the implied water heritage remains less
impacted.

Protection of the water heritage commences with the recognition that the groundwater and wells,
so crucial to occupation, did not exist in isolation, but were part of a broader landscape
association centred on the rawdha, a relationship clearly recognized during the early occupation
of Qatar.

7 Bibliographie

De Cardi, B., Qatar Archaeological Report: Excavations 1973. University Oxford: Oxford Press
1978.
Eccleston, B.L, Pike, J.G. and Harhash, I., The water resources of Qatar and their development,
Technical Report No. 5. Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Agricultural
Development Project 1981.
Guérin, A. & Faysal al-Naimi, “Territory and settlement patterns during the Abbasid period (ninth
century AD): the village of Murwab (Qatar)”. Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies,
39, 2009, p. 181–196.
Inizan M.-L., Préhistoire du Qatar. Mission archéologique française à Qatar, 2. Paris: Éditions
Recherche sur les Civilisations, 1988.
Lloyd J.W., Eccleston B.L & Pike J.G., The hydrochemistry of the groundwaters of Qatar. Ministry
of Industry and Agriculture, Water Resources and Agricultural Development Project.
(Technical Note, 14.) Consultant Report to the Government of Qatar. Rome: Food and
Agricultural Organisation. 1981 [Unpublished report.]
Lorimer, J.G., Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf, Oman and Central Arabia. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.1986 (Originally published 1915).
Macumber, P.G., “A geomorphological and hydrological underpinning for archaeological research
in northern Qatar”. Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies, 41, 2011, p 187-200.
- “An examination of the impact of environmental disparity on the occupation of Qatar”.
University of Copenhagen) - Report produced for the Qatar Islamic Archaeology and Heritage
Project, University of Copenhagen, 2012.
- “The Islamic Occupation of Qatar in the Context of an Environmental Framework”. The Islamic
Rural World. Archaeological and Historical Perspectives, ed. S. McPhillips and P. Wordsworth.
University of Pennsylvania Press (in press for 2015).

Petersen, A. and Grey, T., “Excavations and survey at al-RuwayΡah, a late Islamic site in
northern Qatar”. Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies, 40, 2010, p. 41–54.

311
“Qatar Water resources and use - Hydro-Agricultural Resources Survey”. FAO, UNDP 1974 AGL:
DP/QAT/71/501, Technical report 2, 1974.
Thomas, R.H., (ed). Selections from the records of the Bombay Government, XXIV, 1856.
Tixier, J. ed., Mission archéologique française à Qatar, 1. Doha. Ministry of Information, 1980.
Walmsley et al, eds, End of season report 2010-2011. Qatar the Qatar Islamic Archaeology and
Heritage Project, University of Copenhagen, 2012.

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Approaches to the Cultural Heritage of Water in Saudi Arabia
Arnulf Hausleiter
German Archaeological Institute, Orient-Department

1 General characteristics of the studied sub-region

Although the general characteristics of natural environment, landscapes and hydrology of the 2.7
2
million km large Arabian Peninsula (Fig. 1) are well-known, detailed and systematic scientific
investigations on regional phenomena and local conditions of the pre-modern eras are still in its
beginnings. The landscapes of the peninsula are characterized by diversity and include 3,000 m
high mountains with deep wadi gorges, extended desert areas with sabkhas, large basaltic areas
(harrats) and more than 6.000 km of seashores. Lying directly on the Tropic of Cancer and part of
the suptropical high-pressure belt, today’s climate is arid to hyper-arid.

Figure 1. Map of the Arabian Peninsula (modified after SKELLEY, Jennifer, in OTHMAN, Zahir et al., The
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, London: Stacey International, 2011, p. 8)

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The life-giving resource water is scarce and very precious. Its exploitation and use by humans
required specialized answers and highly developed technological skills. Today much of the water
in Saudi Arabia is being drawn from non-renewable fossil resources or originates from
desalinized seawater, since recharge of aquifers is extremely limited (UNEP 2008; MWE 2017;
see already FAO 1984). As an example, the mainly agricultural exploitation of the Saq-Aquifer
st
covering large parts of Northwest Arabia is expected to last approximately until the mid-21
century, unless abstraction is reduced or technological innovation allows for the abstraction of
additional reserves (UN-ESCWA / BGR 2013). Various international initiatives have addressed
the problem in order to develop sustainable solutions on a regional level (UNDP 2013), and
present-day water-related issues have been studied in the frame of scientific studies (e.g. AL-
TURKI 1995). On a local level there is an increasing awareness towards water-related problems.
Recent archaeological surveys, in reviewing historical records on traditional irrigation techniques,
report the desiccation of formerly active water sources on a local level (ATLAL 21 [2011]; AL-
GHANEM 2011). In the context of the cultural heritage of water it becomes clear that a significant
part of the topic is related to the manipulation of the environment by humans, severely impacting
landscapes and lifestyles, and leading to partly drastic and irreversible consequences, such as
soil erosion and desertification (WILKINSON 2003).

As to the climatic conditions as part of the general ecological frameworks, reconstruction of

ancient climates is based on the study and analysis of multi-proxy-data simultaneously using a
set of established climatic models. At the same time the extent of ground-thruthing on the “largest
peninsula on earth” (ENGEL ET AL. 2011) is still comparatively limited. Current research
regarding palaeoclimatic conditions and palaeohydrology is based on regional studies as well as
on bioarchaeological investigations in the context of interdisciplinary research projects related to
archaeologically significant regions or sites. Archaeobotanic studies using palyonological
evidence and isotope analyses have significantly contributed to develop a four-stepped climate
model for the Mid-to-Late Holocene in Northwest Arabia (DINIES ET AL. 2016).

The preliminary character of generalizing reconstructive models must be kept in mind if

considering syntheses regarding this part of Sub-Region G. In our contribution we mainly refer to
recent investigations in the context of current conditions for the preservation of heritage, although
th th
reports of 19 to 20 century Western traveling scholars (Ch.M. Doughty, Ch. Huber, J. Euting, A.
Jaussen, R. Savignac, A. Musil, H.StJ. Philby and others) and the rich sources of Arab historians
and geographers often provide extremely detailed information with regard to the topic, especially
if reporting on systems, structures or practices of use which are not preserved anymore.
Since 1963, when state-based archaeological investigations in the Kingdom were initiated,
several thousand archaeological sites and monuments have been identified and registered, and
this number is by no means representative. In the early stages of archaeological exploration,
namely in the context of the comprehensive survey covering large parts of the Kingdom, many
features related to the use of water in pre-modern times have been recorded. Increasing survey
activities listed further structures and a complete record is far from being achieved.

Most prominent during the early stage of investigation are 85 stations with water installations
(wells, built water reservoirs [birkas] of circular and different rectangular shapes, channels,
harvesting installations etc.) on the Darb Zubayda, a 1,400 km pilgrimage road of at least Abbasid
date, connecting central Mesopotamia (with the Caliph’s residence at Baghdad, and the city of al-
Kufa) with the holy Islamic site of Mecca. The sites have been thoroughly investigated between
1976 and 1981 (ATLAL 1-6 [1977–1982]), water resources and types of installations being
summarized separately (ATLAL 3 [1979]; 4 [1980]; see WILKINSON 2003, 165–168). The
structures were described and photographed and accurate plans were published. Among the
many installations of substantial dimensions at the Darb Zubayda, the well preserved canal-fed
southern pool of al-Rabadha with a diameter of more than 65 m is one of the largest of its kind
(Figs. 2a-b).

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Figure 2a. Darb Zubayda: Large reservoir at al-Rabadha (ATLAL 3 [1979])

Figure 2b. Al-Rabadha: Large reservoir (AL-GHABBAN, Ali, Discovering Saudi Arabia. Land of Dialogue
and Culture, Rome: Gangemi, 2013, p. 116)

Figure 3. Octogonal reservoir at the site of Faid (Province of Ha’il) (ATLAL 20 [2010])

315
In 2006 excavations and surveys were eventually carried out by a Saudi project at the site of Faid
located on the Darb Zubayda (ATLAL 20 [2010]). Water supply for this mainly early Islamic site
was provided by numerous wadis (wadi Abu al-Kharush being the largest one). The availability of
water is reflected by many installations for water management, such as dams, reservoirs, and
underground channels (labeled Qanats), which have also been reported by early Arab historians
and geographers. The Bir al-Hamra, Bir al-Khaimah and Bir al-Khawaimah are large and well
known featuring several (underground) channels for the distribution of water. Excavations at the
Fort (Maknas al-Hasan) uncovered the pertinent octagonal water reservoir (birka) of 23 m
diameter and 2 m depth. Built by dressed basaltic stones, the walls were coated with a gypsum
plaster (Fig. 3). Water was provided by a channel of square section at 1.3 m above the bottom
level at the center of the Southern side; beneath the outlet there is a 1.75 m long platform with
sloping surface.

Already in 1982, a general survey of the Egyptian and Syrian pilgrimage routes took place
(ATLAL 7 [1983]), the former running along the Red Sea coast (32 recorded sites), the latter
further inland (44 sites, among them al-Mabiyat, where a birka and underground channels have
been identified [cf. ATLAL 9 (1985)]); between Yanbu and al-‘Ula (Levantine pilgrim route) 18
sites were recorded. Here, numerous water collecting installations, wells, some of them of
considerable dimensions, channels and birkas were recorded, too. Aside from verbal descriptions
within the survey reports, published photographic evidence or plans are limited. Reportedly, many
of the stone-lined wells were still in use when investigated. Approx. two thirds of the 25 sites
between Bir al-Ghanam and Mecca are equipped with wells, whereas birkas have been observed
at 20% of the 25 recorded sites. 11 stations on the Darb al-Hajj, north of Mecca, were
investigated in a subsequent year (ATLAL 8 [1984]); 28 sites on the Yemeni pilgrimage route,
some of which with wells were listed in 1997 (ATLAL 16 [2001]) and 27 in 1999 (ATLAL 17
[2002]); the survey was completed in 2001, and summary information on further reservoirs and
wells were published (ATLAL 18 [2005]).

Other investigations, such as at the seaports of Athar and Sihi in the Tihama (ATLAL 9 [1985]),
amongst others, shed light on the local palaeoecology in prehistory and Islamic times, including
coastal sabkhas, areas with mangrove trees, as well as on problems of water supply in antiquity.
In a survey in the area of al-Majmah and al-Ghat north of Riyadh numerous water installations
have been recorded, such as rock-cut and built wells, water reservoirs, and a dam for irrigation
th
purposes; some of the structures have been either rebuilt in the 20 century CE or restored. The
dating of the structures is uncertain; some of the wells have been associated with the early
Islamic Period (ATLAL 17 [2002]; for the survey in nearby al-Zulfi s. ATLAL 18 [2005]). Similar
evidence was provided by a survey in Jouf Tuwailie in the Eastern Province, where wells, partly
restored and a spring were discovered, the latter partly fortified with a wall of quarry stones. The
site may have played an important role on the ancient trade route between Iraq and Arabia,
known as Darb al-Mubaihis (ATLAL 17 [2002]). The survey in the al-Qassim region (ATLAL 19
[2006] listed 19 irrigation canals, 40 wells, five dams and 3 water reservoirs. Short verbal
descriptions are accompanied by selected photographs (see also further 68 sites in ATLAL 20
[2010]).

Further surveys aimed at recording archaeological remains in unexplored regions of the Kingdom
including remains related to water management and irrigation (such as wells and channels) were
carried out in the Riyadh area at the sites of Hawta Bani Tamim and al-Hariq; in the Aflaj district
the Afif Governorate (ATLAL 21 [2011]), in the Wadi al-Dawasir region (ATLAL 22 [2012]), and
the Shaqra area (ATLAL 23 [2013]), listing large numbers of sites and structures with
photographic documentation. A summary of the history of each survey area is provided at the
beginning of these reports, and if existing, information by Arab historians with reference to certain
sites are quoted. In the case of the Shaqra survey, data of already registered sites were reviewed
and completed; a site database for these fully documented sites is eventually being created.

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In addition to the scientific recording and reporting of structures related to the heritage of water,
programs and awareness campaigns have been launched by Saudi Commission for Tourism and
National Heritage (SCTNH) in order to address the public. This new government body, presided
by HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman, integrated, in the year 2003 the former Deputy Ministry of
Antiquities and Heritage.

Currently focusing on the urban heritage and ethnographic traditions, SCTNH’s commitment
towards the protection of cultural and natural heritage (AL-GHABBAN 2011) can be best followed
in the numerous museums all over the country, with the National Museum (1999) being by far the
largest and most important one, and by the continuing definition of protected archaeological areas
which are surrounded and protected by fences. Several archaeological and historical sites and
areas have been recently inscribed into UNESCO’s World Heritage List (SCTNH 2017a). In case
of the site of Mada’in Saleh / al-Hijr the ancient wells and the hydrological achievements have
been explicitly mentioned (UNESCO 2009). The decision on the inscription of the rock-art sites in
the Ha’il province (UNESCO 2015; cf. PETRAGLIA 2015), amongst others, emphasizes the
significance of the palaeolake at Jubbah for occupation and abandonment of the sites under
critical ecological conditions.

The raising awareness towards the cultural heritage of water in Saudi Arabia stays in the context
of the work of more than 25 Saudi and Saudi-international multidisciplinary research projects in
the field of archaeology. Using diverse methodologies in exploring the interaction of humans with
their environment through time, current investigations are aimed at a) reconstructing local,
regional and supra-regional ecologies: palaeoclimate, palaeohydrology and palaeoenvironment;
b) understanding ancient installations used for various types of water management by means of
archaeological excavations; c) analyzing the role of seashore landscapes and islands. A major
contribution with regard to the matter is the publication of T.J. Wilkinson (2003), using
archaeological data to describe the making of landscapes and their modification by humans in the
Ancient Near East.

Of major impact for the reconstruction of the human dispersal ‘out of Africa’ and movement of
humans into Arabia is the evidence of pluvial phases from the Late Pleistocene onwards,
resulting in what is now known as ‘Green Arabia’ (JENNINGS ET AL. 2015). Earliest evidence for
ground-water based oasis cultivation, based on results from Tayma, Northwest-Arabia, can be
traced back to 6,200 years before present (DINIES ET AL. 2016; WELLBROCK ET AL. 2012). At
several of these oases ancient wells, open and underground channels, basins and installations
for water harvesting have been identified and studied; at other sites, the activities of pastoralist
groups are investigated in the time before the ‘oasization’ of the Arabian Peninsula (GEBEL ET
AL. 2016).

In addition to the works in Gulf region and Oman, in Saudi Arabia investigations into the coastal
prehistory have been undertaken in the Red Sea area. Long after the study of the Tihama area
(ATLAL 3 [1979]; see above), the Southern Red Sea Project (BAILEY / ALSHARKEH 2011) is
aimed at analyzing the development of the ecological context of this crucial area between Africa
and Arabia during the Pleistocene; the study of the ‘southern route’ taken by hominins out of
Africa is part of the research agenda of this project.

Following an ethnoarchaeological methodology, investigations in the Jizan region and the

Farasan Islands by the MARES-project (AGIUS ET AL. 2010) relate to the cultural heritage of
water insofar, as its role for transportation, trade, traditional craftsmanship (production of means
of transport), the exploitation of marine resources (fish, pearls) is being addressed as well as the
integration of sea-oriented life into local literary traditions and music. In the Jeddah region,
underwater archaeology is currently being established as archaeological research method for
investigating wrecks of trading ships of the Roman period (UNIVERSITÄT MARBURG 2017).

317
All these research activities resulted in a close collaboration of archaeologists and hydrologists,
including numerous bio- and geosciences and eventually ethnographers, and they are expected
to be intensified in the future. The results of these research projects are more and more
connected, thus providing increasingly stable socio-cultural, ecological and economic contexts for
the cultural heritage of water.

In addition to SCTNH, the Saudi Wildlife Authority since the 1980s has been promoting the
protection of threatened species all over the kingdom, resulting in altogether 15 protected areas
out of a total of 56 terrestrial and 47 marine identified locations. The criteria for the selection of
such areas are of socio-economic and ecological nature, such as the protection of habitats of
key-biological importance as well as the value for environmental education and awareness.
Focusing on populations of species, therein, the important role of fresh-water biodiversity is
acknowledged (SWA 2017). The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), an independent authority
attached to the Ministry of Petrol and Mineral Resources (1999), aims at utilizing advanced
technology to produce geoscience information, and develop sustainable mineral and water
resources and to protect the environment and monitor geohazards to secure a better life for the
Kingdom’s inhabitant (SGS 2017).

In view of the state of research, in the present contribution addressing the cultural heritage of
water for this particular part within Sub-Region G, a number of case studies, mainly from Northern
Arabia will be discussed, rather than presenting an all-encompassing summary, which would be
characterized by its fragmentary and premature character.

General data on climate and hydrology

2
With 2.3 million km extension the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia covers more than
three quarters of the Arabian Peninsula. The modern climate (SANLAVILLE 2010; ENGEL ET AL.
2011; cf. also JENNINGS ET AL. 2015; WILKINSON 2003) is classified as hot desert climate and
is characterized by arid to hyper-arid bioclimatic conditions. The peninsula is one of the few
places on Earth with almost no perennial river. Regional and local climates are primarily
influenced by the topography, north-south extent and distance from the coast. Low moisture and
high evaporation rates are most significant for large parts of the peninsula. The absence of clouds
in combination with the latitude results in temperatures up to 50° C, temperatures generally
increasing from North to South and decreasing in proportion to altitude.

The seasonal climate shows the highest temperatures in July and August, caused by hot
continental air masses from eastern Africa; the lowest temperatures occur between December
and February, when continental polar air masses originating from central Asia result in dryness
and low temperatures. Only the very southern and southwestern regions of the peninsula are
influenced by the Indian Summer Monsoon. Topography respectively orography determinate the
precipitation patterns, i.e. with less than 50 mm rainfall per year in the hyper-arid Najd plateau
and the Rub’ al-Khali desert. The Southwest of Yemen, the Asir region, the Hadramaut and the
northern fringes see more than 300 mm annual rainfall. In these mountainous areas terracing has
been developed long time ago for both water harvesting and protection of the precious soil from
erosion.

Inter-annual rainfall variability is a strong feature of Arabian climate, and, in the context of the
Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) various climate systems contribute to variation of
temperature and precipitations during the year. Low and highly variable precipitation on the
peninsula combined with high evaporation rates result in a major deficit of the hydrological
balance. The valleys of the western marginal mountains discharge only shortly after rainfall,
leading to flash floods. The mountainous areas and high plateaus, in the Southwest with its
impermeable crystalline and basaltic surfaces, may create runoff with considerable velocities.
This led to the construction of a number of dams in the region by the Saudi government for
gaining drinking water. The permeable parts of the central and east Arabian bedrocks are
characterized by extended aquifers. Karst springs and artesian wells are common in limestone
strata, such as at Tayma, al-Hasa’, al-Qatif, and Haradh. Little is left of formerly standing water

318
bodies, such as the Layla lakes, which dried up because of extensive groundwater extraction
during the 1980s (KEMPE ET AL. 2009; AL-GHANEM 2011). The sabkha of Tayma (Fig. 4), an
endorheic depression and former palaeolake (9.3 – 4.8 ka before present; ENGEL ET AL. 2012;
DINIES ET AL. 2016; see below) was filled by heavy rainfalls in November 2008, approx. 20
years after an event of similar dimension.

Figure 4: Tayma: The sabkha north of the oasis after heavy rainfall in November 2008 (Photograph: DAI
Orient-Abteilung, J. Kramer)

Current research on palaeoclimate and palaeohydrology within the Sub-Region stays in the
context both of the dispersal of hominins ‘out of Africa’ and of interdisciplinary research projects
focusing on oasis settlements encompassing social responses to climatic changes in the region.
In view of their immense impact on fundamental demographic and social developments they are
being discussed in this contribution. This does by no means diminish the need of such
investigations for subsequent periods.

Recent analysis of five global climatic models comparing published palaeoenvironmental data
(palaeolakes, speleothems, alluvial fans) suggest that the Arabian Peninsula, starting with the
Last Interglacial (130 ka / 126/125 ka) was significantly wetter than today. The main source of
increased rainfall was from the North African summer monsoon rather than the Indian Ocean
monsoon or Mediterranean climate patterns. This coincides with evidence which has been
obtained from the eastern Sahara during recent years. The results favor the hypothesis that
humans potentially moved out of Africa into Arabia on multiple occasions during pluvial phases of
the Late Pleistocene (JENNINGS ET AL. 2015; during arid phases the populations may have
persisted in buffered regions at the edges of the peninsula: INGLIS ET AL. 2014). Accordingly,
the pertinent surface runoff and the charging of aquifers resulted in the establishment of a
perennial lake environment in Arabia lasting from centuries to millennia (ENGEL ET AL. IN
PRESS; different: ENZEL ET AL. 2015). Such lakes and pertaining micro- and macrofossils have
been identified and studied at a variety of sites in Saudi Arabia (Jubbah Basin: Jabal Qattar, Al-
Rabyah; Tayma, Rub’ al-Khali: Umm al-Heesh; Mundafan) and adjacent countries (UAE: Awafi,
Wahalah; Oman: Wahiba Sand Sea).

These new data suggest that the region characterized by a network of ancient lakes and rivers
(GROUCUTT ET AL. 2014) may have been inhabited earlier and considerably more than
previously thought (for the caveats cf. JENNINGS ET AL: 2015: 191–195). Whereas the
investigations referred to so far have mainly conducted inland and with regard to the northern
route of hominin dispersal, the Jizan and Asir regions are being studied with regard to the
southern route (INGLIS ET AL. 2014). Major hydrographic systems originating on the high

319
plateaus in the Western part of the peninsula and oriented towards the Gulf region are the wadi
Rima, wadi Batin, wadi Dawasir, and those of the Najd and Asir regions (LORETO 2013; cf.
WILKINSON 2003).

