What is a falaj?

A falaj in Oman refers to water that runs through a channel dug in the earth with the source of water being groundwater. The plural of the word ‘falaj’ used in Oman is ‘aflaj’, which is a comprehensive term used to denote a system of irrigation.

Types of falaj

Dawoodi Falaj: These are long channels dug underground that are several kilometers long. Their depth usually reaches up to tens of meters, so water can be present in these channels all year. The most important of these falaj are: Falaj Al Khatmayn (or Khatmeen) and Falaj Daris in A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, which appear on the World Heritage List.  These are basically the same as the Persian qanat originating over 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.

Ghaili Falaj: These falaj receive their water from ponds or running water. Their depths do not exceed 3 to 4 meters. Water quantities increase in these falaj directly after rainfall and usually dry up quickly during extended dry periods.

Ayni Falaj: These falaj draw their water directly from the springs (wells), including hot springs. The importance of these falaj depends on their water quality, which varies between hot and cold, and between fresh drinking water, saline water, and between alkaline water mixed with valley water, considered suitable for agriculture. There is another kind of spring that contains varying proportions of mineral salts suitable for water treatments and therapies.

Source: Abdullah Al-Ghafri, Study on Water Distribution Management of Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman, Ph.D. Dissertation, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, March 2004.

Aflaj visited Feb. 7 – 9, 2019

Falaj Sarrani – Al Baraimi, Oman
Falaj Darius – Nizwa, Oman
Falaj Khatmeen – Birket Al Mouz, Oman
Falaj Al Malki – Izki, Oman
Falaj Farfarah – Bidbid, Oman
Falaj Al Khaudh Village – near Muscat, Oman

Falaj Sarrani – Al Baraimi, Oman

Entrance

Talib and Susi Mays

 

 

 

 

 

Falaj Daris – Nizwa, Oman

 

Falaj Khatmeen – Birket Al Mouz, Oman

 

Falaj Al Malki – Izki, Oman

 

Falaj Farfarah – Bidbid, Oman

 

 

Falaj Al Khaudh Village – near Muscat, Oman