The Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman are ancient systems used to collect, move, store, and spread water. These systems were built around AD 500 in the Omani regions of Dakhiliyah, Sharqiyah, and Batinah. They are part of a type of irrigation system that has been used for about 5,000 years in the Middle East. A similar system in Persia was called qanat or kariz. Aflaj systems may include an underground tunnel connected to vertical shafts, which draws water from an underground water source using the same method as the Iranian qanat systems. These systems also always include open channels to move and spread water to people and crops.

The word "Aflaj" (Arabic: أفلاج) means "split into parts" in classical Arabic. It describes how this system divides water fairly among all users, allowing it to flow naturally by gravity from its source to homes and farmland. These systems often included watchtowers for protection, as well as mosques and other buildings.

In 2006, five Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. These include Falaj Al-Khatmeen, Falaj Al-Malki, Falaj Daris, Falaj Al-Mayassar, and Falaj Al-Jeela.

Bombing during the Jebel Akhdar War

Secret information that was later made public by the British National Archives showed that the British government intentionally damaged the Aflaj Irrigation systems and crops with air attacks during the Jebel Akhdar War. This was done to stop people in the interior of Oman from growing food and to limit their access to water. Wadi Beni Habib and the water channel at Semail were among the water sources that were intentionally damaged. Air attacks on Saiq and Sharaijah made farming in those areas dangerous. These documents also show that the British Foreign Secretary approved air attacks without warning to people living in the interior of Oman on August 4, 1957. The sultan’s ban on press visas and the use of Masirah Airfield by the British government allowed military actions to remain hidden from the public.

Construction and maintenance

There are three main types of aflaj in Oman: Dawoodi (long underground channels), Ghaili (shallow channels that use water from ponds and streams), and Ainy (systems that draw water from springs). This variety shows how people in Oman carefully studied the local water and ground conditions to provide water year-round. The aflaj systems include access shafts built every 20 meters along the tunnels to allow air to flow and remove dirt. A unique part of the system is a ring of burnt clay at the top of each shaft. This clay helps prevent the tunnels from collapsing or flooding, keeps the water clean, and stops people or animals from falling into the tunnels. These features show the clever design and careful planning used to make the system strong and safe.

Even though aflaj are very old, about 3,000 of them are still working today. This shows how important they are for farming and daily life in Oman. The care and maintenance of these systems, like in Birkat Al Mus, show how communities work together to protect them. Water monitors, called Wakils, are responsible for keeping the water clear and clean, which is vital for the survival of people living in the desert.