Most recent mapping of palaeohydrological data in an area reaching from eastern Egypt, the
Levant, Jordan, southwestern Iraq, Kuwait and the northern parts of Saudi Arabia, resulted in the
2
reconstruction of approx. 2,800 palaeolake locations (with a maximum extension of 18,900 km )
and large drainage courses of 30,000 km length. Several groups of catchments could potentially
provide connections between the Levant and Nefud regions such as the Azraq, Tabuk, and
Euphrates palaeohydrological corridors. Not only the time frame for the dispersal of humans in
Arabia may thus have to be further extended backwards (favorable conditions may have existed
as early as 230 ka ago; BREEZE ET AL. 2016), but the high number of mapped lake or wetland
features, presumed places of easily accessible freshwater, and drainage systems in varied
geomorphological settings, may have provided a diversity of water resources of varying annual
longevity. Thus hominin groups may have had multiple options for ‘stepping through’ the desert or
semi-arid landscape. Investigations in the coastal areas of Asir and Jizan give an example for
these areas being populated during the Upper (Late) Palaeolithic (as evidenced by lithic findings
which do not find equivalents in inland sites), when central parts of Arabian Peninsula were
suffering from arid periods (INGLIS ET AL. 2014).

Subsequent trends of ‘peopling’ the Arabian Peninsula, such as after the 8.2 ka BP event and
that of the Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age met similar conditions, and it was suggested that the
Levant may not have been the only departure point of moving pastoralist groups. As earlier in the
Pleistocene, a more dynamic sequence of green desert events, leading, amongst other to a
postulated ‘Mid-Holocene Saharo-Arabian Green Desert Belt’ is currently being taken in
consideration, before – at about 4,200 BCE (4.2 ka), the onset of a drier period has been
identified, creating the socio-hydraulic milieus (GEBEL ET AL. 2016) from which oasis life started.
At the palaeolake of Jubbah, the consequences of this aridization resulted in the abandonment of
the pertinent sites.

Cultural relations and technical exchanges with neighboring zones

As explained above, the Arabian Peninsula worked also as a transit region (embodying aspects
of both bridge and barrier) from the earliest times onwards. Cultural relations within this contact
zone can be traced back to the Palaeolithic but this refers to lithic industries (stone tools) and
pertinent production techniques. Mobile pastoralist groups of later periods (Epipalaeolithic /
Neolithic / Chalcolithic) are highly dynamic, and in different parts of the Peninsula traces of
external relations can be identified, such as burial practices or the production of Chalcedony
(Carnelian) beads.
th
It can be hypothesized that Arabian oases from their establishment at the end of the 5
millennium BCE onwards, participated to different extent to supra-regional networks of contacts
and exchange. This continued throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Hellenistic-Roman, Late
Antique and Islamic periods. Contrasting with the general perception of the “Incense Road”-
concept, contacts go much farther back than the long-distance trade with the domesticated
st
camelus dromedarius, which started in the early 1 millennium BCE (HAUSLEITER / ZUR 2016).

Archaeological and historical research increasingly shows already very early a more active role of
th
local or regional factors and agents (cf., e.g. the postulated ‘5 millennium BCE pastoral hydraulic
competency’; GEBEL ET AL. 2016) in developing cultural and technological innovations, and an
increase of local sources continues to support this reconstruction. Nevertheless, the
connectedness of the Arabian Peninsula invited to the establishment of cultural relations and
exchange with all adjacent areas, as seen in the material culture.

320
 Until now, little comparative work on the evidence of water management and irrigation facilities
has been undertaken although at several sites it seems that it were preferably regionally known
techniques which have been applied and, if necessary, adapted, for hydraulic installations (for
first regional overview, cf. WELLBROCK ET AL. 2012). In view of the postulated common
Western Arabian cultural background from the Bronze Age onwards (SCHIETTECATTE 2010),
which, in the context of recent archaeological investigations in the region may well expand to
other parts of the peninsula as well, this hypothesis seems to be a favorable option. It is expected
that in most cases determining factors, such topography and landscape, intensity of precipitation,
respectively water availability and access determine the choice of the locally adopted solution.

Recent investigations at the oasis of Kharj, south of Riyadh, where a substantial system of
Kharaz was identified, led to the suggestion that the type of installation, established during the
medieval period, has been applied from Iranian Qanats using, however, construction techniques
which are known from Omani Aflaj systems (SCHIETTECATTE 2016).

The occurrence of dams with diversion or deflection walls for periodical sayl-irrigation in the area
of Najran and al-Ukhdud (ATLAL 7 [1983]) resemble specimens which are characteristic for
South Arabian irrigation techniques known from Yemen.

2 Known sites and important sites for the cultural heritage of water

2.1 Archaeological Sites

Recent investigations underline the significance of regional palaeoenvironmental and hydrological
studies, suggesting considering entire landscapes as important for the heritage of water, we shall
discuss a number of sites in Saudi Arabia which are relevant for the issue. At the current stage of
analysis, this list cannot be complete.

Prehistoric sites next to palaeolakes

Numerous of the Middle Palaeolithic sites in Arabia with mainly unstratified surface remains of
lithic tools evidencing the presence of humans at that time, are located at or next to the shores of
palaeolakes some of which have been identified by surface survey or remote sensing techniques.

In the context of the present contribution, we refer to the most significant bibliographic reference.
Due to their importance for the interaction of climate and early human demography and areas of
such former lakes and wetlands (for the discussion see above) are potentially relevant sites for
the cultural heritage of water. Recently, lakes with pertaining occupation have been investigated
in the Jubbah region (next to Jebel Qattar; Jebel Katefeh; Jebel al-Rabyah) or near Lake
Mundafan in the western Rub’ al-Khali (ENGEL ET AL. 2016 with references).

Oases
Oases, many but not all of them at locations with present-day occupation, feature a number of
visible installations related to the cultural heritage of water. Compared to the palaeolakes and
wetlands located inland and mostly far from infrastructure, or to coastal landscapes and mountain
areas, they often display easily accessible visible remains of tangible heritage. In the context of
current research within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a selected number of oases, which undergo
archaeological investigations, mainly in the northern part of Saudi Arabia are being discussed
with regard to the theme of this publication.

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 th th
Tayma is an important northwest Arabian oasis with occupation remains from the 5 / 4
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millennium BCE until modern times and a former extension of 9.2 km . The walled oasis may
have functioned as both a stop on the caravan road and commercial hub. Amidst of its old town,
the monumental Bir Hadaj, a rock-cut well with an impressive walled shaft best symbolizes the
meaning of water for oasis agriculture (Figs. 5a-b). This 18 m diameter well is surely of ancient
date, although its supposed Iron Age dating has not been confirmed. In the 1950s the well was
still in use (PHILBY 1957), when water was drawn out of the well via pulleys, using goatskins
fixed with ropes and drawn by dromedaries. Allegedly up to 99 dromedaries were working at the
Bir Hadaj (WELLBROCK ET AL. 2012). In the meantime the well has been restored by the
SCTNH and is a focal point of the touristic infrastructure of the oasis (AL-TAIMA’I 2005; see
below). Recent investigation by the Saudi-German hydrological team identified two short ducts
which had been cut in the lateral rock of the well in order to enhance water supply. Until today,
the water of the Hadaj is used for irrigation, now using an electric pump.

Figure 5a: Tayma: The Bir Hadaj in 1951 (Philby 1957)

Figure 5b. Tayma: The Bir Hadaj today (Photograph: DAI Orient-Abteilung, A. Hausleiter)

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Figures 6a-b. Tayma: Well in the center of the settlement (left: inside); enclosure of the well and tunnel
leading to the temple (right) (Photographs: DAI Orient-Abteilung, J. Kramer; N. Becker)

Archaeological excavations at Tayma started in 1979, and since 2004 have been conducted by a
Saudi-German expedition, focusing on the archaeological area south of the oasis. Before that, in
the area of the oasis, underground channels of considerable dimensions and depth (3–5 m)
below present-day surface have been identified at various locations. They are still in use for
irrigation purposes (ATLAL 7 [1983]; ATLAL 15 [2000]). The archaeological exploration strategy
of the current investigations at Tayma integrates a series of palaeoenvironmental investigations
as well as hydrological research (ENGEL ET AL. 2012; HAMANN ET AL. 2008; WELLBROCK ET
AL. 2012).

As to the oasis’ water supply, the specific geomorphological situation of the Tayma Graben is the
major reason for the availability of ground water at the site of the oasis. Immediately north of the
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oasis, at the deepest point of the 600 km large catchment area there is a sabkha, i.e., an
endorheic depression, which contains lacustrine deposits of a saline palaeolake of once approx.
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20 km extension (see Fig. 4). The systematic investigation of the sabkha infill considerably
contributed to the knowledge of the Early Holocene Humid Period in the region and of the
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lacustrine fauna. Based on the chronostratigraphic ( C) palynological record and isotope
analyses from deposits of this geoarchive, the beginning of the oasis cultivation at Tayma with
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fruit trees, such as grapevine and probable figs has been dated to the late 5 millennium BCE.
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The date palm is not attested before the late 3 millennium BCE (DINIES ET AL. 2016).

In addition to 89 wells in the present-day oasis, 20 of which have been monitored since 2012
(WELLBROCK ET AL. In Press), five wells and a possible spring-lake of ancient date have been
identified in the fenced archaeological area, all once reaching out to the uppermost aquifer. One
of these wells in the center of the settlement with a horseshoe-shaped rock-cut lower part has
been systematically excavated (Figs. 6a-b) but its foundation was not reached. Its latest
modification may be dated to the Nabataean period, when it was connected to the adjacent
temple building by a 15 m long tunnel. The temple itself which was founded during the last
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centuries of the 1 millennium BCE contains a number of installations related to the use of liquids,
most probably water. Large basins were attached to the building or flanking its monumental
entrance. Narrow channels were used within and outside of the building. A basin made of
limestone slabs and probably of pre-Nabataean date, was placed in the central part of this temple

Two further wells are located within the walled settlement and may have been used for irrigation
purposes. One of them is located in an ancient wadi which had been identified by geophysical
prospecting. In the southern part of the walled area an approx. 8 ha large complex irrigation
system has been traced by excavation and geophysical prospecting, probably built during the
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Early Iron Age (12 –9 centuries BCE). It was fed by a large (yet unexcavated) water source
south of it and apparently did not use surface runoff.

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A large rock-cut well has been identified within Qasr al-Radm, a fortified building in the
northwestern part of the walled area of the oasis. The dating of the well is unclear. Apparently,
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this well was re-activated in the late 19 / early 20 century CE, since, after the visit of Julius
Euting to Tayma in 1884 a camel draw had been built into Qasr al-Radm, partly destroying the
substantial walls of the complex.In the lowest parts of the archaeological area of Tayma,
hydrological investigations led to the location of a former spring-lake, as suggested by both
electric resistivity tomograms (ERT) indicating groundwater permeability of the sand- and
siltstone layers and excavation of the pertaining deposits (WELLBROCK ET AL. IN PRESS).
Currently, it is not clear, how this water source was exploited and which chronological range of its
use can be established for it.

Finally, a ditch of monumental dimensions (500 m length, 12 m width and up to 6 m depth) has
been cut into the bedrock in front of the inner wall of the settlement, whose shells were filled with
the excavated material. Largely detected by geophysical prospecting and by two soundings, the
function of the ditch may either consist in protecting the settlement from the effects of flood
events after heavy precipitation, since it is located next to a wadi; additionally, representation and
fortification may have been further reasons for its construction. This monumental building
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operation has been dated to the later part of the Nabataean period (late 1 century CE).

Yet no systematic archaeological investigations in the immediate surroundings of Tayma have

been conducted. Remains of a dam, probably of ancient date, have been observed west of the
settlement near the outer wall (wadi al-Faw).

Figure7a. South of the Nefud Desert: Deep rock-cut well (Photograph: DAI Orient-Abteilung, R. Eichmann)

Figure7b. South of the Nefud Desert: Rock formation with spring, palm-trees and rock-art (Photograph: DAI
Orient-Abteilung, R. Eichmann)

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This dam has recently been removed by modern infrastructural work. Probable canals for the
diversion of water related to this dam consist of roughly hewn sand stone slabs which have been
vertically set into the surface. No traces of an intact duct are preserved. Probable coating material
for closing the joints may have eroded. The date of these structures is unclear.

A number of rock art and epigraphic sites are located at sites suitable for the collection of surface
runoff. Northeast of Tayma, at the western fringes of the Great Nefud, a number of active wells
have been identified fed by groundwater aquifers starting from 2 m below surface. Water holes of
less elaborate character are located southwest of the oasis.

At the southern fringes of the same Nefud, an extremely deep rock-cut well has been fenced off.
Its depth can only be estimated by the distance of rocks bearing rope marks (Fig. 7a). In a nearby
location, a spring has been observed at a site which is characterized by the representation of
mammals and birds, probably referring to the former fauna of this region (Fig. 7b).

At a distance of 280 km (bee line) northwest of Tayma (70 km west of Tabuk and little more than
40 km south of the Jordan border) the oasis of Qurayyah lies in an area which was thought to be
ancient Midian. Contrary to other oases (e.g., Tayma, Dumat al-Jandal, al-‘Ula) neither are there
remains of a modern oasis nor is occupation after the Roman period attested. Excavations
started by a Saudi-Austrian team in 2015 (LUCIANI 2016), after Peter J. Parr and colleagues had
surveyed the site in the late 1960s (PARR ET AL. 1970; for a re-investigation by Saudi survey
see ATLAL 5 [1981]).

Figure8. Qurayyah, Diversion dam in the wadi Gubai (Photograph: DAI Orient-
Abteilung, H. Hanisch-Gräfe)

Remarkable are extended irrigation fields northwest of the walled settlement, where the findings
of Late Bronze Age local ceramics led to the discussion on whether this extended area was
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exclusively irrigated by runoff (and not by groundwater) already during the late 2 millennium
BCE, a period known for its arid climatic conditions. This seems, however, possible since
geophysical prospecting (WELLBROCK ET AL. 2012) evidenced a predominance of
impermeable layers at the same time apparent diversion walls still preserved which are oriented
towards the agricultural area. Whereas it has been hypothesized that surface runoff infiltrated into
cracks of the massive rock-plateau and emerging at a lower level from “springs” was used as
drinking water (already ATLAL 5[1981]), a large construction in the northern part of the site has
been interpreted as cistern of the Roman period. This cistern was fed by the wadi Gubai south of
the rock-plateau where a diversion dam has been identified (PARR ET AL. 1970; HÜNEBURG
2016; Fig. 8). A number of other sites in the region have been recorded by PARR ET AL. 1970,
some of them with remains of water management facilities (e.g. Rawwafah).

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Located 150 km southwest of Tayma is the oasis of modern al-Ula. The modern city is home to
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the pre-Islamic site of Dadan, which played an important role in economy and politics in the 1
millennium BCE. Excavations in the area of ancient Dadan are currently being carried out by the
King Saud University, Riyadh. Before, in the late 1960s a survey by PARR ET AL. (1970)
identified a possible diversion dam crossing the wadi al-Mutadil, which joins the wadi of al-‘Ula
from east. Subsequently, the irrigation system of al-Ula had been investigated (AL-NASIF 1988).
In addition to four major Qanats (Zuhrah, Salihiyyah, Salimiyyah, Fath), whose original
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construction has tentatively been dated to the late 1 millennium BCE and which were in use at
the time of the investigation, 52 other qanats have been identified, 40 of which had been
renovated and were also in use. Fed by an aquifer of the Saq-formation north of the oasis the
qanats are all running southwards (meridional direction) into the al-‘UIa-valley. The maximum
length does not exceed 4 km. The reported depth of the identified water source does not exceed
25 m below surface. A number of shafts have been recorded and were built with stone rubble.
Many of the visible openings were ascribed to modern renovation works.

The site of ancient Hegra, known as al-Hijr or Mada’in Salih, center of the Nabataean empire on
the Arabian Peninsula, lies little more than 22 km northwest of al-‘Ula. In 2008 the site has been
inscribed into the World Heritage List of UNESCO. The main parts of the settlement, excavated
by a Saudi-French expedition, centers around a large wadi. Fed by an aquifer originating from the
Jebel al-Uwayrid west of the settlement, the groundwater table of this very favorable hydraulic
setting has been reconstructed as 20 m beneath present-day surface (NEHMÉ ET AL. 2010).
Approx. 130 wells of Nabataean date have been identified in altogether four extended well-areas.
At average the diameter is 4-7 m wide and they are up to 20 m depth. The upper part built by
rubble stone, the lower part is cut into the bedrock and often of conical shape. Two rock-cut
channels were identified at the site of Jebel Ithlib, location of several banquet halls.

Fig. 9: Mada’in Salih / al-Hijr: Jebel al-Ithlib with rock.cut canal and opening of the cisterne
(DENTZER, J.-M., “Les Nabatéens et l’eau: technologie et culture. La conduite d’eau du Jebel Ithlib à
Medaïn Saleh (Arabie Saoudite)”, Syria 85 [2008], Fig. 9)

These channels fed a large cistern, which had been cut into the sandstone rock of the massif
(Fig. 9). One of the channels collected water from runoff, the other transported water which had
been retained a dam upon the Jebel. After the end of the Nabataean period, the area seems to
have been abandoned.

Recent archaeological excavations revealed further water-related installations (wells and basins)
in the context of a Nabataean temple (high-place) on a rock-outcrop. A well and a number of
basins have been identified, probably connected to the ritual activities on top of the rock-plateau
(NEHMÉ 2015).

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Located at the south-eastern end of the wadi Sirhan, one of the major corridors between the
Levant and Arabia, and most probably to be identified with ancient Adummatu, the oasis of
Dumat al-Jandal lies at the slopes of a deep depression, in the center of which there is a
sabkha. Surveys by the Saudi-French-Italian team in the surrounding areas identified numerous
wadis converging on the Mesopotamian plain, and paleowadis along the Harrat al-Harrah display
traces of Neolithic occupation. Palaeolithic flint tools have been identified at the site of ash-
Shuwayhitiyah next to a large palaeolake, whereas at Asfan, stone tools of Neolithic Levantine
types have been identified (LORETO 2016).

The aquifer of Dumat al-Jandal and its catchment area may be located west of the settlement.
Similar to Tayma, it seems that water supply was provided by artesian groundwater which was
exploited by wells. The ancient settlement area below Qasr al-Marid, located at a topographically
elevated area within the terrace shaped overall topography of the oasis, may have had a water
supply system different from that of the oasis (HAMANN ET AL. 2008; WELLBROCK ET AL.
2012). Wells appear to occur at a high frequency, and channels suggest that there was a
specialized system for distributing the water – in the context of an area considerably sloping
eastwards. A number of wadis reach the oasis, and in an area northwest of it the frequent
attestation of wells may suggest that the alluvial fan bore an aquifer which as tapped. The
success in cultivating the oasis east of this area may have been influenced by the water table of
the sabkha, which lay at a lower level than the former. It is assumed that the high evaporation
rates (higher than the influx) may have led to the salinization of the sabkha.

In the northwestern part of the oasis, four wells with a diameter of 5-10 m have been observed.
Two of them evidence staircases located behind the walled shaft of the well leading to the bottom
of the well; similar features have been observed in Iron Age contexts in the Negev (see
WELLBROCK ET AL. 2012). Farther west, walls have been observed, which may have been built
in the context of flood protection.

For the area of Rajajil, located east of modern Dumat al-Jandal (and south of Sakakah) with its
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large funerary area of a probable 5 millennium BCE date, reported wells indicate favorable
conditions for semi-permanent to permanent settlements. Further north of Sakaka, at the site of
Rasif, in addition to possible shorelines of palaeolakes, a dam system has been identified by the
Saudi-German team connecting these Qas (or Khabrats) with each other; its date is
undetermined, but probably of recent times (GEBEL ET AL. 2016).

Located approx. 70 km southeast of the capital of Riyadh at the confluence of three wadis
originating from the Jabal Tuwaiq, the large oasis of al-Kharj is under excavation by a Saudi-
French team (SCHIETTECATTE 2016). In addition to a number of swallow holes at ‘Ain al-Dila’,
there is evidence for two palaeo-lakes of a possible Holocene date. Water supply was provided
by ground-water; there are no traces of a permanent river or surface flow. It is hypothesized that
water sources were mostly underground, emerging locally (water sinkholes, artesian springs) and
creating shallow lakes. The convergence of underground water flow, artesian springs and water
sinkholes offered a permanent water supply facilitating agriculture and sedentary life.
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Of much later date (13 – 15 centuries CE) are two major draining channels (Kharaz) identified
at ‘Ain al-Dila’ and Abraq Farzan. These hydraulic structures aimed at being used for agricultural
irrigation purposes are underground channels (draining galleries) transporting water from a
source to cultivated areas of 5–6 km distance. Contrary to Qanats (as known from Iran and the
Maghreb), they either gather runoff (from artesian springs) or swallow hole water. They also can
be draining galleries fed by the seepage of underflow in the alluvial plain or alluvial fans.
Depending thus from the variation of subsurface water table, these Kharaz cannot be considered
fully perennial.

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It has been observed that there are technical similarities of these installations to the Falaj of the
Iron Age in Oman, though the building technique resembles more that of Iranian Qanats.
Furthermore, the Kharaz are following straight lines with large (3–4 m wide) shafts. It has been
concluded that the general type of installations may go back to Iranian origin and was adapted to
the conditions provided by regional climate and local conditions.

Dams
Dams built into wadis have been identified and recorded at locations of diverse topographical
shaping. Mostly large and substantial constructions of squared / dressed stones, for many of
them a construction date in the Islamic period has been suggested. However, hard evidence for a
secure absolute dating is rarely attested.

The oasis of Khaybar (Province of Medina) has been protected by the SCTNH with a fence.
Systematic archaeological and hydrological investigations are still to be expected. The
construction of a monumental retaining dam for the waters originating from the Harrat al-Khaybar
and known as Sadd al-Bint (Fig. 10) has been ascribed to the Islamic period (SCTA 2013; cf.
SCTNH 2017c).

In the vicinity of Medina, dams for obtaining water from surface runoff have been discovered at al-
‘Uraydah and al-Mandasa (ATLAL 17 [2002]).The former dam is stepped on both sides and has a
length of 225 m. At the bottom it is 9 m wide. An upper water outlet is 1 x 0.7 m large. The
massive construction was built by local quarry stones and coated with plaster. Contrary to other
dams, it is well preserved (Fig. 11a). Locally known as Sadd Sa’ab or Sadd al-Bint the badly
preserved dam in Dhu-Khushub valley at al-Mandasa is preserved until a height of 28 m with a
bottom width of 7 m (Fig. 11b). It consisted of three parallel walls made of large dressed stones.
Probably built during the Umayyad period, as suggested by inscriptions in its vicinity, the dam
retained surface runoff which may have been used for agricultural purposes.

Figure 10. Khaybar: Sadd al-Bint dam (www.nabataea.net)

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Figure 11a. Medina Region: Dam at al-Urayda (ATLAL 17 [2002]).

