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A round table dedicated to the history and economic significance of kariz, complex hydraulic systems of wells and underground galleries that have been used in Turkmenistan since ancient times, was held at the Arkadag City Museum of History and Local Lore. Researchers, local historians, and teachers participated in the discussion. They noted the importance of the kariz as a system of ancient underground water conduits that met the needs of farmers, allowing them to bring precious moisture to the fields, as well as domestic needs.

This is one of the historical values of the national heritage, which is important in modern conditions of climate change to identify formations and extract fresh water, and effective water resources management in general. The participants of the event recalled that valuable information about the economic importance and history of the kariz is contained in the book "Turkmenistan - Heart of the Great Silk Road" by the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Experts note that the ancient historian Polybius reported on the construction of kyariz in Southern Parthia. There were many kariz in Turkmenistan - in the Kopetdag mountains and foothills in the Middle Ages. The ruler of Khorasan, Abdullah ibn Tahir, even commissioned experts in religious law (faqihs) to compile a special guide on kariz. And in the 11th century, 200 years after it was written, this "Book of Wells" ("Kitab al-Quniy") was mentioned in historical sources as a useful guide.

Kariz masters dug underground galleries without any sophisticated measuring instruments, guided by intuition and experience. To bring groundwater to the surface, dozens of wells need to be dug for one kyariz. They were connected by underground galleries, which were reinforced with wood and masonry. The kyariz was built for many years, but then, with proper care, it could irrigate dozens of hectares of land for centuries.

Kariz have been operating on the territory of Turkmenistan for more than two and a half thousand years. In some places they still work. In Ashgabat, until the 40s of the 20th century, four large kariz systems operated. Water from the kariz has excellent taste. At depth, the water conduit gallery is protected from surface contamination and adverse climatic conditions.

For centuries, kariz have been the most important source of drinking water, and people say: "Water from the kariz is living water". This monument to human hard work and perseverance is a unique phenomenon of national heritage.

ORIENT

Photo: СМИ