Ancient Irrigation: Oman’s Aflaj

Falaj in Misfah (Oman)

Yesterday I was reading the book Window on the World to my kids about the country of Oman.  Although this book is almost 20 years old, it still has a lot of good info on people that you don’t usually hear about.  Much to my surprise, I learned that this country is still using irrigation systems with complex tunnels that are 1,000s of years old!

It fit right in with my post on ancient sewer/water systems, so I had to find out more.  Today I spent a little time finding out more about them.  To understand the whole concept, Wikipedia has some good info and I like their long list of countries that have systems similar to Oman’s.  I found a really good Saudi page which says that Aflaj is the plural and Falaj is the singular Arabic name for these water systems.  If you want to study more about them, check out their page (I didn’t notice anything objectionable).   That page tells how the tunnels date back to before the time of King Sargon II of Assyria (c.727BC) since he mentions having destroyed some of them!

Yet again, we see that people way back were smart, strong and knew how to use the resources that God had given them!The Middle East wasn’t the only area to use these tunnels. Western China uses them, too.

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.  Proverbs 8:12-18