Figure 11b. Medina Region: Dam at al-Mandasa (ATLAL 17 [2002]).

A number of substantial dam buildings of one complex have been recorded at Wadi al-Nuqmi
near Medina. Partly destroyed one dam was originally approx. 43 m long, 17 m high and at its
bottom 12.7 m wide; a further specimen was 56 m long and similar thickness. Both dams were
aimed at irrigating the adjacent Khaif al-Basal area. Large dressed local stones were used for the
stepped façade which was plastered. A fully preserved building inscription dates the construction
of the dam to the period of Umayyad caliph Mu’awiyah, leading to its designation as Mu’awiyah
Dam (ATLAL 17 [2002]; see also AL-RASHID 2008 [“Sadd al-Khanaq”]; for further results, such
as water reservoirs and irrigation channels see also ATLAL 18 [2005]).

Dams (at the site of al-Aridah) and other water installations have been identified by the Medina
survey in Wadi al-Aqiq (ATLAL 19 [2006]; cf. ATLAL 20 [2010] and ATLAL 22 [2012] for further
irrigation canals [9]; water reservoirs [9]; dams [4]; diverting / retaining structures [3]; wells [42]).

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Figure 12a. Dam near Taif: Sadd ad-Darwaish (ATLAL 6 [1982])

Figure 12b. Dams near Taif: Northern part of Sadd Dama (ATLAL 6 [1982])

In case of the 13 dams in the Taif region, which were investigated by the Saudi Department of
Antiquities and Museums [ATLAL 6 (1982)] a dating to the Umayyad period has been suggested,
based on inscription mentioning the first Umayyad caliph, Mu’awiyah. Two main building
techniques have been observed: one using mortar and coating with plaster; the second type is
dry masonry and sluices.

The largest dam of the Wadi ‘Aradah, Sadd al-Darwaish (Fig. 12a) has been built as double faced
wall filled with rubble (bottom: larger rubble, top: smaller rubble) and sand. Approx. 9.8 m height
to downstream, the dam was originally approx..150 m long, the central part largely damaged (50
m preserved). With a bottom with of 11 m, it narrows down to 2 m at the top. The upstream face
is made of small dressed boulders. At about half of the height the dam is narrowed by two steps.
The six-stepped downstream face (1.5–1.7 m apart) shows smooth dressed large boulders in
linear placement. No mortar or plaster has been used. The top wall may be a later addition. A
fragmentary Arabic inscription twice mentioning the word dam is written on the downstream face
of the building.

The step-faced dam at Wadi Dama (Fig. 12b) aimed at collecting surface runoff consists of
several units; originally 10.3 m high above downstream, the (damaged) central segment was 75
m long, whereas the three additional wall sections, one of which a diversion wall, the others
possibly spillway walls measured up to 9.5 m. The core part was a double-face wall filled with
rubble. The upstream face shows smooth dressed stones (small boulders); no mortar or plaster
was used. The downstream face is made of large boulders in linear placement and has five steps
(1.5 x 0.2 m). On top of the dam, there is a buttressed wall of small stones (mortared and
plastered). A big boulder near the northwestern side shows a Kufic inscription.

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 Information on a number of dams of the Islamic period has been compiled by SCTNH as a
document has been published on its website (SCTNH 2017c).

Upstream wadi Najran, the location of a dam for periodical sayl-irrigation, formerly known as
Sadd al-Jalad have been rediscovered in 1980 (ATLAL 7 [1983]) and named Mudhiq Dam. What
remains are channels cut into the granite rock, probably representing divertors to the fields, which
were located east of the former dam. At the southern end of the site of al-Ukhdud, a small drop-
dam system for the diversion of sayl-water has been identified, which was fed by the natural
ravine of Jebel Sawda. A cistern and two deflection walls survived, one of which made of large,
partly faced blocks. Recently this site (also known as al-Ukhdud al Janubi) was re-investigated
(ARBACH ET AL. 2015). At various locations rock-cut wells were identified, which were described
as South Arabian types.

Northeast of Najran, the site of Bir Hima, a stopover on the desert route is known for its
inscriptions and for its wells allowing easy access to groundwater. North of it, at al-Khushaybah,
next to the Jebel Kawkab, an example of a watered point with rock art and inscriptions is located.
More than 230 km north of Najran, the site of wadi Ab’ar Muraghan shows remains of a well
(ARBACH ET AL. 2015 with references to earlier investigations).

Irrigation Terracing
A traditional technique for water harvesting in the southwestern areas of the Arabian Peninsula, in
particular in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, is the construction of terraces the irrigation of agricultural
cultivation areas. No archaeological investigations have been published from Saudi Arabia, but in
the context of UN-based studies, comparative syntheses have been provided (ZAKI ET AL. 2006;
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UNDP 2013). This technology started to be used in the 4 millennium BCE (WILKINSON 2003).

2.2 Living Sites, which are still used or partially used

It is impossible to give a detailed account of overview living sites in Saudi Arabia which are still
used or partially used. For many of the wells which have already been recorded within the survey
projects mentioned in Chapter 1 (and also for those awaiting registration) a continuous use has
been observed or suggested. Similar is the situation for Arabian oases, at least in those cases,
where continuous occupation as well as remains of water management facilities is evidenced,
which are still being used as living remains. Some examples will be presented in this section.
Many of the dams reported in the western part of Saudi Arabia are damaged or destroyed and
are not counted among the living sites.

One of the well-known ancient structures which is still in use at Tayma, is definitely the Bir Hadaj
(Fig. 5a-b), although water is nowadays drawn by electric pumps. The pulleys of the Hadaj have
been re-activated in 2007 on the occasion of a TV-production on Tayma. Furthermore, the Bir
Hadaj is a meeting point on the occasion of festivities of the local community.

Of the above mentioned north Arabian oases, Tayma, Dumat al-Jandal, al-Ula but also at other
oases in the country, irrigation agriculture drawing water from modern wells of up to 300 m depth
or more by motor pumps is practiced (Fig. 13). Within the archaeological research projects
systematic studies including also historical wells within modern oases were initiated (HAMANN
ET AL. 2008; WELLBROCK ET AL. 2012; In Press). All of these oases have extended areas with
palm gardens, and flocks of sheep and goats are kept within these areas (Fig. 14). Date palms
form the majority of the cultivated plants, whereas ecofarming with horticulture is increasingly less
represented.

In order to avoid salinization of those parts of the oasis used for agriculture, the local authorities
at Dumat al-Jandal established an elaborated drainage system with large basins and canals,
resulting in the transport of redundant water from the sabkha to a lake on a plateau east of the
oasis.

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Figure 13. Tayma: Diesel pump in the modern oasis (Photograph: FH Lübeck, M. Hamann)

Figure 14. Dumat al-Jandal: Historical settlement remains east of Qasr al-Marid and the palm oasis; note
the flock of sheep and goats (Photograph: DAI Orient-Abteilung, A. Hausleiter)

Figure 15. Southwest of the oasis of Tayma: Water hole, partly covered (Photograph: DAI Orient-Abteilung,
A. Hausleiter)

A similar system has been applied for one of the largest oasis of Saudi Arabia, al-Hassa/ Hofuf
(FAHLBUSCH 2004), where, for the same reasons, i.e. the preservation of agricultural land by
prevention from salinization, redundant water is pumped to evaporation lakes outside of the city
by means of an extended system of canals. These measures significantly contributed to the
rehabilitation of the oasis.

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 Outside the oasis of Tayma, at various locations water holes of unknown construction date are
being used by pastoralists for their livestock (Fig. 15). Some of them are regular wells with a
walled shaft.
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At the time of the study of the Qanats at al-‘Ula (AL-NASIF 1988), the supposedly late 1
millennium BCE structures were still in use.

2.3 Cultural landscapes related to water

It is surely the Arabian oases which may fall into the category of cultural landscapes of water,
since they are until today the result of human efforts to making a living by the exploitation of life-
giving water. Nevertheless, modern techniques of exploiting water resources and of irrigation
heavily impacted these cultural landscapes, which may still be considered a palimpsest of ancient
and more recent water management activities.

Wilkinson (2003), in his fundamental work on Landscapes of the Ancient Near East, in dealing
with the archaeological remains within the ‘reluctant desert’ identifies landscapes of oases with
those of qanat and falaj, agricultural areas at the desert margins, landscapes of desert nomads
and the landscapes of the Desert Hajj Routes. Among the ‘highland landscapes’ he focuses on
the terraced fields of highland Yemen, which, contrary to their counterparts in Saudi Arabia, have
been intensively studied. The archaeological features recorded within these landscapes expose a
highly differentiated set of relations between humans, landscapes and water offering explanatory
frameworks rather than a mere recording of surviving remains.

Figure 16a. Tayma, Aerial photograph of the oasis and the sabkha from 1956 (DAI Orient-Abteilung)

333
Figure 16b. Tayma, Satellite image of 2013 with quadruplicating of the irrigated palm oasis (SCTNH Office
at Tayma)

If considering the oasis of Tayma as case study for an oasis landscape, comparative analysis of
historical photography and remote sensing data (aerial photography of 1956 and present-day
satellite imagery) evidence an approximate quadruplicating of irrigated palm gardens within 60
years. Artificial terracing has been observed in order to enlarge cultivated areas (Fig. 16a-b).

Figure 17. Al-Fayfa, Jizan: Terrace farming (Photograph: A.Q. al-Ghawazi, SCTNH, 2016,
th
www.sauditourism.sa, accessed on January, 9 , 2017)

Until now, in the field of archaeology there is no publication of a systematic research into soil
fertility or carrying capacity of ancient oases in Arabia (see, however, WILKINSON 2003). And
investigation into the ancient irrigation systems, such as an 8 ha large system of early Iron Age
th th th th
date (12 – 9 century BCE) at Tayma or at Qurayyah (Late Bronze Age, 16 – 13 century BCE
and Roman), is still in its beginnings (WELLBROCK ET Al. 2012; In Press). Nevertheless, it is
possible to at least reconstruct such cultural landscapes to a certain extent. Based on
archaeobotanic macroremains from excavations and palynological studies of sediments it is
rd
evidenced that the date palm, at Tayma, may have been cultivated as early as in the 3
millennium BCE (DINIES ET AL. 2016). Many other species are attested, such as grapevine, figs,
pomegranate, olive etc. It can therefore be hypothesized that there were areas of irrigated palm
gardens and, to a lesser extent, horticulture in antiquity.

334
 th th
Ancient sources, such as the Tayma Stone, a 5 to 4 century BCE legal document written on a
stele, inform about the social differentiation in the distribution of supposedly irrigated land (royal
land / other land), but underline the significance of the palm tree in the context of the installation
of a new god at the oasis.

However, only in some cases evidence of ancient irrigation fields (Qurayyah, Tayma) which were
fed by wadis or water retained and diverted by means of dams are preserved. The irrigation
landscapes related to those dams which were mainly built in wadis of the Hijaz Mountains are
mostly eroded or, due to the lack of water, have been abandoned.

By no means object of systematic archaeological research are the areas with terrace irrigation – a
traditional technique, widely known from the Yemeni highlands (see above) which is attested in
the mountainous parts of southwestern Saudi Arabia, such as in Jizan (Fig. 17).

3 Existing documentation
As far as the (remaining) and growing number of archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia are
concerned, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) lists all registered
archaeological sites in the country (AL-GHABBAN 2011). In the publications of the various
surveys since 1977, published in ATLAL, different numbering systems have been used. A site
database is planned by SCTNH (ATLAL 23 [2013]).

During the last years, more than 25 Saudi and international archaeological expeditions have been
active in the Kingdom. Many of them contextualize the archaeological evidence with
palaeoecological context, thus addressing issues of water supply and exploitation, land use and
vegetation, irrigation techniques, risk management and flood protection.

Archaeological expeditions working in Saudi Arabia are obliged to produce scientific reports on a
regular basis and, at the end of each season, to submit a copy of the documentation to SCTNH,
i.e. plans, photographs, reports etc. Preliminary reports have to be published in ATLAL – The
Journal of Saudi Arabian Archaeology, edited by SCTNH.

As to adopting a historical and ethnographic perspective, a list of actual water harvesting

techniques in Arab countries has been published by ZAKI ET Al. 2006. For Saudi Arabia the
following entries are listed (using also terms in Arabic language which are familiar in other parts
of the region; cf. WILKINSON 2003):

- Water harvesting and storage systems: Small dams; hafirs; koroum/ghadirs;

- Water harvesting and spreading systems: Terraces/masateh; water spreading dykes;

- Groundwater systems: Foggaras; surface wells; springs; ghoutas;

- Water lifting systems: Bucket and pulleys.

4 State of historic and technical knowledge concerning water heritage in the

sub-region
The earliest evidence of water heritage may consist of built installations aimed at harvesting
surface runoff. Little systematic research has been done within Saudi Arabia, but with the advent
of pastoralists during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic such techniques may have been introduced to

335
 Arabia. Comparative evidence from neighboring regions, such as in the eastern desert of Jordan,
seems to suggest this.

th th
Wells, as such not easy to date, may appear as early as at the transition from the 5 to 4
millennium BCE, in the context of pastoralist shepherd societies. Examples from the isolated site
Qulban beni Murra (Jafar Region, Jordan), provided this dating (GEBEL ET AL. 2016). Regarding
dams, canals and terracing constructions, it is difficult to say, when these techniques were
th
introduced. Comparative evidence from other parts in the Near East can be dated from the 6
millennium BCE onwards (WILKINSON 2003).

Due to the lack of preserved examples, which is partly caused by a continuous use of established
installations, detailed statements on the establishment of specific techniques or tools cannot be
made with sufficient reliability. Generally, it can be expected that there was a strong link between
knowledge and experience with regard to the local or regional topographic and environmental
circumstances through time.

5 Threats to water heritage

Major threats to water heritage originate from exaggerated exploitation of water sources with no
relation to the limited recharge capacities in the context of the current lifestyle and the given
climatic conditions (see Chapter 1).

As far as the tangible / built heritage of water is concerned, a number of factors constituting a
threat need to be mentioned: the rapid expansion of settlements near heritage sites or areas,
including the use of empty areas for the uncontrolled deposition of dump and waste; the high
mobility of people within the country, paired with a lack of information on adequate behavior at
heritage sites or within areas of water heritage. Maintenance measures on installations which do
not correspond to sustainable conservation needs may be detrimental for wells and other built
structures which continue to be used.

Regarding the protection of archaeological sites and monuments, SCTNH all over the country,
follows a very active policy of fencing. This contributed significantly to the protection of
archaeological areas containing remains significant for the heritage of water.

6 Legal protection in force

The protection of the resource of water is an issue of eminent importance and is raised by the
Ministry of Water and Electricity as well as by the private National Water Company (NWC).

The Custodian Program for Caring of the Kingdom’s Cultural Heritage attached to SCTNH
currently manages 62 projects distributed over nine chapters. Within the first chapter “Locations
of Islamic History”, the second section mentions three projects aimed at qualifying water sources
and wells related to the biography of the prophet Muhammad. The projects at ‘Ain Zubeida (Nr.
3), ‘Ain Hanin (Nr. 4), and Bir Tawa (Nr. 5) are being carried out in collaboration with the
Commission for Development of Mecca (SCTNH 2017a).

7 Conservation and management of water heritages

7.1 Conservation
At a number of archaeological sites, installations for exploiting water resources are part of
protected archaeological areas, which are surrounded by fences and equipped by warning signs.

336
 Well known are the sites of Mada’in Salih / ancient Hegra (Province of Medina), where the rock-
cut water transport system of the Jebel Ithlib (Fig. 9), more than 130 Nabataean wells, and sites
with water installations, such as the high place in the central part of the settlement are part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The contracts between SCTNH and foreign archaeological
institutions conducting joint expeditions in the Kingdom explicitly mentions the obligation to carry
out conservation works on excavated structures.

At the oasis of Tayma, the Bir Hadaj (Fig. 5a-b), has been substantially restored and
reconstructed on behalf of the then Deputy Ministry of Antiquities and Museums, a predecessor of
SCTNH. A monographic report about the restoration work has been published (AL-TAIMĀ‘I
2005). The site of the Hadaj well is a major attraction of Tayma and indicated with road signs.
Recently, a visitor center has been built. A yet unexcavated well at the site of Qasr al-Radm and
th
a 19 century CE camel draw added to the building by partly dismantling it, has been protected in
the early 1980s by a fence. The former guard’s house has been transformed into a visitor center.

Conservation measures are currently being implemented on architectural remains of water

installations excavated by the Saudi-German archaeological expedition to Tayma (cf., generally
HAUSLEITER 2016 with references to conservation measures of other archaeological projects in
st
the Kingdom). In the context of a late 1 millennium BCE to Nabataean/Roman temple building, a
basin within the building, a number of monumental basins attached to the edifice and a well with
its enclosure (Fig. 6a-b) are being consolidated in the frame of preparing the archaeological area
for visitors. Areas which are backfilled, based on Structure From Motion recording techniques, will
be printed as 3D-Models in a smaller scale.

As to coastal mangrove landscapes as part of the marine habitat of the west coast of Saudi
Arabia at the Red Sea and, to a smaller extent, in the Gulf, intergovernmental organizations, such
as PERSGA or NGO-based initiatives launched campaigns for their preservation (PERSGA 2004;
AL-DUBAIS 2014).

7.2 Management of properties and sites

As far as archaeological sites are concerned, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National
Heritage is the responsible party for the management of properties and sites. According to the
regulations for the implementation of the rules for archaeology, museums, and architectural
heritage, all immoveable architectural remains are property of the Kingdom, unless someone else
proves ownership (SCTNH 2017a).

8 Conclusion
Regarding the cultural heritage of water within the territory of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia with its
precarious present-day hydrological situation (Chapter 1), there is an extremely rich potential for
creating awareness for the significance of the topic, and its promotion, thus connecting past and
present of human civilization on the Arabian Peninsula.

Quantity and diversity of archaeological remains, living sites and landscapes in the Kingdom
related to the cultural heritage of water (Chapter 2) illustrate an incredibly rich heritage covering
thousands of years, from the Neolithic through the Islamic Middle Ages until present-day. There
are probably only few places on earth like Saudi Arabia, where there is such a close, direct and
extreme relation between humans and water.

In view of these preconditions it is important to intensify investigation of ancient strategies of

water management, resource control, risk management and models of exploitation by means of
multidisciplinary methodologies, thus applying a contextual approach which leads to explanatory
models of human behavior (WILKINSON 2003). At the same time, a continuous and systematic

337
recording and monitoring of remains of tangible heritage of water, mainly archaeological or
architectural evidence, by SCTNH by using state-of-the art recording techniques, will contribute
not only to further consolidate the basis for diachronic analyses of the interaction of
environmental and social phenomena but also to the development of sustainable preservation
strategies for these sites.

Although the breakthrough and application of modern technologies for the exploitation of largely
fossil water resources with the aim of complying with the present-day needs of the population
may have led to a shift of attention away from traditional techniques of water management – not
to speak of water heritage, a general knowledge and interest in traditional agricultural and
irrigation techniques can be observed. This may be more articulate in rural areas and coincides
with a very positive attitude towards and identification with landscapes of origin or of current
living.

SCTNH started to focus on the heritage of water by inviting multidisciplinary projects aimed at
making the relations and interactions between humans and environment explicit. This approach
has also been clearly expressed in the nomination files for World Heritage Sites, such as either
Mada’in Salih or, more recently, the rock-art sites in the province of Ha’il (s. UNESCO 2009;
2015).

There is also a potential for cultural heritage of water being integrated into strategies within the
growing sector of tourism, such as the case of terrace farming in the southwestern provinces of
the Kingdom or the dams of the Umayyad period near Taif (SCTNH 2017b), Khaybar and other
regions (SCTNH 2017c). Cultural heritage of water would embrace both major categories of
tourism in Saudi Arabia: Culture and History, and Saudi Landscapes (SAUDITOURISM 2017),
although currently not explicitly mentioned in either of them.

Thus, in addition to the existing international awareness expressed and stimulated by

international organizations (e.g. UNDP 2013), there is a considerable potential within the
Kingdom for the valorization of the topic. An example for the rehabilitation of a habitat in the
context of a marked deterioration of the environmental balance is the case of the wadi Hanifah
south of the city of Riyadh (ADA 2017); similarly, the Musk Lake environmental project (east of
Jeddah) resulting in the emptying of a sewage lake in 2011 should be mentioned here (NWC
2017). These projects, since contextualized with present-day situations and challenges, have the
potential to contribute to increasing the awareness for the cultural heritage of water.

Marine landscapes have long played a marginal role for the topic though of essential significance
for the populations living along seashores. In this context, the ‘Red Sea Biodiversity Project’
(2016) by the King Abdulaziz University of Jeddah in cooperation with the Senckenberg Natural
Research Society Frankfurt/M. (Germany), aimed, amongst other, at identifying particularly
vulnerable regions and be used for appropriate and sustainable planning and exploitation, is an
extremely valuable counterpart to the existing archaeological projects in the region, since both
trajectories of research address the interaction between humans and the resource of water.

The more, joint initiatives using the existing competences of government bodies, such as SCTNH,
Saudi Wildlife Association, Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), King Abdulaziz City of Science and
Technology (KACST) and relevant ministries (e.g. Ministry of Water and Electricity, Ministry of
Agriculture, Ministry of Petrol and Mineral Resources etc.) constitute an immense potential for
the promotion of the topic. Such initiatives could equally contribute to a substantial
widening of the concept of cultural heritage of water.

Collaborative approaches, including a review of educational strategies could be used to transfer

the insight into the development of sustainable preservation strategies from the academic world
(e.g., AL-GHANEM 2011) to a wider public. Furthermore, NGOs, such as the Saudi Heritage
Preservation Society (SHPS 2017) or even less formalized initiatives for the protection of the

338
 habitat of Mangrove trees (AL-DUBAIS 2014) are potentially active partners from within the
society with a potential interest in the cultural heritage of water.

In sum, the large quantity of sites in Saudi Arabia with traces of most diverse irrigation techniques
embedded into extremely variable shapes of landscapes bears an immense potential for raising
awareness and stimulating discourses of identity. Not only the significance of traditional
techniques for the present-day world can be rediscovered but it will be possible to track social
responses to climatic changes in a historical dimension – be that benefits or catastrophes caused
by water. This is one of the striking links between present and past. An increasing understanding
of these processes may lead, on the long-run, to the development of sustainable strategies
towards the environment in one of the climatically most challenging regions of the world.

