The Aflaj Systems in Sultanate of Oman: Its Traditional-Engineer Construction and Operation

The ancient aflaj (singular falaj) system in Sultanate of Oman is not only an irrigation system conveys rainfall accumulated water-table (from aquifer) to the settlement areas, but also it hold a unique construction method since millennium. It is believed that the location of Oman, in an arid or semi-arid climate surrounding with harsh desert environment, has led the settlers to develop high experience in the art of water exploitation. Much were written in descripting these systems using Iranian qanat system. Because of a confusion found in describing the construction of the three main component (mother-well, shift and tunnel), this paper used author own knowledge in the aim to clarify such confusion. This knowledge has been gained and collected from the continuous contact with local and the use of wide range of literatures in the purpose to offer contribution in systematic manner with regard to the traditional engineer construction process. The finding clearly showed the Omani construction method for the aflaj hold its own way with accordance to the experiences of the local people.