Explore the secrets of Hama's waterwheels: engineering marvels that tell ancient stories
Noria of Hama (English: Hama Noria Water) refers to a group of water-powered machines made of wood, designed to transfer water from one bank to another or to distribute water to lands, orchards, and houses situated along the banks of the Orontes River in the city of Hama, Syrian Arab Republic, using buckets and channels for irrigation. The Orontes River originates from the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon, passing through several Syrian cities, including Homs, Hama, and Idlib, before reaching the Mediterranean Sea.
Importance of the Norias of Hama:
The significance of the Norias of Hama lies in their historical contribution to agricultural economy. They represent an ingenious primitive method of irrigation that played a crucial role in the agricultural development of Hama during the medieval Islamic period and beyond. Although modern irrigation methods have diminished their economic importance, the Norias remain a prominent tourist attraction in Hama and Syria as a whole. These structures held significant cultural value for Syria before the outbreak of the 2011 revolution, with tourist groups and students visiting regularly to witness the grandeur of this Hama landmark and study its water movement.
Moreover, the Norias of Hama hold substantial historical importance and have been subjects of numerous historical research studies related to archaeological heritage.
History of the Norias of Hama:
While specific historical records about the exact construction dates of the Norias are lacking, some sources confirm that they were built at various intervals. A mosaic tile was discovered in the ancient city of Apamea near Hama, depicting a waterwheel, dating back to the 5th century AD.
Nevertheless, some historians assert that the Norias existed since the Aramaic period in the first millennium BCE. Despite varying opinions on the exact construction dates, the largest and most significant Noria, known as "Al-Muhammadiyya" (the Golden Noria), has generated significant speculation. Sheikh Ahmed Al-Sabouni mentioned it in his book "History of Hama," stating: "In the Bab Al-Nahr district, there is an extremely large Noria called Al-Muhammadiyya. This great blessed Noria was built to supply water to the Grand Mosque during the days of our lord Al-Muqarram Al-Saifi. It was the patron of the Hamid Kingdom in the sixty-third year of the 700th year." However, historian Rashid Al-Kilani later clarified that the Al-Muhammadiyya Noria was rebuilt or restored in 1361 CE, during the reign of Ibn Abdullah Al-Turki, a patron of the Hamid Kingdom in the Mamluk era.
Names of the Norias of Hama:
The Norias of Hama can be categorized into several groups: The Bshirat and Ottoman Norias located at the entrance of Hama, known as the Bshirat Group. The Bab Al-Nahr Group, consisting of two Norias, namely Al-Muhammadiyya and Al-Qaq. The Jisriyat Group, consisting of four Norias: Al-Jisriyya, Al-Othmaniyya, Al-Mamuriyya, and Al-Mu'idiyya. Additionally, there are the Kailaniyat and North Qala Group, including Al-Ja'bariyya, Al-Tawafariyya, Al-Kailaniyya (Kailaniyat Group), and Al-Khudr, Al-Dawalik, and Al-Dahsha (North Qala Group).
How Many Norias Are There in Hama?
While historical documents once indicated the existence of nearly a hundred Norias in the city and its outskirts, the current number of functioning Norias in Hama stands at 17. Among these, the most famous are the Al-Muhammadiyya and Al-Jisriyya Norias.
Visiting the Norias of Hama will undoubtedly be a captivating tourist experience. The charm of the city's landscapes stems greatly from the presence of the Norias, and in turn, the allure of the Norias is enhanced by their location within Hama. This landmark has earned its title as the "endless song" that draws people back to Hama, as beautifully stated in a Czech magazine's report about the Norias. The warm hospitality and generosity of the city's residents further enrich the experience of visiting Hama and its Norias.