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Arab States, 2013.
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Overview on World’s Fresh and Marine Waters, 2 Edition, Nairobi: UNEP, 2008.
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(UNESCO),

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ESCWA), BUNDESANSTALT FÜR GEOWISSENSCHAFTEN UND ROHSTOFFE (BGR),
“Chapter 10: Saq-Ram-Aquifer System (West)”. In: Inventory of Shared Water Resources in
Western Asia, Beirut 2013, pp. 297–316.
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methods in north-western Arabia and the southern Levant from the Neolithic Age through
Antiquity”. In OHLIG Ch. (ed.), Zehn Jahre wasserhistorische Forschungen und Berichte, Teil
1, Schriften der Deutschen Wasserhistorischen Gesellschaft (DWhG) e.V., vol. 20,
Norderstedt:
DWhG e.V., 2012, pp. 29–56.
WELLBROCK Kai, WEIGEL Friedrich, STRAUSS Martin, AL-SOULIMAN Amer S., KÜLLS
Christoph, GROTTKER Matthias, “Archaeohydrological Investigations in the oasis of Tayma,
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Acknowledgments
I am indebted to Lujain Hatahet and Andrea Intilia (both DAI Orient Department, Berlin) for
valuable support in the preparation of this contribution.

Author’s address
PD Dr. Arnulf Hausleiter
German Archaeological Institute, Orient-Department

Podbielskiallee 69–71

14195 Berlin, Germany

Email: arnulf.hausleiter@dainst.de

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 Sub-region H : Iran
Overview on Technical and Cultural Heritage of Qanats
in Bam Region (Iran)
Case study – Shustar Historical Hydraulic System (Iran)
Overview on Technical and Cultural Heritage of Qanats in Bam
Region (Iran)
Ali Asghar Semsar Yazdi
Senior Advisor, International Center on Qanats and Historic Hydraulic Structures
Majid Labbaf Khaneiki
Senior expert, International Center on Qanats and Historic Hydraulic Structures

1 Introduction
The city of Bam is located 193 kilometers south-east of its provisional center, Kerman. This city is
940 meters above the sea level and has an arid climate. The people of Bam are mainly farmers
and date palms play a crucial role in their lives with the help of irrigation. Groundwater is the most
reliable source of water supply. Nineteen Qanats irrigate Bam, all originate from the west and the
north-west. These Qanats are called: Abbas-Abad, Hafez- Abad, Salsabil, Najmieh, Mohamad-
Abad, Asad-Abad, Rahmanieh, Masumieh, Pakom, Deh-Shotor, Kakh, Fakhr-Abad, Lengi-Fakhr-
Abad, Ghanbar-Abad, Sheikhi, Sobhan-Abad, Akbar-Abad, Ameri, Mahdi-Abad, Hassan-Abad
and Hossein-Abad.

The 2003 earthquake not only struck Bam and Baravat and reduced the region to rubble, but also
deeply changed some social structures which used to lie behind such traditional techniques as
the qanat. The word "Bam" gives us an insight into the seismic ruination of the unique fortification
in 2003. However this castle and the archaic civilization of the area are widely rooted in
concealed qanats symbolizing arteries conveying life and prosperity to this ancient city.

Qanats have both cultural and economic value in Bam. The Bam-Narmashir plain has always
suffered from arid climatic conditions with an average annual precipitation rarely exceeding
60 millimeters which is hardly enough for any settlements. Qanats originating from alluvial fans
have made this region habitable, so a precise survey of these historic hydraulic structures with
respect to their great antiquity seems inevitable.

The Qanats of Bam are also important from an economic viewpoint. Irrigation consumption of
Bam-Narmashir plain is thoroughly fulfilled by qanats mining more that 400 million cubic meters of
groundwater annually whose rate is considerable bearing in mind the area of the cultivated lands.
Therefore it seems that the technical characteristics of the qanats of Bam can be enumerated as
the most sustainable ecological knowhow being widely applicable to arid zones not disturbing the
aquifers.

In fact qanats in Iran have created and supported life and all elements of human ecosystems from
millenniums, and are influenced by those elements. Without qanats, simply, thousands of villages
and towns in Iran may not be able to continue flourishing in the future, or even to have been there
at all.

The site of “Bam and its cultural landscapes” has been inscribed on the World Heritage List since
2004 on the basis of criteria (ii) (ii) (iv) and (v). The short account of its Outstanding Universal
Value recognized by UNESCO underlines the role of qanats throughout its history:

“Bam is situated in a desert environment on the southern edge of the Iranian high plateau.
The origins of Bam can be traced back to the Achaemenid period (6th to 4th centuries BC).
Its heyday was from the 7th to 11th centuries, being at the crossroads of important trade
routes and known for the production of silk and cotton garments. The existence of life in the
oasis was based on the underground irrigation canals, the qanāts, of which Bam has
preserved some of the earliest evidence in Iran. etc..”

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2 A glance at the Qanats in Bam
The Bam Basin presents suitable conditions for the digging of Qanats, its topography and aquifer
characteristic being the main ones. This plain comprises alluvial layers of more than 150 meters
thick, which preserves a considerable amount of water in the form of a water table. Drainage
forms 50% of the basin where no mining activities are carried out and this equation between the
plain and the drainage basin is one of the advantages this region benefits from. Extensive alluvial
fans in the west, south and southwest and a convenient hydraulic gradient have caused very
suitable conditions for Qanats. Northern mountains also are the focal point of the aquifer
recharge. There are four major faults in the region, which divide the groundwater into five
hydraulic units so that every group of qanats is discharged by means of an independent unit.

These faults along impermeable layers have brought about the relative stability of the aquifer. So
the advance of a group of Qanats towards the other group with different hydraulic unit causes no
problem. The following picture indicates this fact.

Figure 1. General position of Qanats in Bam (International Center on Qanats and Historic
Hydraulic Structures)

To have a picture of Qanats in Bam, the ranges of specifications of Qanats are as follow: the
lengthiest Qanat in Bam is the Qanat of Badr-Abad whit the length of 18, 300 meters, and the
shortest is the Qanat of Tidumich, with some 32 meters of length. The Ferdows-Gombaki Qanat
with mother well being 5 meters deep has the lowest depth, and the well of Hossein-Abad-Abaraq
with some 132 meters of depth is the deepest in the region. The range of discharge is between 1
liter per second in the Qanat of Morad-Abad-, and Qanat of Deh-Shotor with some 275 liters of
water per second. Qanat of Dolat-Abad-degombaki has the minimum of EC of 297, and of Jahr-
Saadat-Abad has the maximum with 4,940 EC.

The mentioned hydrological units are drained by Qanats and their water is partially recharged
through farmlands and orchards. Qanats, therefore, do not inflict any damage on the water table.
However, accessible statistics bode ill for the future of this sustainable system but herald the
booming of tube wells in the face of the legal ban on drilling such wells across the region.
Overexploitation of groundwater led to a dramatic drawdown in it each year. That is why the
qanats have to be continuously extended into the aquifer some 250 meters a year. As a result
about 170 Qanats have been abandoned by 2002. The stockholders of these Qanats have

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 applied for permits for deep wells and some have received permits so far. Therefore, the Qanat
discharge of 456,408,788 million cubic meters per year decreased to 338,384,657 in 2002. The
average discharge of Qanats in Bam is 37.6 liters per second while it enjoys considerable
fluctuations owing to the aquifer recharge. The following chart illustrates this change from 1970 till
2001.

There is varying statistical data concerning the number of Qanats in Bam. In 1973 they were
estimated to be 283 whereas in 1993 451 Qanats were announced. This increase seems not to
be reliable since a considerable number of Qanats dried up during these years. The statistical
increase concerning the number of Qanats is based on two following evidences:

1 In 1973 the mountainous Qanats had not been statistically included because they did not
affect the basin water table very much (according to the concerned officials),
2 All the Qanats in Rayen were then added to this list.

3 2002 earthquake and its impact on Bam’s aquifer

This region has experienced many earthquakes, like many other parts of Iran. Though no
earthquakes had been reported in Bam city before, southwestern Iran has always been subject to
many earthquakes. The Bam earthquake struck at 5:26 am and was preceded by 4 foreshocks at
8:00 am and 12.00 the previous day, at 10:30 pm the night before and at 4:30 am, one hour
before the catastrophe. All 4 foreshocks accompanied frightening earthquake sounds.

The center of this quake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale occurred at the depth of 8 km. The
worst destructions were from adjacent up to 3 km from the fault so that the areas 4 km from it
were not considerably damaged. The number of the Qanats damaged by the earthquake is rather
small compared to the buildings and houses destructed. Out of 60 Qanats in the cities of Bam
and Baravat 5 were totally destructed. The rest were damaged partially suffered from partial
collapse along the canals. This was because the main destruction was along the fault (north-
south), whereas the direction of the Qanats is usually east-west. Qanats, therefore, located at the
main spots were ruined by the earthquake. The Baravat Qanats were the most damaged by the
earthquake, as all Qanats passed major earthquake spots. Mother Wells and ventilation wells of
these Qanats collapsed. Structure and morphology of the region played a significant role in the
extent of damage to qanats. The east-west direction of the Baravat qanats, located at both sides
of the fault running through hard rock, lifted the ancient terraces of Pleistocene, due to the
function of the fault. This phenomenon caused qanats wall and shafts to be more resistant where
crossing the faults. The farther from the fault to the west, the more damage younger alluviums do
to qanat galleries.

Considering the extent of casualty and destruction, studying the impact of earthquake on the
aquifer and monitoring the observation wells was not feasible for a long time. Nevertheless, since
observation wells in the area were equipped with automatic water level control devices, surveying
changes was possible later on.

4 Techniques of Qanat Digging in Bam

Although techniques of digging Qanats by practitioners in Bam have a lot in common in
comparison to other parts of Iran, this region enjoys some unique techniques of its own due to its
special hydro-geological features. The following is a brief description of methods of digging

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 Qanats in Bam. Qanat diggers are called "moqani", and the master practitioners are "ostad
moqani" in Kerman region.

4.1 Leveling
Qanat diggers in Bam utilize the same traditional tools for leveling to be able to estimate the
depth of a shaft to determine the location and direction of Qanats. To construct a new qanat,
practitioners dig a well and then initiate the leveling process.

Leveling tool comprises two metal poles each including a square pedestal to be placed vertically
on and a thin string tied to the poles in the middle of a leveler. To determine where the second
well should be dug someone holds one pole near the first well, while another person places other
pole where the location of the second well is identified, tying the string to poles and then
stretching it. A spirit leveler identifies the slope, as the person by the first well lowers the string to
the horizontal level in order to determine the height difference between the two wells. Diggers
follow the procedure of leveling in order to have an almost horizontal gallery of around 2-3 %
slope. In other words, if a borehole is dug 30 meters deep and the string is lowered one meter,
the next shaft should be dug 29 meters deep.

Figure 2. Leveling (International Center on Qanats and Historic Hydraulic

Structures)

Leveling is used in Qanat area restriction (Harim) as well. For example, across the Baravat basin
23 parallel Qanats are stretched west-east close to each other. If a new Qanat is to be
constructed among the old or anextension is added to the existing qanats, the depth of mother
wells or shafts should not exceed the operational qanats.

4.2 Qanat Galleries

To use the force of gravity for water to flow from mother well to water appearance, a leveling
process continues from mother well to the appearance. The water appearance is usually an open
trench, 1 to 4 meters deep, locally named "Kush". Then, the depth is gradually reduced till

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 eventually water flows to the surface at the outlet. From this point on, a ditch, locally named "Ju",
conveys water to the field or the place of use.

Figure 3. The appearance of Qanat (International Center on Qanats

and Historic Hydraulic Structures)

Where Qanats are deep, usually two wells are dug nearby, to provide proper ventilation, known
locally as "Joft-e-Badu" meaning twin ventilator. This innovation is also used to facilitate the work
of digging, since two diggers and their workers can work in opposite directions, requiring extreme
skill of measurement and practice. Double wells are joined at the gallery as well as half way
through depending on the depth of wells. This speeds up the duration of digging. Qanat of
Ghasem-Abad has this type of double shafting. The ceiling of a Qanat canal is mainly cut semi-
arched. Galleries are dug in the wet zone, where water seeps into the tunnel, or in the dry zone,
which is the water passage.

To construct walls and floor of the gallery in dry and wet zones, the slope is kept even, again
depending on the length of tunnel and gradient of the ground. In cases where the tunnel of
another Qanat passes underneath, to prevent the penetration of water into the lower canal, the
floor of the upper one is well insulated with cement. To do this, a paste of clay, lime and egg
white is spread on the floor and walls, where water is flowing. This phenomenon exists in the
qanat of Sharik-Abad running above Hasan-Abad's tunnel.

4.3 Construction of tunnel in the wet zone

Tunnels in the wet zone pass through the water table where water seeps into the tunnel from the
floor, walls and ceiling. Digging this section is locally called "Tarah-kar" or "Tarvan". As the tunnel
goes deeper into the aquifer, the amount of water increases. The longer and richer the wet zone,
the more water discharge is expected from the qanat. Therefore, the length of the wet zone of
qanats in Baravat region is mentioned for the water table and the impact of paralleled qanats on
each other. In Baravat and Bam, extension of qanats are dug 100 to 200 meters each year, and
the close coordination by owners of all qanats should be closely observed.

The shape of ceilings of canals in wet zones in Bam looks like the letter V upside down, locally
named Mekenayi, which is usual in Yazd too. This type of sharp arch prevents water from
dripping down and the ceiling from collapsing; but it makes the drops slide down on the walls
instead. To construct a tunnel in the wet zone, the Master practitioner begins with the ceiling first,

352
 then the walls and finally digging the floor so that water level does not raise above the knees; this
also is to use the water flow for keeping the slope constant along the tunnel.

In central parts of Iran where water is scarce, a qanat's tunnel must be supervised all the time to
prevent any blockage. In Bam region, however, water flows in galleries easily due to rich aquifers.
There are sometimes occasions for the diggers in Bam to encounter hidden temporary natural
reservoirs of water while digging, known as "Benow". As practitioners say, these small sources,
which are located anywhere in the walls or floor, are cooler or warmer than the usual flow and
stop flowing after some months or years. Shafts are needed along the wet-zone but not deeper
than the water table since working is not probable in water filled spots. Therefore, they apply a
method called "Devil-Kani" to construct shafts and tunnel in wet zones.

4.4 Devil-Kani’ technique

This special technique and innovation is frequently used in Bam. The practice of Davil-kani is
simple in description, tremendously complicated in planning, and extremely difficult in practice.
The principle of devil-kani is to dig into the water table from the tunnel upward, not from the well
downward, as it is the normal practice for digging or extending qanats. The moqani digs the well
until it reaches the upper strata of water table, and water starts to fill up the bottom of the well.
Work continues till water seeps into the well to the extent that the digging cannot be continued
anymore; yet the tunnel, which should normally be reached from the well, is many meters down
below. Ostad moqani then goes into the tunnel, and continues to extend the tunnel, using the old
well as the access and ventilation well. When the tunnel reaches below the well, digging upwards
begins, which is called "devil-kani". This requires an extremely skilful mathematical and
measuring practice, as well as working in dark with not enough air. When one well digger
approaches the new well, another practitioner ties a piece of stone to the end of a rope and
throws it down into the well and pulls the rope and throws the stone repeatedly before his friend
can find out where to connect the Devil to the well. The citizens of Bam call this procedure
"Tavar". Many Devils can be witnessed in Behjat-Abad, Sheikh and Fakhr-Abad qanats. Devils in
Behjat-Abad qanats are up to 15 meters long.

Figure 4. Digging a Devil (International Center on Qanats and Historic

Hydraulic Structures)

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4.5 Navigation in qanat galleries
Practitioners used simple, yet accurate equipment in Bam to determine the digging direction from
one shaft to another. Any negligence could deviate the route tens of meters inflicting huge costs
and time, moreover no water would be found. A Tool used, named a "Rasse", includes: a piece
of wood, two ropes tied to it in the middle of it some 25cm apart. Two pieces of stones are tied to
the ends of ropes. Piece of wood is placed on the mouth of the well in the next wells direction.
The hanging stones indicate direction towards the next well. While digging a tunnel, a well digger
leaves a light behind in the gallery to follow the direct route, and cure sign of deviation. A light at
one end of qanat Khajeh-Asgar tunnel, is claimed, is seen from one kilometer of distance.

Now a compass is also used, where it is placed by the first well so the direction of the next well is
identified. The direction should be determined and repeated by adjusting the compass at the
bottom of the well. Obviously, moqanis make mistakes when navigating along the tunnel. In case
they deviate from the main direction, they have to create a diverging course to reach the other
well. This procedures is locally named "pistooyi well" and includes waste of time, money and
energy. More pistooyi Qanats are witnessed in the area in recent years. The following figures
illustrate the utilization of "Rasse" and a pistooyi well's characteristics.

Figure 5. The utilization of rasse (International Center on Qanats and

Historic Hydraulic Structures)

Figure 6. Pistooyi well (International Center on Qanats and Historic

Hydraulic Structures)

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 Figure 7. Widening the bottom of the gallery (International Center on
Qanats and Historic Hydraulic Structures)

5 Qanat repair and restoration; problems and remedies

Moqanis may face obstacles when constructing, repairing or renovating qanats. These problems
are mainly due to geological and aquifer characteristics of the basin, including:
1. A very large amount of water in the wet zone
2. Lack of ventilation
3. Collapsing soft layers
4. Collapse of tunnels and wells
5. Big pieces of rocks along the course of tunnel
6. Hard ground

High flow of water is a major problem for those working in qanats. Due to working continuously in
wet and hot conditions with no current of air, workers suffer from painful skin diseases locally
named "Ab-gaz". To cure this sickness well-diggers soak some pomegranate skin overnight and
put some on sore spots. Another issue concerns existence of gas underground causing
respiratory problems and make the light stop burning. Carbon dioxide is more present where
there is hard ground since the Neocene sediments producing this gas. Nowadays, air is
compressed into the well to supply the needed oxygen. However, in old days digging twin wells
was used for ventilation. Another innovation was construction of chimney-like structures along the
wall of shafts so that well diggers could enjoy air circulation. Moqanis also put some vinegar in
the well beside them while working. Pouring wet sand into the well is believed to refresh by
sending down fresh air and send up gases.

Soft and unsecure layers of soil are another problem that causes collapse, and the well-diggers
have to line the tunnels with oval lining locally called "Nay" or "Keval". To fill the gap between the
linings, they use pieces of rock and mud. Oval linings are 110 cm tall each.

In the case that a tunnel collapses, soil has to be brought up to the surface, and in some situation
lining again has to be used for the final repair. Five hundred meters of Ghonad Qanat, partly
damaged by the Bam earthquake, were repaired by unskilled workers. The renovations were not
satisfactory, collapsing four times because no lining was used and workers could not carry out the
task properly.

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 Bed rocks and big pieces of rocks are obstacles while digging or repairing qanats, which should
be removed, buried or bypassed which, is more practical. In some cases there is no other option
but to dig into rocks or break it into pieces.

The Qanats of Barevat run through faults and rocks structures at one point or another. The
thickness of the rocks is more important in the south. If a new qanat is to be constructed, moqanis
can anticipate difficult task of going through rocks, judging by the existing qanats.

6 Qanats in Baravat
As mentioned in 2.3, the Qanats in Baravat, parallel to each other, convey water from aquifer in
the western side of the plain to the fields and human settlements in the east of the fault. Digging
into the water table of each qanat is coordinated with others, and is a continuous task. Even deep
qanats should be extended to compensate reduction in discharge. In Bam, a shallow qanat is
called "Borz" and a deep one "Jahr". When people refer to a qanat as being more "Jahr" than the
other, they do not mean the depth of the well, but because it is dug deeper into the aquifer. For
example, the mother well of Hossein-Abad Borz Qanat is 80 meters deep and Hossein-Abad Jahr
benefits from a mother well of 40 meters. People know the Hossein Abad Jahr's mother well goes
more into the water table although has half of the other’s depth in total.

Names of 23 qanats of Baravat are as follow: Nartij, Seyed-Abad, Dodung-o-Nim, Ghasem-

Abad, Akbar-Abad, Nouruz-Abad, Mohamad-Abad, Ghonad-Kohneh, Hossein-Abad-Barz,
Hossein-Abad-Jahr, Ferdows, Gorgen, Rashidi, Vakil-Abad, Allah-Abad, Kenaru, Seyed-Ahmadi,
Doulat-Abad, Mirzaie, Lotf-Abad, Yazdan-Abad and Jannat.

Figure8. Deep and shallow wells in the Bam practitioners’ jargon

(International Center on Qanats and Historic Hydraulic Structures)

7 Qanat construction knowledge in Bam

The Qanat digging technique is an ancient and important innovation in Iran. Knowing its social,
technical, operational, managerial and cultural dimensions is vital in understanding of the system.
Qanat digging in the past was done by two groups of workers:
1. Hiring unskilled diggers by landowners,
2. Hiring professional qanat diggers.

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Prior to the National Land Reform of 1961, most lands in the areas were owned by major
landowners who at the same time owned and sponsored construction of qanats. Qanat diggers
had to start from the low level of workmanship, and gradually attain more skill to become Ostad
Moqani, after some years of hard work and intellectual conducts. Yazdi moqanis are well known
to be highly professional practitioners, and wise planners. Nearly all Ostad moqanis who
constructed or did major works on the qanats of Bam were from Yazd. Some names are: Haj-
Mohamad Sedighi, Seyed-Mostafa Rashti, Haj-Ali Rashti, Haj-Ali Taherian, Haj-Hossein Taherian
and Hassan Joukar. The tradition was for the Yazdi moqanis to work in Bam seasonally. They
used to come to Bam in autumn and winter to work on the qanats of Bam, when their presence
was not required in their own home farms and town; weather in Bam also was more suitable for
working.

Yazdi moqanis used to pass down the professional skill, planning ability and engineering
ingenuity from fathers to sons, making it traditionally a hereditary skill in families. This is different
in Bam for those who have learned the profession from Yazdi moqanis. Below is the family tree of
a known moqani of Bam, Mr Avaz-Karimi, whose ancestors had no relations to this profession.

