Qanat:Qanat:(Kariz/ Surangam/ Foggara/ Falaj)(Kariz/ Surangam/ Foggara/ Falaj)

KARIZ, AN ETERNAL FRIENDLY KARIZ, AN ETERNAL FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY FOR HARVESTING TECHNOLOGY FOR HARVESTING

GROUND WATERGROUND WATER

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Centre for Sustainable DevelopmentCentre for Sustainable DevelopmentCENESTA, IranCENESTA, Iran

M.R HAERIM.R HAERI

How it worksHow it works

Qanat: Qanat: a tunnel ground water a tunnel ground water harvesting systemharvesting system

• An ancient system• Global in geographic

extent and history• Indigenous knowledge &

technology• Still functional and

productive in Iran• Falling into disrepair and

neglect• Victim of the

modernisation mentality

The three work zonesThe three work zones

Different techniques are used for working in each zone.

Aerial view of a qanatAerial view of a qanat (Isfahan)(Isfahan)

The “mouth” The “mouth” of the qanat: of the qanat: MazharMazhar

Planning and SurveyingPlanning and Surveying• The landscape is examined, and then a survey team

does assessment (geo-hydrological, geographic, soil characteristics, agricultural…)

Construction systemConstruction system

Windlass Windlass system for system for diggingdigging(on top of a (on top of a vertical vertical shaft/ well)shaft/ well)

Digging the wells…Digging the wells…

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Water distribution system…Water distribution system……works like clockworks……works like clockworks…

The real The real water water managers…managers…

…”oriental …”oriental despotism” or despotism” or democracy at democracy at work?work?

The cistern (abanbar)The cistern (abanbar)...... A way stationA way station

Qanat: a total system, for rural and Qanat: a total system, for rural and urban areas…urban areas…