Falaj al Misfah: More than a thousand years old and still running

BLURB: Al Misfah is also famous for its archaeological fortress “Al Bustan Fort”, its ancient mosques, ancient houses and tombs, whose ruins still tell the history of previous eras

TEXT & PHOTOS BY: YAHYA ALSALMANI

The village of “Al Misfah” in the Wilayat of Quriyat is famous for its green oases, beautiful orchards and ‘aflaj’ from which water flows throughout the year. ‘Falaj al Misfah’ is one of the oldest water channels that is more than 1,000 years old, and the locals call it “Fraifer”. Its falaj extends for more than five kilometers, running through the green farms.

This falaj is characterized by its permanent flowing water that originates from a mountain spring in the middle of the valley. The channel of this falaj is the only main source for irrigating agricultural fields. Its water is warm in winter and moderately cold in summer. There is also a water spring in this village, and the sources estimate that its daily water flow is approximately 190 thousand gallons. The village springs into a sulfur spring called "Al-Faj", which local residents and tourists visit to recover from some skin diseases.

This village is characterized by its valley, which grows among its flanks many local trees, the most important of which are palm, mango and lemon trees. Water ponds are especially common during the rainy season, as the abundance of water contributes to providing good environments for wild animals and birds.

This village is also famous for its archaeological fortress “Al Bustan Fort”, its ancient mosques, ancient houses and tombs, whose ruins still tell the history of previous eras.

The first thing that catches the visitor's attention is the architectural style of the falaj, which serves as a bridge between the two banks of the valley. In addition, the sulfur water is one of the most important tourist attractions, and the locals express their great happiness when receiving them, visitors who go to this distinguished site from all sides of access, locals told Observer.

The village still retains its ancient architectural style, and is famous for its agricultural products, which it markets in various local markets. Locals of this village hope that all visitors will respect the archaeological and natural sites that are the first points of tourist attractions.