Figure 9. Family tree of Mr. Avaz-Karimi a local qanat master (International Center on Qanats
and Historic Hydraulic Structures)

In order to dig a qanat, like executing any project, a contract is made between the owners'
representative (Qanat board of trustee or landowners) and the contractor, who consists of groups
of 4 persons. For deeper wells and longer tunnels more people may be added to the group: Each
person of the group has to perform a specific task:

1. Moqani, the digger, who actually does the digging.

2. Mud collector, who fills up the bucket with soil.

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 3. Bucket removers, who pulls the bucket along the tunnel and hangs it on the hook to be lifted
up. In case they have to carry the soil a long distance, 2 persons must do the job.
4. Soil extractor, who works with a Persian wheel to pulls up the bucket tied to a rope.

Learning the skill starts from working as bucket removers at a younger age of around 15, slim
enough to move easily along the tunnel, before moving up to become professional moqanis after
many years. Groups of moqanis are always supervised by a Master Digger or "Ostad Moqani"
who knows the advanced techniques of identifying place and direction for digging new qanats, or
planning repair, conducting measurements and carrying out more complicated works.

Working hours is another issue in Bam. In old days workers used to work from sunrise to sunset,
while now workers change shifts every 4 hours in order to distribute the hardship of work evenly.

The application of new technologies and modern facilities have contributed a great deal to better
and more efficient ways of digging qanats. When workers use drills, sledgehammers, crowbar
and chisel, they surely dig and repair faster and better. Concrete linings have also replaced old
clay rings and made the tunnels much stronger than before, and the installation of these linings is
much easier. Using drills allow making tunnels larger, and new electric lifts allow more soil to be
brought up to the surface much easier. Yet it should be emphasized that there is still a long way
to go to taking much better advantages of the new technology in qanat digging and developing
other tools and equipments where required. Old qanat have tunnels of some 50cm width and
125cm height, whereas new ones are 75cm wide and 175cm high, because the new technologies
allow the workers to move a bigger mass of soil. Moreover nowadays no family in the region
consent to sending their little boys to drag the heavy soil buckets in a qanat tunnel, so the adults
have to be hired for this job that entails a bigger tunnel.

8 Characteristics, regulation and threats for the qanats in Bam

1. The water table fluctuates a lot in different regions in Bam. The discharge from qanats,
therefore, varies greatly in different areas. As the practitioners living in Bam claim, this distinct
feature has divided the Qanats in Bam into two groups:

a. qanats with shallow wells, short galleries and considerable discharge, and
b. those with long galleries, deep wells and little discharge.

For example, the mother well of Ghanbar-Abad Sheikhi Qanat is 71m deep or the gallery of Deh-
Shotor qanat doesn't exceed 3,500 m with considerable discharge while another qanat named
Sobhan-Abad with 130 meters depth of mother well has very little discharge and it has a
considerable discharge while the mother well of the qanat of Sobhan-Abad is 130m deep but has
very little discharge.

2. Initiations of some modern industries in Bam have affected qanats traditional uses. For
example, a company has purchased all the water rights of the qanat from the Late Hossein
Ameri's heirs to consume its water which formerly irrigated some lands in Bam. On the other
hand, digging some tube wells dried some Qanats in this area. In fact, these industries have
deprived the agriculture in Bam of water.

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3. Deep wells have damaged Qanats a lot and caused some of them to dry up. The first deep
well of the area was dug by Mr. Sekhavat in return for his 50% ownership of a village qanat
which had dried. Digging of next deep-wells affected some Qanats which previously had
considerable discharge. However, ownership of qanats in Bam has prevented digging of deep
wells in the region. According to the 1960s land reform law, landowners were to sell their
agricultural lands to the farmers under government's supervision, which led to their
dissatisfaction. However, the law had two main exceptions: The lands benefiting from a
mechanized system of agriculture and Gardens and orchards.

Major land owners managed to dig deep wells eluding the land reform law. On the pretext of
mechanized agriculture, deep wells were dug one after another causing water table to drop
and qanats to dry up. Larger land owners did not need to dig deep wells, as water from qanats
was sufficient for their gardens and palm groves, which were exempted from the land reform
law, anyhow. More wells were dug, more water table dropped, and more qanats had their
water discharge to reduced or dried up.

4. Another important characteristic of qanats in Bam is that water is used in four seasons due to
their convenient climatic conditions for all the year cultivation. So, no water is practically
wasted in winters.

5. There are some Qanats in Bam with more than 300 liters of discharge per second. So,
abundance of water is one of the other characteristics of qanats in Bam. It should be noted
that the qanats with high discharge are fed directly by Bam fault. Fortunately, dry years do not
affect these Qanats’ discharge much. The considerable amount of water in the qanats of Bam
has not necessitated a precise and complicated water division system to ration water among
the farmers as seen in the other arid regions of Iran. That is why the productive-social
structures in the region are different from that of the central plateau of Iran.

Social and
technical
changes
Lack of workers in
Application of order to pull the
modern buckets along the
facilities gallery
Increase of the
size of the
gallery
Lack of efficient
practitioners

Increase of the
expenditures of
construction
Augmentation
error while
digging the
canal

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9 The impact of the earthquake on Bam
The earthquake of 2003 caused blockage and collapse in a number of Qanats in Bam, and on the
other hand the discharge increased in some others. Blockage in some qanats caused water to
seep into other qanats like Ghasem-Abad Baravet. Some qanats have already been
reconstructed and some others were repaired later. Repair and restoration of qanats running
underneath houses were put off until the debris was removed. The earthquake has affected
qanats in Bam, mainly on the following dimensions:

Structural deviations: In the past, qanat blockage was removed by moqanis, removing collapsed
soil by shovel and bucket to the surface. But after the earthquake machinery was used to remove
the obstructions. The relatively shallow qanats of Bam made it possible to dig open some parts of
gallery like an open trench in order to remove blockages. The open trench is not necessarily dug
just in the same direction as that of the relevant underground gallery, but the earth surface
features dictate where to dig the trench. That is why there occurred some dramatic changes in
the traditional direction of qanats such as the Abbas Abad qanat. It is, however sometimes
necessary to dig a bypass to divert the tunnel altogether. It might be possible to remove all the
soil on the surface of tunnel and turn the tunnel to an open deep ditch.

The ditch may have to be covered by concrete and the trench filled up to the surface. In some
cases unskilled workers may cause problems. For instance, some 120 meters of canal was dug
for Ghanbar- Abad Sheikhi qanat at a place named Bagh-Abbas-Khan Ameri, in order to unblock
the tunnel. The new section was dug one meter higher than the original tunnel at the very
beginning. Water sat back along the gallery, causing collapse of the ceiling and walls.
Considering the topographic conditions of the area, bulldozers cannot be used in some spots.
Therefore traditional tools must be used.

There is a case of the repair of another qanat worth considering. The costs of reconstruction of
qanats of Baravat, have been proportioned among owners based on an eight-day cycle of 192
hours. In 2005, the water right of this qanat was estimated to be around two million Tomans or
2212 USD per hour of water use. The earthquake caused considerable collapses and blockages
along the gallery of this qanat. Clearing of debris and unblocking the tunnel started after the
earthquake. The work started by digging a ten meter deep trench from the point of water
appearance along a stretch of 100 meters towards the first shaft.

Yazdi professional moqanis continued the task, passing 4 shafts up to the building of Bam City
Council. Then another collapse was encountered near the city water reservoir. This blockage had
occurred in two successive spots in the distance between the two shafts. Diggers dug another
well in the middle, excavated and brought up the soil from both sides. No other collapse was
there until Golestan Ice-House, where more blockages were cleared. Eight shafts from this point
to the wet zone needed repair before the reconstruction was completed. Avaz Karimi was the
contractor of the repair supervised by Haj Hassan Shayan who is one of the share-holders, the
representative of qanat owners.

Managerial changes: All qanats had a Board of Trustees to supervise management and the
traditional water distribution system prior to the earthquake. For example, Gholam-Reza Biglari
had been head of the Board of Ghanbar-Abad Sheikhi qanat, keeping records and documents
some of which were lost in the earthquake. Agriculture Organization suddenly became the
custodian of the qanats after the earthquake. This sudden change of management created
confusion and insufficiencies which require more evaluation.

Labor costs for repair of qanats increased because of an immediate high demand for moqanis
and workers. Avaz Karimi, for example, receives 20,000 Tomans (approximately 904 Tomans
being 1 USD, in 2005) for unblocking one meter of gallery, for all costs including workers wage.
Workers digging into and drilling into rocks receive 12,000 Tomans a day, the one who collects

360
 mud in wet zones receives 7,000, those who drag the buckets of mud and soil along the tunnel to
the bottom of the well to be lifted up receive 5,000 Tomans, workers pulling up the buckets by
tractors are paid 20,000 and those who grabs and empties buckets on the surface receive 7,000
Tomans of wage per day. At the time of our field work in December 2004, qanats reconstruction,
repair and restoration cost between 75,000 to 500,000 Tomans (85-572 USD) for every 175cm of
tunnel digging, depending on soil hardness.

One of the indirect impacts of the earthquake was associated with the efforts of government and
NGOs in Bam to restore blocked qanats, which led to some changes in technique, technologies,
tools and equipment used in qanats. Even, the traditional measurement unit of "baqal" (about 175
cm) which was once used for measuring the length in qanats was changed to the metric unit of
meter.

10 Conclusion
Bam is a suitable area for digging qanats because of its hydro-geological and topographical
features. Water from qanats is not wasted in winter because cultivation is done throughout the
year. As such, Bam can be considered a region of sustainable agriculture practice in arid and
semi arid zones; due to its qanat system of water supply. Nevertheless the qanats in the Bam
region are still suffering from the natural and social consequences of the earthquake, which do
not bode well for the future of this ancient technology.

In Bam and Baravat, the main reason for the annihilation of qanats is groundwater depletion
which has something to do with a considerable decrease in precipitation as well as a boom in
pumped well drilling. In most cases, those qanats which are longer and whose water production
section is relatively short are more subject to drying up, because groundwater evades their
gallery easier.

The Ministry of agriculture has invested a large amount of money on the qanats that were about
to dry up, by cleaning their gallery all the way or constructing concrete canals. Nevertheless those
qanats dried up and all the energy and money invested was squandered. In a traditional context,
it is normal for a qanat to lose a part of its discharge because of periodic decrease in annual
precipitation. Annual precipitation in the Bam region has been estimated to be 60 millimeters on
average, but it has dropped to some 10 millimeters over the past five years. Traditional response
to such a decrease was to extend the qanat gallery into aquifer in order to keep the qanat
discharge steady. Before the 2003 earthquake, it was normal for the qanat shareholders in Bam
and Baravat to dig the gallery forward up to 200 meters a year. The long qanats like Zarch whose
length exceeds 60 kilometers were not built at once in short time, but they were dug gradually in
response to groundwater depletion. It seems that the earthquake has changed the traditional
context, and the local people have lost their logical relationship with their environment. Most of
the measures taken by the ministry of agriculture were focused on cleaning the galley and
building concrete canals, and extending the qanat tunnel makes up less than 5 percent of their
projects. As a result, groundwater depletion ended up in annihilation of qanats. So they sought an
alternative means to make up for their qanats drying. According to the fair water distribution law
of Iran, it is legal to replace a drying qanat by a pumped well. So the qanat owners resorted to
drilling a well and abandoned their qanat which could still be refurbished by extending its gallery.
Thus the pumped well flourished in the region drying up the qanats. The earthquake disturbed the
social structure revolving around qanats. Many of the qanat masters passed away or dispersed in
the wake of earthquake, and the scarcity of skilful manpower is something that aggravates the
situation of this precious cultural and technical heritage.

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 Earthquake

Many of qanat masters passed away or dispersed Structural destruction of qanats

Scarcity of necessary expertise and traditional

know how Decrease in
annual
precipitation
Less extending of qanat galleries

Depletion of groundwater
Drying up of qanats

Drilling of pumped wells

362
Case study
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System (Iran)
th
From the ICOMOS evaluation for the 33 World Heritage Committee Session, 2009

Basic data
State Party: Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Location: Khuzestan Province
WH Listing: 2009 (WH property n° 1315)
Criteria: (i) (ii) (v)

Figure 1. General map of the WH property, red line is for the core zone and blue line for the Buffer zone
(nomination file, SP of Iran, ICHHTO)

Description of the property

The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System (SHHS) comprises a vast ensemble of flow control
structures, canals, some of which are dug into the rock, and numerous water uses, which form a
perfectly coherent ensemble. Its installation required major civil engineering works, based on the
design of a global water system established in ancient times. It provided the material bases for the
economic and social development of a human community for many centuries from irrigated agriculture,

363
fish farming, water mills, town water supply, the role of the ditches in the town’s defence system, and
navigation. The Gargar canal hydraulic system is still in use; only remains of the older Dâriun system
are left, but it was partially rebuilt in the 20th century to maintain its function for irrigation.

The initial project involved controlling the powerful river Kârun with the Shâdorvân weir-dam, which
raised and stabilised the water level by forming an impounding reservoir. It was then possible to divert
a significant part of the river’s water to the Dâriun canal via tunnels, and to the Gargar canal, under the
control of the monumental Mizân water intake at the exit from a bend in the river Kârun. The Gargar
forms a veritable artificial river, diverted from the main Kârun River.

1
2

Figure 2. The eye-bird view of the historical hydraulic system derived from the Kârun River and through the city of
Shustar (nomination file, SP of Iran, ICHHTO)

The Gargar canal first crosses the rocky bank adjacent to the city of Shushtar. After a further flow
control dam, it continues downstream via a series of tunnels that operate mills and supply water to the
city. The site forms a spectacular cliff and the water falls in cascades into the downstream basin. The
Gargar canal then enters the plain south of the city, at the foot of the mountains, where for almost two
millennia its water enabled the planting of orchards and fertile farmland called the Mianâb (literally
‘The Paradise’), which covers approximately 40,000ha.

The nominated property forms a continuous territory along the various waterways, the river itself, and
the canals. It extends to the north and to the west at the centre and the south of the city of Shushtar.
Today it includes an ensemble of remarkable sites, hydraulic structures, and monuments.

364
Figure 3. An impressive Gargar dam view during a flood at the outlet of a series artificial tunnels (nomination file,
SP of Iran, ICHHTO)

History and development, intangible attributes

The first confirmed water irrigation systems from canals in the region date back to the Elamite
civilisation, notably in the 13th century BCE. They were probably influenced by the large-scale
th
irrigation work undertaken in Mesopotamia by the Sumerians from the 4 millennium BCE.

Darius the Great, the Achaemenid king from the start of the 5th century BCE, had the Elamite irrigation
systems repaired, and he is attributed with the creation of the Dâriun canal, to the west of the current
site of Shushtar. Archaeological remains near the canal would tend to confirm this.

Roman civil engineering influence would seem to be borne out by certain aspects of the hydraulic
system installed at the time. It is also probable that the hydraulic works in Petra carried out by the
Nabateans in the 1st century CE influenced the project to divert a river in a rocky site using a dam and
boring a tunnel. The construction of the large Shâdorvân weir dammed and provided a passage
across the river Kârun. The second Sassanid emperor, Shapur, in the middle of the 3rd century CE,
performed this audacious construction.

With the addition of the monumental Mizân water intake upstream from Shâdorvân and the Gargar
canal, the hydraulic ensemble as then reworked and extended was designed to supply water to the
new city of Tustar, later called Chouster or Shushtar, and to irrigate the vast semidesert plain to the
south, along the last of the mountain foothills, for the systematic development of agriculture, notably
the planting of orchards.

During the Islamic period, the various Iranian dynasties carefully maintained the Shushtar Hydraulic
System as an essential component in the country’s development. They carried out significant
maintenance work, and sometimes additional work, such as during the Safavid (1500–1700) and then
the Qadjar (1779–1925) dynasties for the Gargar bridge-dam and the Shâdorvân Grand Weir.

Figure 4. Mizân water intake dam at the entrance of the artificial Gargar River (nomination file, SP of Iran,
ICHHTO)

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Outstanding Universal Value

Justification
Shushtar, Historical Hydraulic System, inscribed as a masterpiece of creative genius, can be traced
back to Darius the Great in the 5th century B.C. It involved the creation of two main diversion canals
on the river Kârun one of which, Gargar canal, is still in use providing water to the city of Shushtar via
a series of tunnels that supply water to mills. It forms a spectacular cliff from which water cascades
into a downstream basin. It then enters the plain situated south of the city where it has enabled the
planting of orchards and farming over an area of 40,000 ha. known as Mianâb (Paradise). The
property has an ensemble of remarkable sites including the Salâsel Castel, the operation centre of the
entire hydraulic system, the tower where the water level is measured, damns, bridges, basins and
mills. It bears witness to the know-how of the Elamites and Mesopotamians as well as more recent
Nabatean expertise and Roman building influence.

Criterion (i)
The Shushtar Hydraulic System is testimony to a remarkably accomplished and early overall vision of
the possibilities afforded by diversion canals and large weir-dams for land development. It was
designed and completed in the 3rd century CE for sustainable operation and is still in use today. It is a
unique and exceptional ensemble in terms of its technical diversity and its completeness that testifies
to the human creative genius.

Criterion (ii)
The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System is a synthesis of diverse techniques brought together to
form a remarkably complete and large-scale ensemble. It has benefited from the ancient expertise of
the Elamites and Mesopotamians in canal irrigation, and then that of the Nabateans; Roman
technicians also influenced its construction. Its many visitors marvelled at it and were in turn inspired.
It testifies to the exchange of considerable influences in hydraulic engineering and its application
throughout antiquity and the Islamic period under the various Iranian dynasties.

Criterion (v)
Shushtar is a unique and exceptionally complete example of hydraulic techniques developed during
ancient times to aid the occupation of semi-desert lands. By diverting a river flowing down the
mountains, using large-scale civil engineering structures and the creation of canals, it made possible
multiple uses for the water across a vast territory: urban water supply, agricultural irrigation, fish
farming, mills, transport, defence system, etc. It testifies to a technical culture dating back eighteen
centuries serving the sustainable development of a human society, in harmony with its natural and
urban environment.

366
Figure 5. Bridge-dam of Shâdorvân in 1880s, (Dieu la Foie and from the nomination file, SP of Iran)

Authenticity- integrity
The hydraulic functional integrity is maintained through the use of the Mizân water intake, which
diverts part of the river Kârun to feed the Gargar canal. Still in use, it continues to fulfil the role of town
water supply (4, 5) and irrigation for the plain downstream from Shushtar.
Among the historic structures, the Mizân dam intake (1) and the nearby Gargar bridge-dam (4), with its
tunnels, are still in use; they have retained their original function, at the cost of more or less extensive
modifications. The other structures are today monumental testimonies or sometimes mere
archaeological remains, notably the Shâdorvân weir-dam, which was the masterpiece of the project in
ancient times.

In addition to changes due to the passage of time or sometimes abandonment, the component parts of
the property have undergone alteration to their original built structure in several important places.
Otherwise, the maintenance of the structures over the centuries has been carried out with due respect
for the initial constructions, with similar materials and binders and using construction traditions that
have persisted throughout its long history. Nonetheless, most of the hydraulic structures have not
been maintained for many years, in some cases since ancient times, nor have they been restored
using modern technical techniques, which contributes to their authenticity as remains, although they
no longer have any functional purpose.

Comparative analysis
The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System appears to be comparable with the best hydraulic
engineering achievements of antiquity, by diverting a river and creating an artificial river, and by a
remarkable and diversified ensemble of technical structures. It is a very complete overall system,
endowed with all the functions associated with the simultaneous control of water and the land. In this
respect, it is exceptional. It is one of the most extensive still conserved, and it is one of the rare
hydraulic systems of ancient times still in use. It also provides an important example of the meeting of
hydraulic techniques linked to Mesopotamian antiquity, and more broadly to the Middle East and those
of the Roman world. Among the many hydraulic systems dating from the ancient and medieval
periods, Shushtar is one of the most complete and one of the most important.

367
Figure 6. Gargar Dam and the areas of mills (nomination file, SP of Iran, ICHHTO)

Threats

Development
The development of automobile traffic directly affects the Mizân and Gargar dams, which are also
used as bridges. There are plans to limit traffic. A road has been built in the city on the western bank
of the canal. The very friable sandstone of the canal banks is affected long-term by chemical pollution
in the air and water.

The surroundings of the property have often been altered by rapid urban growth, in the form of
constructions that are inappropriate in terms of their form and the materials used. Modern bridges
have also been built over the canals and roads near the property, made necessary by urban growth.

Visitors – Tourism
Tourism generally does not pose a problem for the property.

Environmental pressures
The river Kârun has already reduced the Shâdorvân weir-dam to a ruined state. The Mizân water
intake dam and its dyke, through to the Kolâh- Farangi tower included, are particularly exposed to
erosion by the river over time.

At times, plants may colonise the dam structures and some species can alter the canal’s natural
banks. More particularly, in the urban zone of the Gargar canal and in the mill zone, the natural cliffs
reveal areas subject to erosion, which could collapse.

368
Climate change
Climate change could increase the level and frequency of the river Kârun’s high water.

Figure 7: Bridge-dam of Lashkar (nomination file, SP of Iran, ICHHTO)

Protection and management

Legal provision
The Islamic Republic of Iran owns the property nominated for inscription with the exception of the
private dwellings included in the property and the South Garagar ponds.
The thirteen monumental elements or remarkable sites of the nominated property are inscribed on the
National Heritage List, in accordance with the Conservation of Monument and National Sites Act
(1930). The property and its buffer zone also come under a series of the State Party’s general laws
(Civil Code, Islamic Penal Code, National Economy Act, Public Land Development Act, National
Security Decree, and Five-Year Development Plan). It also falls under texts specifically dealing with
the protection of cultural heritage.

Conservation and management

The issue of the conservation of the property looks like appropriately raised. However, particular
attention needs to be paid to consolidating the archaeological remains, monitoring and studying the
underground elements, and renovating the old houses linked to the property and its landscapes.
The Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organisation (ICHHTO), the Municipality of
Shushtar, and religious organisations do public management of the property jointly. All the plans and
programmes concerning the property nominated for inscription must be approved by the ICHHTO
Technical High Council. At the executive level, ICHHTO appoints a director in charge of the database
and the implementation of the Conservation Plan. This executive body is called the SHHS.

