ABOUT SHADUF

Shaduf members at the kick-off meeting in Brussels, 2004

The SHADUF Project officially began on 1st July, 2004. The first meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium on 9th July, 2004. Four follow-up meetings were held in Adrar (Algeria), Valencia (Spain), Brussels (Belgium), and Florence (Italy). In addition, a dissemination event and a SHADUF meeting took place in Crete on the occasion of the 1st IWA International Symposium on “Water and Wastewater Technologies in Ancient Civilizations”, 28-30 October 2006, Iraklio, Greece. The final meeting is scheduled to take place in Cairo (Egypt), in September 2007.

The project aims to create a database of traditional techniques and to focus attention on the rich and diverse water harvesting, water irrigation and wastewater-related heritage in the Mediterranean region. It also aims to provide a model of how archaeological data, integrated with historical information and traditional knowledge, can be used to build a new awareness of the role of water and wastewater in contemporary society and nature. This approach will integrate a long-term understanding of water management with efforts to establish sustainable development strategies.

Thematic Objectives

Water delivery system, Petra, Jordan

The objectives of the SHADUF project include:

  • The preparation of a DATABASE of the case studies in each country with entries related to archaeological, historical, technical, hydrological, ecological and socioeconomic parameters.
  • Evaluation of the SUSTAINABILITY of current water management activities
  • Characterization of the archaeological and historical (‘monumental’) value, character and cultural significance of water heritage sites and proposals for a strategy for RESTORATION.
  • Recommendations for the valorization of water heritage by increasing public awareness, and promoting cultural and eco-tourism.


The operation of the projects follows a Work Plan based on Work Packages and deliverables every 6 months. Key elements of the work plan are summarized in the following chart (prepared by Prof. Fekri Hassan). Click here for the Master Workplan and the Project Planning: Time-table 1, Time-table 2, and The Work Packages.

Case Studies from different countries have been selected to highlight the range of water harvesting systems in the Mediterranean region:

  • The use of the Shaduf water lifting device in the middle of the Sahara in south-western Algeria (USTO and SUD TIMMI)
  • Water management of khettaras (foggaras) in Morocco (UMI).
  • Ancient Nabatean water harvesting and delivery systems in Petra, Jordan (PNT).
  • Underground tunnels and aqueducts in Jerusalem & their historical use and modifications, Palestine (VIA MARIS).
  • Traditional water management systems in Egypt (CULTNAT)
  • Historical water, drainage, and wastewater technologies in Crete, Greece (NAGREF).
  • Water harvesting and managing rainfall in urban ecosystems in Italy (IPOGEA)

Innovations and Originality

The project has already taken numerous innovative approaches and has made original discoveries in the domain of traditional water management. It has initiated the development of the first comprehensive database of water harvesting systems. This will provide the basis for a bank of information using icons for a user-friendly approach accessible to the Public and for Educational purposes.

The project has already brought into recognition ancient water works that have been long-ignored such as the oldest national water irrigation project and the oldest national waterworks in the Faiyum Oasis, Egypt. In Morocco, the SHADUF Project is pioneering the use of GIS-based modelling of Khattara water management systems on a regional scale.

Use of a Shaduf for lifting water from a well in Talmine, Algeria.
Photo by SUD TIMMI

In Algeria, the SHADUF Project is carried out by a team from USTO which is investigating the declining use of the Shaduf along the Algerian Western Sahara erg in the Saoura region, in the area between Taghit and Karzaz, and around Talmine near Adrar (Gourara region). The results reveal that the Shaduf as a ‘monument’ still holds significant symbolic value and that it continues to be used in specific situations as a back-up system.

In Jordan, the Nabatean water harvesting system has been mapped providing an outstanding panorama of complex and diverse water management techniques in an urban context.

In Greece, water management technologies have been identified and dated. The construction of dams and the excavation of wells and cisterns for reuse of rainwater date back to c. 2500 BC. Gravity drains and pipes and long distance aqueducts date to 2000 BC. Domestic water management dates back to 1500 BC. Pipes and siphons were used as early as 1000 BC.

In Italy, surveys have been carried out over the area of Matera, a troglodyte town whose urban layout is necessary for rainwater catchment and management. Research has demonstrated that this accurate ability of water resource management has origins that can be traced back to prehistoric times. The vestiges of the Neolithic villages in Matera are surrounded by deep ditches which have been interpreted as defensive structures. The photogrammetric survey has shown their function as water drainage systems and water harvesting devices.

The European Dimension:

The project engages three European Institutions, EJTN, IPOGEA and NAGREF who are involved in the demonstration of the project and in its scientific management, as well as being responsible for work in Italy, Greece, and Syria. Professor Fekri Hassan (UCL), President of the International Water History Association (IWHA) is also involved in the scientific management of the project. EJTN is both European partner and project coordinator.

Impact:

The project is already having a significant impact in different areas. It has attracted the attention of EUWI (the EU Water Commission), and its results have been included in activities for the World Water Day, Mexico. Several Publications have appeared in professional journals. In addition, articles in newspapers and magazines are providing the general public with a fresh outlook on traditional water management systems.