Documentation
 Farshad, M., The history of engineering in Iran, Guiesh, Teheran, 1983.
 “Shushtar New Town, Iran”, Mimar (17), Concept Media, Singapore, 1985. p. 49-53.
 Viollet, P.-L., L’hydraulique dans les civilisations anciennes, Presses de l’ENPC, Paris, 2004,
trad. : Water Engineering in Ancient Civilizations, Madrid, 2007.
 Mohammed El-Faïz, Les Maîtres de l’eau, Actes-sud, Paris, 2005.
 Documentation UNESCO http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1315

369
Figure 8. Ponds and fisheries along the South Gargar River (nomination file, SP of Iran, ICHHTO)

370
Conclusion  Conclusion
Conclusion
Prof. Michel Cotte

This first edition of an ICOMOS thematic study on "The cultural heritages of water in the Middle
East and Maghreb" has benefited from the participation of numerous researchers and professionals
working in the combined field of water and heritage, and also in archaeology, history, civil engineering
and anthropology. All of them have demonstrated great commitment, and deserve our warmest
thanks, particularly as it is always a little problematic and time-consuming working in different
locations, with no opportunity to meet face-to-face. Furthermore, it is not easy finding colleagues ready
to spend time on this kind of topic, as it is almost impossible (apart from exceptional cases) to find
water heritage specialists able to span the various scientific and cultural dimensions of the subject.
Almost all the authors work in a related field, and have thus made a special effort to take on board
what may be described as a new type of heritage that is resolutely multi-disciplinary. The different
tones and emphases from the various authors clearly illustrate the diversity of the fields considered.

Finally, the idea for the group and the search for people with the necessary competencies, followed by
the constitution of the network and its coordination, have been carried out largely thanks to the
international secretariat of ICOMOS, and Ms Regina Durighello in particular. We would like to thank
her on behalf of all the authors.

By publishing this edition, we achieve our first volume of the thematic study on the cultural heritage of
water and water engineering. This edition constitutes the second edition of this study, which resumes
and continues a previous digital edition of cultural heritage of water in the Middle East and Maghreb
presented in June 2015 to the World Heritage Committee in Bonn (Germany). It took time to achieve
this, most likely more time than we thought, and we apologize to the people awaiting its release.
Nevertheless, the result seems to us to be quite complete, not only in terms of geographical approach
but also typological and chronological aspects. We speak of a first volume because we hope to
pursue, through other regional approaches, this study of water heritage in various regions of the world
and under different types of climates.
The first result (and perhaps the most important one) is the passionate interest in the subject taken by
those confronted by water heritage: from the catchment of water to its storage, its material
management and its symbolic values, and to the history of its uses and its legends. This is a major
cultural heritage bequeathed by the civilisations of the past, particularly those sustainably and largely
established on territories where water was in short supply, as is often the case in the Arab-Islamic
world.

This heritage issue is very directly linked to the concerns of today, particularly those related to
"sustainable development." Several of the texts in this thematic study throw light on to the continuity
between past and present, and on to the history of breaks with the past that are sometimes extremely
brutal. Technical means that are apparently simple, but whose uses have been refined by centuries of
practical experience, have enabled many successive generations to live in harmony with their natural
environment. Over recent times, and particularly since the oil boom, a series of factors have combined
to exponentially increase the difficulties faced in the field of water and its uses: population growth, an
increase in needs linked to changing lifestyles, the increase in consumption for agricultural purposes,
the impact of climate change, and so on.

As often happens in the history of techniques, the search for innovations and new solutions has
caused a revolution that has changed the existing heritage in an exceptionally powerful and rapid way.
As a result of pressure from the development of human societies, traditional hydraulic facilities have
undergone changes that can be very broadly divided into three categories

374
 - the rebuilding and complete reformatting of existing systems by the use of mechanical and
industrial technology, sometimes on a very large scale;
- adaptation and small-scale conversion, particularly in regions that are somewhat isolated or
have no major technical facilities, or when the hydraulic facilities' intrinsic heritage value has
been recognised and deliberately preserved;
- pure and simple abandonment in favour of new supplies (exploitation of deep fossil groundwater
systems, desalination of sea water, long-distance transport of water).

In each of the three cases, "heritage" is generated, but they are very different types of heritage, both in
terms of their tangible components (water objects and systems) and their social and intangible
components (organisation of society and its new values in water use).

Many of our authors have focused on the description of the most ancient, emblematic and instructive
heritage consisting of historic technical systems used for the catchment, management and use of
water, and this is of fundamental importance. The study clearly shows that their state of conservation
is only really satisfactory if the hydraulic systems are still in use, which means that adaptations are
necessary, or sometimes, but rarely, a more or less powerful will to preserve the heritage and its
traditions. Today, the authors are interested in providing us with examples of water heritage that is
sustainable, over a period of several centuries or even millennia. This is a value in itself, of course, but
also provides a fundamental cultural reference when it comes to the modern development of fresh
water production and its uses in arid or semi-arid regions.

Other characteristics have emerged from this study that will need to be refined, if possibly collectively
with the group of authors of this work, and we hope it will be possible to organise shortly a symposium
on the cultural heritage of water in the Middle East and Maghreb. Note for example the continuing
existence and the very widespread existence of underground water catchment systems at the foot of a
hill, which have led to many oases and fertilised plains. The name changes depending on the region:
falaj in Oman and in the Persian Gulf, qanat in Iran and foggara in the western part of the Maghreb,
etc., but not the technical conception and the general architecture, which are the same. Although it is
not always easy to trace their origins back to a specific date, the age of systems of this type is usually
counted in centuries. The strong and long-established cultural unity of the region has favoured the
spread of proven technical models. The knowhow required for maintaining the systems still exists in
several of these countries. What is of course more fragile and has often disappeared, generally to be
replaced by modern mechanical means (mechanical pumps, valves and pipes, etc.), are the ancient
hydraulic devices: animal power for wells, norias, etc. Today these devices are studied more in the
history of technology rather than as heritage, but reconstitutions make it possible to bring this past
knowhow back to life for educational purposes. Another lesson learnt from the study is that
abandoning this heritage for whatever reason (weakening of water table, natural accident, technical
change, impact of a war, etc.), leads to a situation of non-use after which the heritage is very quickly
transformed into archaeological vestiges, which are sometimes buried by desert sand. Still another,
finally, is to show us the presence of a great deal of water heritage in towns and villages.

We hope that this volume will help to raise awareness of the importance of this heritage and what is at
stake here. Some of the heritage is on a very large scale, and clearly has significance as a monument,
while other heritage has vernacular and repetitive aspects. From the World Heritage viewpoint, some
of the properties have received recognition, and others will doubtless do so over the coming years, but
two other points are crystal-clear:
1) the necessity of reconsidering the importance of the attributes of water heritage, both tangible and
intangible, in its contribution to the Outstanding Universal Value of properties already inscribed on the
List;
2) a growing awareness of the presence of a huge vernacular water heritage, which is either
unrecognised or insufficiently recognised, and which is therefore in an extremely fragile situation if
nothing is done to take it into consideration.

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Conclusion
Pr. Michel Cotte

Cette première édition d’une étude thématique de l’ICOMOS sur le sujet : « Les patrimoines
culturels de l'eau au Moyen-Orient et au Maghreb », a bénéficié de la participation de nombreux
chercheurs et professionnels dans le domaine conjugué de l’eau et du patrimoine, mais aussi de
l’archéologie, de l’histoire, du génie civil ou encore de l’anthropologie. Tous se sont impliqués de belle
manière et il faut les en remercier, d’autant qu’il est toujours un peu délicat, pour le moins long, de
travailler à distance et sans avoir l’occasion de se rencontrer. Par ailleurs, il n’est pas facile de trouver
des collègues prêts à consacrer du temps à un tel sujet, car il n’y a pas, à proprement parler ou de
manière très exceptionnelle, de spécialistes des patrimoines de l’eau dans ses différentes dimensions
scientifiques et culturelles ! Presque tous les auteurs sont venu d’un champ voisin et ont donc fait un
effort envers ce qu’il convient d’appeler un nouveau type de patrimoine, à caractère résolument
pluridisciplinaire. Les tonalités différentes et les accents mis par tel ou tel de nos auteurs montrent
bien la diversité des champs abordés.

Enfin, l’idée de ce groupe et la recherche de personnes compétentes, puis sa constitution en réseau

et sa coordination, doivent beaucoup au secrétariat international d’ICOMOS, à Mme Regina Durighello
tout particulièrement. Nous la remercions au nom de tous les auteurs.

L’achèvement de ce premier volume de l’étude thématique des patrimoines culturels de la gestion de

l’eau est concrétisé par la présente édition papier. Elle forme en fait la seconde édition de cette étude,
en reprenant et complétant une première édition numérique des patrimoines culturels de l’eau au
Moyen-Orient et au Maghreb, présentée en juin 2015 au Comité du patrimoine mondial à Bonn
(Allemagne). Tout cela a pris du temps, plus sans doute que prévu au départ et nous nous en
excusons auprès de ceux qui attendaient cette étude, mais pour un résultat qui nous semble assez
complet tant dans ses approches géographiques que typologiques et chronologiques. Nous parlons
de première volume, dans le sens où nous espérons poursuivre par d’autres approches régionales
l’étude des patrimoines culturels de l’eau dans différentes parties du monde et sous différents types
36
de climats .

Le premier résultat, et peut être le plus important, est de constater combien la question des
patrimoines de l’eau passionne ceux qui s’y confrontent, de sa captation à son stockage, de sa
gestion matérielle à ses valeurs symboliques, ou encore de l’histoire de ses usages jusqu’à ses
légendes. C’est un héritage culturel majeur légué par les civilisations du passé, notamment celles qui
se sont durablement et largement installées sur des territoires où l’eau était rare, comme c’est tout
particulièrement le cas dans l’espace du monde arabo-islamique.

Ce sujet patrimonial rejoint très directement les préoccupations d’aujourd’hui, en particulier celles dites
du « développement durable ». Dans plusieurs des textes de cette étude thématique, la continuité
entre passé et présent, mais aussi l’histoire de ruptures parfois très brutales, sont mises en lumière.
Des moyens techniques apparemment simples, mais aux usages raffinés par des siècles de pratique,
ont permis à de nombreuses générations successives de vivre en harmonie avec leur milieu naturel.
Durant ces dernières années, notamment depuis le boom pétrolier, une série de facteurs se sont
conjugués pour accroître de manière exponentielle la difficile question de l’eau et de ses
usages : croissance démographique, augmentation des besoins liés au changement des modes de
vie, accroissement des consommations agricoles, effets du changement climatique, etc.

36 Notons l’ouvrage général réalisé sur le sujet des patrimoines de l’eau par nos collègues d’ICOMOS Pays-Bas : Willem J.H.
Willems et Henk P.J. van Schaik (éd.), Water and Heritage, material, conceptual and spiritual connections, Sidestone
Press, Leiden, 2015.

377
Comme souvent dans l’histoire des techniques, la recherche d’innovations, de solutions nouvelles, est
venue chambouler les données patrimoniales initiales, ici d’une manière exceptionnellement forte et
rapide. Face à ces pressions du développement des sociétés humaines, le sort des installations
hydrauliques traditionnelles a, en première approche, connu trois types d’évolution :

- la reconstruction et le reformatage en profondeur des systèmes existants par l’usage de

moyens mécaniques et industriels, parfois à grande échelle ;
- l’adaptation et la reconversion artisanale, notamment dans des régions un peu isolées ou
sans grandes moyens techniques ou bien quand leur valeur patrimoniale intrinsèque a été
reconnue et volontairement préservée ;
- l’abandon pur et simple au profit des nouveaux approvisionnements (exploitation de nappes
fossiles profondes, désalinisation des eaux de mer, transport de l’eau à grande distance).

Les trois cas sont générateurs de « patrimoines », mais de nature bien différente, tant dans leurs
composantes matérielles (les objets et les réseaux de l’eau) que sociales et immatérielles
(l’organisation de la société et ses nouvelles valeurs dans l’usage de l’eau).

Beaucoup de nos auteurs s’attachent, et c’est fondamental, à décrire les patrimoines les plus anciens,
les plus emblématiques et les plus instructifs des systèmes techniques historiques visant à la
captation, à la gestion et à l’usage de l’eau. L’étude montre clairement que leur état de conservation
n’est vraiment satisfaisant que dans le cas d’ensembles hydrauliques encore en usage, ce qui signifie
donc des adaptations ou parfois, mais c’est rare, une volonté plus ou moins affirmée de préserver un
patrimoine et ses traditions. Leur intérêt, aujourd’hui, est de nous donner des exemples de
patrimoines durables de l’eau, à l’échelle de plusieurs siècles, voire de millénaires. C’est une valeur
en soi, bien entendu, mais aussi une référence culturelle fondamentale en face du développement
moderne de la production d’eau douce et de ses usages en régions arides ou semi-arides.
D’autres caractéristiques se dégagent de cette étude, qu’il conviendra d’affiner, si possible
collectivement avec le groupe des auteurs de cet ouvrage, en espérant pourvoir organiser
prochainement un symposium sur le thème des patrimoines culturels de l'eau au Moyen-Orient et au
Maghreb. Notons par exemple la permanence et la très large diffusion du captage souterrain de l’eau
en piémont d’un relief, à l’origine de nombreuses oasis ou de plaines fertilisées. Le nom change
suivant la région : aflaj en Oman et sur les bords du Golfe, qanât en Iran et en Irak ou foggara dans la
partie orientale du Magreb, etc., mais pas la conception technique et l’architecture générale qui sont
les mêmes. Sans qu’il soit toujours facile de dater précisément leurs origines, l’ancienneté de tels
systèmes se compte généralement en siècles ! La longue et forte unité culturelle de la région a
favorisé la diffusion de modèles techniques éprouvés. Le savoir-faire lié à l’entretien de ces systèmes
existe toujours, dans plusieurs de ces pays. Ce qui est bien entendu plus fragile et qui a souvent
disparu, généralement remplacé par des moyens mécaniques modernes (pompes, vannes et
tuyauteries mécaniques, etc.), ce sont les dispositifs hydrauliques anciens : la traction animale pour
les puits, les norias, etc. Il s’agit plus aujourd’hui de sujets d’histoire des techniques que de
patrimoine ; mais la voie des restitutions offre une possibilité de valorisation pédagogique de ces
savoirs du passé. Un autre enseignement de cette étude est de constater que l’abandon de ces
patrimoines, pour une raison donnée (affaiblissement de la nappe souterraine, accident naturel,
changement technique, effet d’une guerre,…), conduit à une situation de non usage et à un
basculement très rapide dans le vestige archéologique, parfois recouvert par les sables du désert. Un
autre, enfin, est de nous montrer la présence de nombreux patrimoines de l’eau au sein des villes et
des villages.

Espérons donc que cet ouvrage aidera à une prise de conscience de l’importance et des enjeux de
ces patrimoines, parfois à grande échelle et aux aspects incontestablement monumentaux, parfois
vernaculaires et répétitifs. Du point de vue du Patrimoine mondial, certains de ces biens sont
reconnus, et d’autre le seront sans doute dans les années à venir, mais deux autres éléments se
dégagent avec force :

378
 1) la nécessité de reconsidérer l’importance des attributs du patrimoine de l’eau, tant matériels
qu’immatériels, dans leur contribution à la Valeur Universelle Exceptionnelle de biens déjà inscrits sur
la Liste ;
2) la prise de conscience de la présence d’un vaste patrimoine vernaculaire de l’eau, mais mal
reconnu ou non reconnu, donc en situation de grande fragilité si rien est fait pour le prendre en
considération.

379
 Appendix 1| Annexe 1
Cartographie introductive au thème des patrimoines culturels de
l’eau dans les régions arides et sèches
Cartographie introductive au thème des patrimoines culturels de l'eau dans les
régions arides et sèches
Sabrina Suaud

Cette étude est principalement centrée sur les zones situées dans les régions tropicales et
subtropicales (approximativement de 20° à 40° de latitude). Nous envisageons tout d’abord
les définitions climatiques et leurs critères, puis nous proposons une typologie et une
cartographie introductive à l’étude thématique, enfin quelques références bibliographiques
générales à propos des questions climatiques et des ressources en eau.

1 Définitions

Un climat aride se présente dans les régions où la faiblesse des précipitations limite le
développement des organismes vivants. Celles-ci sont communément réunies sous le
nom de "déserts" qui se situent pour la plupart dans des régions tropicales ou
subtropicales. La pluviométrie annuelle peut atteindre 100 à 150 mm en moyenne et
reste inférieure à la quantité d'eau évaporée ou transpirée par les plantes
(Evapotranspiration potentielle). Les précipitations sont réparties de manière
saisonnière en averses. Les amplitudes thermiques diurnes y sont importantes,
fréquemment de l'ordre de 35°.

Un climat de type semi-aride se définit par sa situation le plus souvent en zone

subdésertique et la présence d'une longue saison sèche et d'une saison humide avec de
faibles précipitations, entre 150 et 500 mm par an. Il peut être chaud ou froid. On
l'appelle aussi climat de steppe. Ce climat permet la présence de certains types de
cultures et l'herbe constitue un élément important de la végétation naturelle.

Un climat méditerranéen se caractérise par un rythme saisonnier avec un été chaud et

sec d'une durée minimale de 3 mois et un hiver doux et humide. Les précipitations ont
surtout lieu en automne et au printemps atteignant 400 à 800 mm en moyenne annuelle.
On le retrouve au nord du climat subtropical ainsi qu'au sud de la zone tempérée (zone
tempérée chaude).

2 Les critères d'identification des zones climatiques arides et semi-arides

Plusieurs critères peuvent être choisis pour délimiter des espaces à caractère aride
ou semi- aride.

Les précipitations : La quantité de pluie tombée constitue un facteur essentiel qui

détermine en partie la présence de végétation mais elle ne peut constituer le seul facteur
de délimitation des zones arides et semi-arides. Cette pluie peut s'évaporer plus ou
moins rapidement après être tombée et elle peut rester plus ou moins longtemps à
disposition des végétaux.

Les températures : La température est l'un des facteurs climatiques qui conditionne le
plus le taux d'évapotranspiration. Il est donc indispensable de prendre en compte ce
critère avec celui des précipitations pour parvenir à localiser les zones sèches.

Les indices : Il existe plusieurs types de classification des zones arides et semi-arides.
Certaines peuvent se baser uniquement sur les facteurs climatiques cités précédemment
comme celle de Köppen-Geiger qui prend en compte trois critères ; le type de climat, le
 régime pluviométrique et les variations de températures. D'autres utilisent des indices
comme celui de l'aridité de Martonne, l'indice d'humidité de Thornthwaite basé sur la
quantité d'eau nécessaire aux plantes, ou encore celui utilisé par l'UNESCO (rapport
Précipitation/Evapotranspiration). Ils permettent de définir en une formule les éléments du
climat et certains se rapportent à une région limitée.

Les zones climatiques : Les zones climatiques peuvent se définir à plusieurs échelles
en fonction de paramètres divers et variés. On distingue les climats généraux où zonaux,
les climats régionaux ou macroclimats, les climats locaux ou méso-climats et enfin les
microclimats.

- Les climats généraux où zonaux : ils dépendent de facteurs cosmiques et

planétaires généraux comme la latitude ou la circulation de l'atmosphère. Ex. : zone
intertropicale, zone tempérée...
- Les climats régionaux ou macroclimats : ils dépendent également de leur situation
géographique mais ils se caractérisent surtout en fonction de facteurs géographiques plus
localisés comme la proximité d'un océan ou l'influence d'une chaine de montagne.
- Les climats locaux ou méso-climats : ils se déterminent par la configuration
géomorphologique locale (vallée, colline...) et par une situation à caractère particulier
(zone d'étangs, agglomérations, massif boisé...)
- Les microclimats : il s’agit de données qui interviennent à plus petite échelle et qui
dépendent de l'ensemble des caractères topographiques, édaphiques (type de sol) et
biotiques (influence des êtres vivants sur leur milieu) propres à un site donné ou station.

Compte-tenu de notre échelle d'étude, nous délimiterons les zones arides et semi-
arides en fonction des climats de type régionaux.

3 Proposition d'une typologie géoclimatique

Nous proposons donc la classification ci-dessous. Elle se base sur l'étude des facteurs
climatiques précédemment cités à partir des travaux de Köppen Geiger, sur l'indice de
l'aridité élaboré par l'Unesco, sur la répartition des formations végétales
caractéristiques des climats arides et semi arides, ainsi que sur les éléments
géographiques régionaux ayant une influence sur la présence de ces espaces.

Ainsi, le climat aride se caractérise par différents types de déserts dont la présence est
conditionnée aussi bien par des éléments de climatologie générale (ex. : présence
d'Anticyclones Subtropicaux) que par une situation géographique particulière (ex. :
proximité des courants marins d'eau froide pour les déserts d'abri en région côtière).

Le climat semi-aride, quant à lui, regroupe des espaces définis par des facteurs
climatiques et par le type de végétation en présence.

Cette classification intègre les éléments suivants :

Le climat aride, est marqué par la présence quasi permanente d’air sec, le plus souvent
provoquée par les anticyclones, notamment subtropicaux, qui maintiennent une
atmosphère à haute presque tout au long de l’année. Les zones nuageuses associées aux
perturbations sont rares et la pluviométrie est faible, ne dépassant pas 150 mm par an.
Suivant la nature des sols, la végétation est soit carrément absente, soit éparse, faite de
 plantes vivaces éphémères ou annuelles. Le mode de vie est le nomadisme pastoral à
grande échelle, appuyé sur des puits et des oasis qui se regroupent le long de zones
favorables contenant des nappes phréatiques accessibles.

Le climat aride lui-même se subdivise de la manière suivante :

- Les déserts chauds à caractère continental se situent en dehors de l'aire d'influence

des sources principales de précipitation ; celles-ci peuvent être carrément absentes
certaines années.
- Les déserts à courte saison de pluies ; ils entourent les grands déserts continentaux
d'Afrique et d'Arabie ou bien ils sont au centre des régions propices au climat aride mais
dans des zones moins continentales.
- Les déserts à hivers froids sont souvent en position d'abri, c’est à dire isolés des influences
humides océaniques par des barrières montagneuses. Celles-ci agissent en provoquant
des effets de foehn, qui assèchent et réchauffent les vents.
- Les déserts côtiers sont à la conjonction d'une vaste cellule anticyclonique, de courants
froids côtiers et d'une remontée d'eau froide océanique profonde (upwelling). Les masses
d'air abordant le continent sont ainsi refroidies et stables.

Les climats semi-arides ont une pluviométrie annuelle comprise entre 100-200 mm et 400-
500 mm d’eau. En fonction des sols et des conditions hydrologiques et pluviométriques
régionales, les couverts végétaux sont différents et ils forment deux groupes principaux :

- Les steppes ont une végétation clairsemée de graminées xérophiles vivaces ou annuelles.
- Les savanes herbeuses ou arbustives comprennent des formations denses de hautes
herbes vivaces, ou d'arbustes.
- La forêt tropicale sèche et claire comportant un couvert végétal ouvert et assez élevé
mais dont le sol est largement ensoleillé.

Un nomadisme de steppe est possible, d’échelle généralement plus réduite que dans les
déserts, ainsi qu’un élevage intensif dans la savane ou la forêt tropicale sèche. Une
agriculture pluviale est aussi possible, mais elle demeure aléatoire en raison de l’irrégularité
de la pluviométrie d’une année sur l’autre.

Le climat méditerranéen ne fait en général pas l'objet d'une division en plusieurs

espaces distincts du fait de ses caractéristiques déjà bien définies. On distingue
toutefois suivant leur localisation :

- Les zones de climat méditerranéen présentes dans le sud des zones tempérées,
comme le pourtour de la mer Méditerranée qui lui a donné son nom.
- Les climats de type méditerranéen situés en position intermédiaire entre le climat
océanique et le climat de désert chaud.
Cartographie : Situation des zones climatiques sèches et arides dans les régions
tropicales et subtropicales
Suaud Sabrina, décembre 2010
Carte 1 : Amérique du Sud
Climat aride
- désert à hiver froids, souvent en position d’abri : altiplano, Patagonie argentine
- désert côtier : chilo-péruvien et Atacama
Climat semi-aride
- steppe
- savane herbeuse ou arbustive (Chaco, Caatinga)
Climat Méditerranéen
- région autour de Santiago du Chili
Carte 2 : Amérique du Nord
Climat aride
- désert côtier (Basse Californie)
- désert à hiver froid, souvent en position d'abri (Montagnes rocheuses nord-américaines)
- désert à courte saison des pluies (Grand Bassin, Mojaves, Sonora, Colorado)
Climat semi-aride
- steppe
Climat Méditerranéen
- Sud de San Francisco
Carte 3 : De l’Afrique sahélienne au monde méditerranéen
Climat aride
- désert chaud continental (Sahara)
- désert côtier (côte Sud Maroc)
Climat semi-aride
- steppe (Sahel, sud de l’Atlas, Almeria, Anatolie, Aragon)
Climat Méditerranéen
- pourtour Méditerranée : Maghreb, Espagne jusqu’au Sud d’Israël, Benghazi (Lybie)
Carte 4 : Afrique méridionale
Climat aride
- désert côtier (Namib)
- désert à courte saison des pluies (Kalahari, l’extrême sud-ouest de Madagascar)
Climat semi-aride
- climat steppique (autour de la corne somalienne, sud-ouest Madagascar)
Climat Méditerranéen
- Afrique du Sud (autour du Cap)
Carte 5 : Asie centrale et extrême-orientale
Climat aride
- désert à hiver froid souvent en position d'abri (Karakoum, Kizilkoum, Taklamakan (Bassin du Tarim),
Gobi, Thar (Inde), plateau Afghan
Climat semi-aride
- steppe : nord du Caucase, steppes kazakhes et mongoles
- forêt sèche et claire : nord-ouest et une partie du centre de l'Inde
Carte 6 : Le Moyen-Orient
Climat aride
- désert chaud continental (désert de Lybie, péninsule Arabique)
- désert à hivers froids souvent en position d'abri (plateaux iraniens ou afghans)
Climat semi-aride
- climat steppique (Anatolie, nord péninsule Arabique, autour plateau d’Iran, nord Mer Noire)
Climat Méditerranéen
- côtes turques, Israël, Palestine, sud de la Caspienne
Carte 7 : L’Océanie
Climat aride
- désert à courte saison des pluies (centre de l’Australie)
Climat semi-aride
- steppe : autour du désert continental australien
Climat Méditerranéen
- région de Perth (SO Australie) et d’Adélaïde (SE de l’Australie)
Sources
MEIGS P., La répartition des zones climatiques arides et semi-arides, UNESCO, 1951.
PLANHOL X. de, et ROGNON P., Les zones tropicales arides et subtropicales, Paris,
Armand Colin, 1970
PAGNEY P., La climatologie, Presse Universitaire de France, 1995.
MAINGUET M., L'homme et la sécheresse, Masson Géographie, 1999.
LACOSTE A., SALOMON R., Eléments de biogéographie et d'écologie, Armand Colin, 2006.
CHARLIER J. et al. , Atlas du 21ème siècle, Nathan, 2006.
 Appendix 2 | Annexe 2
Les patrimoines culturels de l’eau au Moyen-Orient et
au Maghreb dans la Liste du patrimoine mondial
et les listes indicatives
Les patrimoines culturels de l'eau au Moyen-Orient et au Maghreb
Clémence Grimal, mars 2014 – actualisé par Joana Arruda – Juillet 2017

Evolving Evolving relict

Country Property Status Ref. Criteria Period Short description for properties on tentative list Comments on inscribed properties
continuing heritage heritage
The importance of baths i s underlined in the all description. The
criterion (iv) talks about "public conveniences" we could link to
baths : "Criterion (iv): Timgad possesses a rich architectural
inventory comprising numerous and diversified typologies, relating to the
Algeria Timgad Inscribed in 1982 194 (ii) (iii) (iv) AD 100 no yes
different historical stages of its construction: the defensive system,
buildings for the public conveniences and spectacles, and a
religious complex. Timgad illustrates a living image of Roman
colonisation in North Africa over three centuries."
As all the Roman cities, water was brought to supply public buildings
as baths : "They comprise private dwellings and public buildings such as
Algeria Djémila Inscribed in 1982 191 (iii) (iv) 96/98AD no yes the Arch of Caracalla (216), the Temple of Gens Septimia (229), a
theatre with a capacity of 3,000 places, baths, basilicas and other
cult buildings". But the OUV is not based on it.
As all the Roman cities, water was brought to supply public buildings
as baths : "Within this enclosure there are important buildings
From the 6th century BC to the
Algeria Tipasa Inscribed in 1982 193 (iii) (iv) no yes situated both in the original core of the city and in its new quarters:
6th century AD
the forum, the curia, the capitolium two temples, an amphitheatre, a
nymphaeum, a theatre and baths." But the OUV is not based on it.
The Augustinian itinerary goes through Roman towns with
Sites, lieux et itinéraires augustiniens du baths in particular : example : "-Thagura (Taoura) vestiges romains
Algeria Tentative list 30/12/2002 1773 (ii) (iii) (iv) (vi) Roman Times yes ? yes
Maghreb central sur 20 ha, thermes, basilique chrétienne et forteresse byzantine."

Oasis, wells. "Les oasis à foggaras et les ksour du

Grand Erg Occidental et de la vallée de la Saoura la stratification dans
Les oasis à foggaras et les ksour du le temps de l’action anthropique a donné lieu à un modèle original
Algeria Tentative list, 30/12/2002 1772 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) ? yes no
Grand Erg Occidental d’implantation d’oasis où le cadre naturel et les interventions dues
à l’homme
concourent à la formation de l’écosystème."
"C’est une ville étagée sur les flancs du djebel
Filaoussène entre 400 et 500 m d’altitude sur un site verdoyant arrosé
par des sources d’eau importantes où les maisons bleues,
Algeria Nedroma et les Trara Tentative list, 30/12/2002 1774 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) 12th century yes no
blanches, vertes et brunes forment un cadre enchanteur." => A
water management system may exist.

Artificial oasis. "Ensemble d’oasis unique implanté en

plein erg imposant un mode particulier de mise en valeur (technique du
Ghout) et un système de culture originale: les palmiers sont plantés
directement au-dessus de la nappe au fond de vastes entonnoirs
Algeria Oued Souf Tentative list, 30/12/2002 1775 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) ? yes no
creusés dans le sable. [...] L’existence des oasis s’avère une création
complètement artificielle dont chaque pouce de terrain est
directement disputé aux dunes."

Parc des Aurès avec les établissements

(ii) (iii) (iv)
Algeria oasiens des gorges du Rhoufi et d’El Tentative list, 30/12/2002 1777 ? yes no Oasis with palm trees.
(v) (vii)
Kantara
(x)
Palm groves (3rd century BC) surround the site showing the
command of water by this civilisation. It is mentioned in the Criterion (iv):
"The palaces of Dilmun are unique examples of public architecture
Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Inscribed in 2005, minor From 2300BC to the 16th of this culture which had an impact on architecture in general in the
Bahrain 1192bis (ii) (iii) (iv) no yes
Capital of Dilmun modification in 2008 century region. The different fortifications are the best examples of
defence works from the 3rd century B.C to the 16th century AD, all
on one site. The protected palm groves surrounding the site are an
illustration of the typical landscape and agriculture of the region,
since the 3rd century BC."
The water management system is described : "From the
central terrace a ceremonial stairway led to the subterranean shrine
where water cult ceremonies took place. Halfway down the stair was a
portal, and from there the stair was roofed. The rich natural spring which
filled the pool probably accounts for the siting of the temple at Barbar. Water
Bahrain Barbar Temple Tentative list, 25/09/2011 1570 ? 3rd and 2nd millennium BC no yes poured from a perforated stone jar beside a semicircular stone font at the
threshold of a dry chamber near the basin. From the corners of the shrine
deep stone built channels led the water to the surrounding fields and
gardens.”
 Egypt, the gift of the Nile Egypt would not exist without the
river land its periodical flooding which regulated life, work in
the fields, religious and civil feast days. The banks flooded
by the river when it was in spate were transformed into
arable lands. Before the great modern dams were built, the
average width of these banks varied between 100 m in
Sudanese Nubia and 1000 m in Egypt. ar. The nilometre
according to StraboStrabo (about 58 BC
Egypt Raoudha nilometre in Cairo Tentative list, 28/07/2003 1826 (i) (iv) 861 AD ? yes yes 21/25 AD) gave the following definition of a nilometre:
"the nilometre is a well-built of squared stones in which
are marks indicating the flooding of the Nile.

"Built in the 5th century to accommodate the increasing number of

Christian pilgrims, the Thermal Basilica used to store the curative
Egypt Abu Mena Inscribed in 1979 90 (iv) AD 296 no yes
waters used for the heated baths and pools surrounding the
basilica." No information about criteria.
The water system management is not expressed in the approved
criteria but is described : "A constant supply of fresh water is
provided by the Fountain of Moses, which taps an underground
spring. The monks' cells are disposed along the inner faces of the
Egypt Saint Catherine Area Inscribed in 2002 954 (i) (iii) (iv) (vi) 6th century yes no ?
walls. Outside the walls is the triangular monastery garden, created
over many years by the monks, who brought soil here and made
thanks to store water for irrigation. Adjoining the garden are the
cemetery and charnel house."
The water management system makes agriculture
possible: "This vegetation type is most pronounced
(vii) (viii) (ix) (x) around ditches, rice fields, wells, and in drains and
Southern and Smaller Oases, the
Egypt Tentative list, 12/06/2003 1808 ==> natural ? yes no pools." for example.
Western Desert
property

"The work was started by Senusert II (1872-1854) and

completed by his grandson Amenemhat III (1853-1809);
the Bahar Youssef was channelled and a network of
irrigation canals was set up. […] Strabo in 24 BC
described how the water of the Nile was channelled and
Oasis of Fayoum, hydraulic remains and distributed and already in his time the system had been
Egypt Tentative list, 28/07/2003 1830 (i) (iv) (v) 2nd millennium BC no yes
ancient cultural landscapes greatly improved by the Ptolemies, who, in their turn,
undertook great drainage and further development
works.[...] Thanks to the works completed under the
Mameluke Sultans in the XIIIth century then under
Mohamed Ali in the XIXth century, the Fayoum became
once more the "garden of Egypt".
"It is an oasis with old monasteries between El-Banat
monastery the old and hill El-Mhered and El-Tahona
Egypt Wadi Feiran Tentative list, 01/11/1994 195 ? 5th century no yes ?
mount and all these remains date to 5th century during
the Sinai meede of the many monks."
"It was supplied with drinking water from the Ayn Sadr
source which was at a distance of 5 km or through run-off
waters (there was a small dam to the north) or through
Two citadels in Sinai from the Saladin the big cisterns dug in the ground. The building
Egypt Tentative list, 28/07/2003 1828 (iv) (vi) 12th century ? ?
period (Al-Gundi and Phataoh's island) material was basically limestone which was easy to work in
the area and a kind of mortar, found near the run-off waters.
[…] 3 cisterns [...] -a hammam with three rooms and a
water supply system -"
The monasteries of the Arab Desert and "Water supplied through an underground canal from the
Egypt Tentative list, 28/07/2003 1827 (ii) (iv) (v) 3-4th century BC no ? yes ?
Wadi Natrun monastery’s well."
"A 22 m canal situated below the eastern tower brought
water in from the outside towards Qalaa where three
underground reservoirs had been dug to store the
From the 7th century to the water. Other cisterns had been built outside for the
The An-Nakhl fortress, a stage on the
Egypt Tentative list, 28/07/2003 1829 (iii) (iv) (vi) no yes pilgrims and their animals. It was in use until the middle
pilgrimage route to Mecca 19th century
of the XIXth century."

"The castle includes a shaft, which is still used and some

Egypt Newibah Castle Tentative list, 01/11/1994 199 ? 19th century yes no
chambers."
"There were new territorial conquests, a denser
Historic quarters and monuments of population, better and more urban equipment (oukalas,
Egypt Tentative list, 28/07/2003 1831 (ii) (iv) (v) Since the 9th century yes no
Rosetta/Rachid fondouks, factories, workshops, souks, public water
fountains, reservoirs)."
Egypt El Gendi Fortress Tentative list, 01/11/1994 193 ? 12th century yes ? no ? Evocation of cisterns.
The qanats are mentioned all along the description. Criterion
(v): The cultural landscape of Bam is an outstanding representation
of the interaction of man and nature in a desert environment, using
Iran, Republic Inscribed in 2004, minor modification
Bam and its cultural landscape 1208bis (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Antiquity no yes the qanats. The system is based on a strict social system with
Islamic of in 2007
precise tasks and responsibilities, which have been maintained in
use until the present, but has now become vulnerable to irreversible
change.
 Criterion (i): The Shushtar Hydraulic System is testimony to a
remarkably accomplished and early overall vision of the possibilities
afforded by diversion canals and large weir-dams for land
Iran, Republic development. […] Criterion (ii): The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System Inscribed in 2009 1315 (i) (ii) (v) Antiquity (5th century BC) yes yes System is a synthesis of diverse techniques brought together to form a
Islamic of
remarkably complete and large-scale ensemble. [...] Criterion (v):
Shushtar is a unique and exceptionally complete example of
hydraulic techniques developed during ancient times to aid the
occupation of semi-desert lands. [...]

The water management system is mentioned in 2 criterion. Criterion

(i): [...] The creation of the Persian Garden was made possible due to
intelligent and innovative engineering solutions and a sophisticated
Iran, Republic (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) water-management system, as well as the appropriate choice of
The Persian Garden Inscribed in 2011 1372 Since the 6th century yes no
Islamic of (vi) flora and its location in the garden layout. [...] Criterion (ii): [...]It is
the geometry and symmetry of the architecture, together with the
complex water management system, that seem to have influenced
design in all these gardens. [...] In the criterion (vi), it is indirectly
said that it reflects the importance of the natural element "water".
The water management system is explained in the description : "To
supply the population of the city with water, Untash-Napirisha
Iran, Republic made a channel of about 50 km long, leading to a reservoir
Tchogha Zanbil Inscribed in 1979 113 (iii) (iv) 1250BC-640BC no yes
Islamic of outside the northern rampart; from there, nine conduits carried the
filtered water to a basin arranged inside the rampart. "The approved
criteria are not developed.
Iran, Republic The Zandiyeh Ensemble of Fars
Tentative list, 05/02/2008 5270 (vi) ? ? ? Evocation of a water reservoirs,
Islamic of Province
"Soleymanieh Spring in Fin (Kashan) is the origin of life
in this region and generated civilizations like Sialk that
Iran, Republic The Historical–Cultural Axis of Fin, Sialk, (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
Tentative list, 09/08/2007 5187 From the 6th millennium BC yes yes belong to 6th millennium BC and other instances onward.
Islamic of Kashan (vi)
This spring generated Garden of Fin, the most prominent
Iranian garden."
"The property contains of 427 water wells with a length
of 33113 meters and has been constructed based on
Iran, Republic (ii) (iii) (iv) (vi)
Qanats of Gonabad Tentative list, 09/08/2007 5207 ? ? ? different sciences like physics, geology and hydraulics
Islamic of (vi)
and made it possible for the inhabitants to live in such a
dry land that it rains there scarcely."
"Mount Damavand is the highest elevation about 5628m
(vii) (viii) (ix) (x)
Iran, Republic a. l. s. in Iran. It is an inactive volcanic mountain which
Damavand Tentative list, 05/02/2008 5278 ==> natural ? yes no
Islamic of was activated in Quaternary Period. It has numerous
property
thermal springs."
Inscribedin2014 (iv) "A public bath (Hammam)" involves a water
Iraq Erbil Citadel 1437 Since the 5th millennium BC yes no management system.
The underground water-collecting system is mentioned in the short
description and in the Criterion (iii): The three tels are a testimony to
Biblical Tels - Meggido, Hazor, Beer a civilization that has disappeared - that of the Cananean cities of the
Israel Inscribed in 2005 1108 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Antiquity no yes
Sheba Bronze Age and the biblical cities of the Iron Age - manifests in their
expressions of creativity: town planning, fortifications, palaces, and
water collection technologies.
Just as Petra and Al-Hijr, those towns with a complex water system
were made by Nabateans. It is mentioned in the Criterion (v): The
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the almost fossilized remains of towns, forts, caravanserais and
Israel Inscribed in 2005 1107rev (iii) (v) Antiquity no yes
Negev sophisticated agricultural systems strung out along the Incense
Route in the Negev desert, display an outstanding response to a
hostile desert environment and one that flourished for five centuries.
The water system management is largely explained but the OUV is
not based on it. "The palace on the northern face of the dramatic
mountain site consists of an exceptional group of classical Roman
Imperial buildings. The water system was particularly
sophisticated, collecting run--off wat er from a single day's rain to
Israel Masada Inscribed in 2001 1040 (iii) (iv) (vi) Until 73AD no yes sustain life for a thousand people over a period of two to three years.
This achievement a llo wed t h e transformation of a barren, isolated,
arid hilltop into a lavish royal retreat. [...] During the main phase two
rows of cisterns were dug beneath the hilltop. Water was delivered
through a network of dams and channels during the winter floods
in the wadis to the west of Masada."
Israel Degania & Nahalal Tentative list, 30/06/2000 1478 (v) (vi) 20th century yes no A "water tower" implies a water management system.

Inscribedin2014 A water system was managed during Roman times: "Two aqueducts
brought water from afar, and together with local waterworks, supplied
Region of the Caves & Hiding: bet 1370
Israel (v) Antiquity no yes the needs of the residents.”
Guvrin-Maresha

Jerusalem : This concerns the property

"The water source of Jerusalem is the Gihon
entitled “Jerusalem - the Old City and
Spring/Mary's Well that has proven over the generations
Ramparts to include Mount Zion”
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) to be the focal point for the city and its development,
Israel proposed by Israel as an extension to Tentative List, 20/06/2000 1483 Since Antiquity yes yes
(v) (vi) including water installations and aqueducts bearing
the “Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls”
evidence to the changing sociopolitical patterns of the
inscribed on the World Heritage List in
area."
1981, upon proposal by Jordan.
 Since Caesarea had no rivers or springs, drinking water
Antiquity (since Phoenician for the prospering Roman and Byzantine city was brought
Israel Caesarea Tentative list, 30/06/2006 1480 (ii) (iv) (v) (vi) no yes via a unique high-level aqueduct, originating at the
times)
nearby Shuni springs, some 7.5 km northeast of
Caesarea. The aqueduct consists of three canals, two of
which were added in the course of its use. In low lying
areas, sections of the aqueduct were carried on arches
(arcadiha).

Tentative list, 30/06/2006 /

Nomination record "Bet Shean
Israel Bet She'an 1479 (ii) (iv) (v) (vi) Since the 5th millennium BC yes no Evocation of baths.
Archaeological Site" 1120, July
31
2003, incomplete

The water management system is mentioned in the short description

Jordan Petra Inscribed in 1985 326 (i) (iii) (iv) Antiquity no yes
and in all the criteria approved.
The water system management is not expressed in the approved
From the 3rd to the 9th century criteria but appears in the description : "Um er-Rasas is surrounded
Jordan Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) Inscribed in 2004 1093 (i) (iv) (vi) no yes
AD and dotted with remains of ancient agricultural cultivation, from water
reservoirs to terracing, water channels, dams and cisterns."
The water management system and the baths (hammam) are
mentioned in Criterion (iv): Together with the remains of the
fort/garrison buildings several hundred metres to the north and traces
Jordan Quseir Amra Inscribed in 1985 327 (i) (iii) (iv) 8th century no ? no of agricultural water catchment works, the fresco-painted bath
building with its reception hall and adjacent well, tank and water-
lifting hydraulic system, drainage pipes and cesspool represent an
outstanding example of an Umayyad desert establishment.
"The site was supplied with a water system while
additional water was brought to the area by the
Jordan Abila City (Modern Qweilbeh) Tentative list, 18/06/2001 1557 (i) (iii) (iv) Antiquity no yes Khureibah aqueduct. From the spring, two aqueducts
traveled along the west side of the Wadi Qweilbeh and
brought water into the center of the city."
"Over a kilometre to the east, across the airport highway,
is the 400-metre-long, 4.3-metre-thick stone dam built
by the Umayyad inhabitants of Qastal to store nearly two
million cubic metres of rainwater for irrigation. About
a kilometre north-west of the palace, at the edge of the
modern village of Qastal, is the large reservoir measuring
30x22 metres and 6.5 metres deep, with a capacity of
Jordan Al-Qastal Settlement Tentative List, 18/06/2001 1550 (i) (iii) (iv) Umayyad Period no yes 4,000 cubic metres. It was formed from the quarry which
supplied Qastal's building stones for the palace, mosque
and dam. In the centre of the reservoir is the lower section
of its original water gauge. Over 70 smaller cisterns
within two square kilometres of the palace provided the
settlement’s year-round water needs. West of the palace are
some faint remains of Qastal's Umayyad baths."

Evocation of wells : "Outside the houses, many shallow

Kuwait Sa'ad and Sae'ed Area in Failaka Island Tentative list, 27/02/2013 5800 (iii) 3rd millennium
water wells were found."
The baths are not mentioned in the criteria but in the description:
"The baths are located in the North-East quarter to facilitate the
functioning and evacuation of waste waters […] More evidence of the
Umayyad dependence on the architectural traditions of other cultures
Lebanon Anjar Inscription in 1984 293 (iii) (iv) 8th century no yes appears in the Umayyad baths, which contain the three classical
sections of the Roman bath: the vestiary where patrons changed
clothing before their bath and rested afterwards, and three rooms for
cold, warm and hot water. The size of the vestiary indicates the bath
was more than a source of physical well-being but also a centre of
social interaction."
Lebanon Centre historique de Saida Tentative List, 01/07/1996 398 (iv) Since Prehistoric times yes yes Evocation of Hammams

Description : "Ghadamès, known as 'the pearl of the desert', stands

in an oasis." Advisory Body Evaluation: "management of the oasis,
whose survival is necessary for an understanding of the history of the
Libya Old Town of Gadamès Inscribed in 1986 362 (v) Roman times yes no
site and for the ecological equilibrium of the city. Special attention
should be paid to traditional systems for the irrigation of the palm
tree grove. "
Presence of baths and fountains in the ancient town : "To the
north, the sanctuary and sacred fountain of Apollo, the fountain
celebrated by Pindar, Herodotus and Callimachus, regroups the
temples of Apollo (7th-4th centuries BC) and Artemis (7th-6th
Libya Archaeological site of Cyrene Inscribed in 1982 190 (ii) (iii) (vi) Hellenistic times no yes
centuries BC), the sacella of Persephone, Hades and Hecate, votive
monuments and treasuries. This cultic zone was completed, during
the Roman period, by extremely large buildings of which the most
important are the Baths of Trajan, restored in the 2nd century"
There was a water management system: baths, canal, barrage…
"The ancient port, with its artificial basin of some 102,000 m2, still
exists with its quays, jetties, fortifications, storage areas and temples.
Libya Archaeological site of Leptis Magna Inscribed in 1982 183 (ii) (iii) (vi) Phoenician times no yes Dug under Nero and organized under Septimius Severus, it is one of
the ‘ chefs d'oeuvre’ of Roman technology with its barrage dam and its
canal designed to regulate the course of Wadi Lebda, the dangerous
torrent that empties into the Mediterranean to the west. "
 "Oasis. [...] Cette palmeraie, la plus ancienne de la
région, compte maintenant plus de vingt mille palmiers
Mauritania Paysage culturel d'Azougui Tentative list, 14/06/2001 1545 (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Since Middle Ages yes yes et conserve encore le système traditionnel de
canalisation et d'exploitation. Ce dernier constitue un
véritable métier traditionnel qui risque de disparaître sous
l'effet de la modernisation. "
The property is not inscribed thanks to its water management system
Morocco Medina of Fez Inscribed in 1981 170 (ii) (v) Middle Ages yes no which is not even mentioned neither in the description of the
property, nor in the criterion, nor in the ICOMOS recommendation.
The palm groves are mentioned in the description. Criterion (v): The
elements constituting the M'Zab Valley are an outstanding example
of a traditional human settlement, representative of the Ibadis culture
Morocco M'Zab Valley Inscribed in 1982 188 (ii) (iii) (v) Middle Ages yes no that, through the ingenious system for the capture and
distribution of water and the creation of palm groves,
demonstrates the extremely efficient human interaction with a semi-
desert environment.
Menara with palm groves and gardens are part of the Criterion (i) :
Marrakesh contains an impressive number of masterpieces of
Morocco Medina of Marrakesh Inscribed in 1985 331 (i) (ii) (iv) (v) 11th century yes no architecture and art (ramparts and monumental gates, Koutoubia
Mosque, Saâdians tombs, ruins of the Badiâ Palace, Bahia Palace,
Ménara water feature and pavilion) each one of which could justify,
alone, a recognition of Outstanding Universal Value."
The specificity of the water management is not directly specified in
the criterion (iv) but is mentioned in the description : "Water from the
Tagma spring was brought to the town to serve the various
Morocco Historic City of Meknes Inscribed in 1996 793 (iv) 11th century yes no fountains, baths and mosques. At that time there were four sets
of baths (hammam), the location of which indicates how the town had
spread. [...] Within are the palace with its enormous stables, a military
academy, vast granaries and water storage cisterns."
Inscribed in 1997, minor modification
Morocco Archaeological Site of Volubilis 836bis (ii) (iii) (iv) (vi) 3rd century BC no yes Only a broken aqueduct is mentioned.
in 2008
Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as
Morocco Inscribed in 1997 837 (ii) (iv) (v) 8th century yes no Fountains and hammans are briefly mentioned in the description.
Titawin)
Morocco Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) Inscribed in 2001 753rev (ii) (iv) 18th century yes no There is only the mention of a "water gate”.
The water management system is mentioned in the description :
Morocco Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) Inscribed in 2004 1058rev (ii) (iv) 16th century yes no "The waters are conducted to the cistern through a system of
channels from the citadel."
The water management system is not mentioned but the gardens,
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City:
Morocco Inscribed in 2012 1401 (ii) (iv) 12th century yes no the "vegetation" prove its existence. Moreover, all the other
a Shared Heritage
Moroccan inscribed towns can manage waters.
"La palmeraie en jardin étagé, avec une diversité de
cultures et de variétés de palmiers, et son système
d'irrigation : foggaras, bassins, échangeurs et canaux
Morocco Oasis de Figuig Tentative List, 30/05/2011 5625 (iii) (iv) (v) Middle Ages ? yes no avec leurs savoir-faire et pratiques sociales constituent
un ensemble étroitement imbriqué de patrimoine matériel
et immatériel à préserver dans leur cohérence."
Criterion (v): The collection of Aflaj irrigation systems represents
some 3,000 still functioning systems in Oman. Ancient
engineering technologies demonstrate long standing, sustainable
use of water resources for the cultivation of palms and other produce
Oman Aflaj Irrigation System of Oman Inscribed in 2006 1207 (v) 2500BC yes no
in extremely arid desert lands. Such systems reflect the former total
dependence o f communities o n this irrigation and a time-honoured,
fair and effective management and sharing of water resources,
underpinned by mutual dependence and communal values.
The water management system is described but does not appear in
the criterion (iv) which underlines the military component of the site :
"The oasis is watered by the falaj system of wells and
underground channels bringing groundwater from distant springs,
Oman Bahla Fort Inscribed in 1987 433 (iv) Middle Ages yes no and by management of the seasonal flow of water. Bahla is an
outstanding example of a fortified oasis settlement of the medieval
Islamic period, exhibiting the water engineering skill of the early
inhabitants for agricultural and domestic purposes." The OUV is not
based on it.
The OUV is not based on the water management system. We only
learn the existence of the caravan oasis of Shisr/Wubar : "There is
Oman Land of Frankincense Inscribed in 2000 1010 (iii) (iv) The 1st and 2nd centuries BC no yes a number of Neolithic sites in the immediate vicinity of Shisr. This
agricultural oasis and caravan site on the route along which
frankincense was brought from the Nejd to the port of Sumhuram
was dominated by an Iron Age fortress of the 2nd century BCE. "

"Site has experienced a history of settlement shift which

from the late 4th millennium has been influenced by the alignment of the
Oman Prehistoric Settlements in Bisya & Salut Tentative List, 23/05/2013 5831 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) no ? yes
BC down to Islamic times groundwater pathways on which settlement and
irrigation have depended from the introduction of
agriculture to the present day."

"Therefore, the main structures in the historic city of

Qalhat are coupled with the architectural features of
Hormuz, as well as the architectural type of certain water
Oman Qahlat Tentative List, 23/05/2013 5830 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Since Middle Ages no yes cisterns in the city of Qalhat are coupled with water
system at Hawra Bargha in Sohar in the Sultanate of
Oman since the Nabahina ruling reign (1624-1744).[...] "
 "The impressive fort of Rostaq is in the middle of a
Oman The forts of Rostaq and al-Hazm Tentative list, 07/07/1988 497 ? Since Persian Times yes no ? large oasis, […] Three towers were later added with
living quarters at various levels and the construction
includes an elaborate access to the falaj system."

"The monastery was provided with good infrastructure

facilities, including water cisterns, clay-ovens and
drainage channels. […] In addition, the monastery was
equipped with baths, consisting of Frigedarium,
Palestine Tell Umm Amer Tentative list, 04/02/2012 5716 (ii) (iii) (vi) Roman Times no yes Tepidarium and Caldarium halls."

QUMRAN: Caves and Monastery of the "The excavated site is composed by a large complex of
Palestine Tentative List, 02/04/2012 5707 (iii) (iv) (vi) Greco-Roman Period no yes
Dead Sea Scrolls buildings, including communal facilities, a sophisticated
water system, a library and a large cemetery."

Inscribed in 2014 "Criterion (iv): The traditional systems of irrigated

Palestine: Land of olives and vines. terraces within the nominated property are an outstanding example of
Palestine Cultural Landscape of Southern 1492 (iv) (v) Roman Times ( ? ) yes no technological ensemble, which today constitute an integral part of the
Jerusalem, Battir Act i v el y r eor ga ni zed i n cultural landscape."
12th century
"The complex was built on a conical hill shaped and
secured by the erection of massive retaining walls. This
Palestine El-Bariyah: wilderness with monasteries Tentative List, 02/04/2012 5708 (i) (ii) (iii) Roman Times yes ? yes artificial mound was equipped with a sophisticated
fortification system, including an elaborate water
supply."

There is a mention of the water management system but there is no

explanation about how it works : "A short distance away are the
Qatar remains of the fort of Qal’at Murair, with evidence of how the
desert’s supplies of water were managed and protected, and a
further fort constructed in 1938."

Wells are mentioned all along the description. Criterion (iii): […] The
Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin site includes a set of wells, most of which were sunk into the rock,
Saudi Arabia Inscribed in 2008 1293 (ii) (iii) Antiquity no yes
Sâlih) demonstrating the Nabataeans' mastery of hydraulic techniques for
agricultural purposes.

Urban settlements and military facts are more developed than the water
heritage. The OUV is not based on it : "Criterion (iv): The citadel of
Modern Times and 18th-19th at-Turaif is representative of a diversified and fortified urban
Saudi Arabia At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah Inscribed in 2010 1329 (iv) (v) (vi) no yes
centuries ensemble within an oasis. It comprises many palaces and is an
outstanding example of the Najdi architectural and decorative style
characteristic of the centre of the Arabian Peninsula".

(not in the criteria): "It was the seat of the rulers who occupied Egypt for
Archaeological Sites of the Island of close to a century and features, among other vestiges, pyramids, temples
Sudan Inscribed in 2011 1336 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) 8th century BC no yes and domestic buildings as well as major installations connected to
Meroe
water management. [...] The water reservoirs in addition contribute to
the understanding of the palaeoclimate and […]”
The OUV is not based on the water management system (there is
Syrian Arab
Site of Palmyra Inscribed in 1980 23 (i) (ii) (iv) From the 1st to the 2nd century no yes not a criterion about it) but we learn in the description that there was an
Republic
aqueduct to transport water.

Since the 2nd millennium There is no mention of the water management system except for
Syrian Arab
Ancient City of Aleppo Inscribed in 1986 21 (iii) (iv) (water management system : yes no hammans. Moreover, we can see basins on the pictures. The OUV is
Republic
Middle Ages ?) based on the all urbanism.

Since the 3rd millennium (water

Syrian Arab Inscribed in 1979, minor modification (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Mention of the public baths in the description and pictures of basins.
Ancient City of Damascus 20bis management system : Middle yes no
Republic in 2011 (vi) OUV: urbanism
Ages ?)
Syrian Arab Un Château du désert : Qasr al-Hayr "Une canalisation d'environ 5,7 km apporte l'eau d'une
Tentative List, 08/06/1999 1298 (iv) Umayyad Period no yes région lointaine."
Republic ach-Charqi

"La noréa est en effet un mécanisme qui permet d'élever

l'eau de la rivière grâce à une roue en bois plus ou moins
grande installée au bord de la rivière et dotée de caissons en bois
qui se remplissent d'eau chaque fois que la roue s'enfonce
Syrian Arab dans le liquide et qui se vident quand ils se trouvent au
Noréas de Hama Tentative List, 08/06/1999 1291 (i) (iv) Middle Ages yes no
Republic sommet, en déversant leur contenu dans un bassin ou un
aqueduc qui véhicule l'eau aux endroits désirés. A Hama les
noréas ont un diamètre qui varie entre 10 et 12 mètres;
certaines peuvent atteindre les 22 mètres. "

"Expression d'une volonté politique la première cité de

Mari avait un plan strictement circulaire d'un diamètre de
Syrian Arab 1900 mètres Elle était entourée par une digue et un
Mari (Tell Hariri) Tentative List, 08/06/1999 1294 (iii) (vi) 2900BC no yes
Republic canal directement relié à l'Euphrate, assurant
son approvisionnement en eau tout en permettant, sans
doute, aux bateaux de venir s'arrêter dans le port. "

The Basin of the Aghlabids and the aqueduct are mentioned

in the description. Criterion (iii): With the Great Mosque, the
Mosque of the Three Doors, and the Basin of the
Aghlabids, not to mention the numerous archaeological
Inscribed in 1988 (minor modification (i) (ii) (iii) (v) vestiges, Kairouan bears exceptional witness to the civilisation of
Tunisia Kairouan 499bis Middle Ages yes no
in 2010) (vi) the first centuries of the Hegira in Ifrîqiya.

The water management system is briefly mentioned : "the

Tunisia Archaeological Site of Carthage Inscribed in 1979 37 (ii) (iii) (vi) 9th century BC no yes Antonin baths, Malaga cisterns" but they represent major
components of the site.

There was a sophisticated water management system

revealed by the excavations of the town : " In proving the
Punic Town of Kerkuane and its repetitive nature of this particular plan, which was taken to
Tunisia Inscribed in 1985, extension in 1986 332bis (iii) Phoenician times no yes
Necropolis be a typical plan, the excavation made it possible to confirm
the existence of an authentic town-planning programme that
gave considerable importance to hydraulics and hygiene."

Roman times for the water The water management can be seen through the public
Tunisia Dougga / Thugga Inscribed in 1997 794 (ii) (iii) no yes buildings :
management system
"Thugga possesses a remarkable assemblage of public buildings
- temples and sanctuaries, forum, public baths, theatre,
amphitheatre, circus, market, public cisterns and fountains,
etc.”

"Il s'agit du plus grand complexe du genre jamais réalisé.

Il associe trois composantes : les captages de quatre sources
principales avec dotation d'un cadre monumental, le nymphée
connu couramment sous l'appellation de
« temple des eaux », d'une grande valeur archéologique, un
Le complexe hydraulique romain de aqueduc de 132 km courant en général à fleur de terre ou en
Tunisia Tentative list, 1702/2012 5685 (i) (iv) 2nd century no yes
Zaghouan-Carthage parcours souterrain et dont de nombreux tronçons marquent à
ce jour le paysage en de nombreux endroits avec des arcades
de plus de 20 m de hauteur, et les citernes de stockage de la
Maalga à Carthage, auxquelles il faut ajouter les grands thermes
publics de Carthage, dits thermes d'Antonin, situés en bord
de mer et qui constituaient le but ultime et l'aboutissement de
l'ensemble."

L’oasis, systèmes et paysages intimement liés à l’action de l'homme.

Les oasis en Tunisie constituent une forme très élaborée
d'irrigation collective et dont la conception est très ancienne. En
Tunisia Oasis de Gabès Tentative List, 28/05/2008 5386 (iv) (vii) (x) ? yes no
effet l'ensemble de ces systèmes d'irrigation est basé sur la
mise en commun et le partage des eaux des différentes
sources entre les parcelles par un réseau complexe de
canaux d'irrigation. C'est ce système d'irrigation collectif et
l'organisation des cultures en trois étages qui ont permis à ces
paysages caractéristiques des oasis tunisiennes de perdurer à
travers les siècles jusqu'à aujourd'hui
The system of the thermal town is expressed in the description
and in the Criterion (iii): Hierapolis is an exceptional example
of a Greco- Roman thermal installation established on an
Turkey Hierapolis-Pamukkale Inscribed in 1988 485 (iii) (iv) (vii) 2nd century BC no yes extraordinary natural site. The therapeutic virtues of the
waters were exploited at the various thermal installations,
which included immense hot basins and pools for
swimming. Hydrotherapy was accompanied by religious
practices, which developed in relation to local cults.
 Criterion (iii): Laodikeia is the home of unique and magnificent structures
dating from the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial and Early Byzantine Periods.
These structures were supplied by a system that brought water from
springs located in the valleys of the Salbakos Mountain eight km south
Turkey Archaeological site of Laodikeia Tentative List, 15/04/2013
of the city. A water line made of double rows of travertine pipes as
well as clay pipes utilized in the first and second water distribution
terminals, demonstrate its excellent hydraulic design. This siphon
5823 (ii) (iii) (iv) Hellenistic period no yes system is unique in Anatolia.

"The water channel which crosses the Colonnaded Street from one
end to another is another important design of the city. Supported with
Turkey Archaeological Site of Perge Tentative List, 06/09/2009 the four monumental fountains and two baths give the city the
impression of a water city for this time period."
5411 (ii) Antiquity no yes

"The use of natural water resources was also carefully planned.

In fact only few towns in the region show such an abundant water
Turkey Archaeological Site of Sagalassos Tentative List, 06/09/2009 display in Roman times as Sagalassos. Water was collected,
distributed, displayed and recycled within a complex network
which is being further documented and studied at the moment."

Bursa and Cumalikizik Early Ottoman "37 public bath houses"

Turkey Inscribed in 2014 1452 (i) (ii)(iv) (vi) Antiquity no yes
urban and rural settlements

Turkey Güllük Dagi-Termessos National Park Tentative list, 25/02/2000 1412 ? Antiquity no yes "cisterns and drainage system"
5409 (ii) (iii) Antiquity no yes
"There are also a great amount of dwellings and othe
civic buildings such as public baths, stores, aqueducts,
Turkey Historic City of Ani Inscribedin2016 1518 (ii) (iii) (iv) Middle Ages ? ? bridges and roads as Ani was one of the unique
medieval cities densely populated."
"There are still remains of the many civilisations that Birgi hosted; such as
Turkey Historic Town of Birgi Tentative list, 13/04/2012 5728 (ii) (iv) Ottoman Period No? yes many tombs, madrasa, dar-ül hadis, mosques, fountains, baths"

"There were certain to be baths, a masjid, a cistern or

Turkey Seljuk
HistoricCaravanserais
Town of Birgi on the route from Tentative list,
list, 25/02/2000
13/04/2012 5728
Turkey Tentative 1403 (ii)(ii)(iii)(iv)
(iv) Ottoman period
Middle Ages no
no? yes
yes fountain, an infirmary, a cookshop, a place for the storage of
Denizli to Dogubeyazit
provisions, and shops."
The Ancient City of Sardis and the "A Roman Bath-Gymnasium complex with its
Turkey Tentative list, 15/04/2007 5829 (i) (ii) (iii) Roman Times no yes
Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe monumental columned Marble Court"

Turkey Alanya Tentative list, 25/02/2000 / 1405 (iii) (iv) Middle Ages no yes Evocation of "the ruins of a Seljuk bath"
Nomination record "Historic city of
Alanya" 2012 withdrawn The water management system and the wells are mentioned
United Arab Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa in the description and in the criteria (iv) and (v) :
Inscribed in 2011 1343 (iii) (iv) (v) Since Neolithic times yes no
Emirate Bint Saud and Oases Areas) Criterion (iv) : […]The aflaj system, introduced as
early as the 1st millennium BC, is testimony to the
management of water in desert regions. Criterion (v):
The remains and landscapes of the oases of Al Ain
appear to testify over a very long period of history to the
capacity of the f the civilizations in the northeast of the
Arabian Peninsula, notably in the protohistoric periods, to
develop a sustainable and positive relationship with the
desert environment. They knew how to establish the
sustainable exploitation of water resources to create a
green and fertile environment.

The water management system appears in the

description but not in the criteria : "Its development is due
to the founder of the Ziyadite dynasty, Ibn Ziyad, who
Yemen Historic Town of Zabid Inscribed in 1993 611 (ii) (iv) (vi) Middle Ages yes no was sent to the region by the Caliph al- Mamun in
820 to quell a rebellion. He gave it its circular plan,
built the fortifications, and brought water to it through a
network of canals.". The OUV is not based on this water
system.
The modern water management system : "Abandonment
of the old agricultural flood management system in the
19th century for the water wadi, the overloading of the traditional sanitary systems
Yemen Old Walled City of Shibam Inscribed in 1982 192 (iii) (iv) (v) yes no by the introduction of modern water supply combined with
system management inadequate drainage, together with changes in the
livestock management have all contributed to the decay
of the city."
12 hammans testifying of the heritage of
Yemen Old City of Sana'a Inscribed in 1986 385 (iv) (v) (vi) Before the 11th century yes no Islam.
Gardens. No more information.
Yemen Historic City of Saada Tentative List 08/07/2002 1718 (i) (iv) (v) Middle Ages no yes Evocation of "ancient cisterns"

" Le vieux suq traditionnel de 110 échoppes avec ses

points d'eau et caravansérails complète cette cité
Yemen Historic City of Thula Tentative List 08/07/2002 1719 (i) (iii) (iv) 15th century yes no médiévale bien conservée. L'eau est encore présente
avec deux grands bassins et son énorme hammam qui
remonterait au 15eme siècle."

Yemen The Madrasa Amiriya of Rada Tentative List, 08/07/2002 1720 (i) (iv) 16th century yes no Evocation of basins.

"L'aqueduc construit sous le règne de la reine Arwa

Yemen Jibla and its surroundings Tentative List, 08/07/2002 1721 (ii) (iv) (v) Middle Ages yes no
apporte toujours I ‘eau des montagnes."

Tentative List, 08/07/2002, Natural

Yemen Sharma/Jethmun coastal area 1727 ? Since Antiquity ? yes no Evocation of hot spring baths (thermal cures)
property