The springs and oases associated with the Abu Jir lineament hold geological, cultural, and historical significance, situated at the intersection of the Arabian Desert and the Mesopotamian floodplain. A linear series of sites linked to the springs dates back to the Sasanian, Islamic, and Ottoman periods. They have served various purposes, including as defensive fortresses, residences, castles, and places of worship. The springs also supported agriculture through networks of canals and farms. Remote-sensing technology has been utilised to map water springs, fortresses, and various archaeological features, including settlements, roads, irrigation systems, and farms. Field trips are conducted for ground verification and site documentation, as well as interviews with residents, particularly older people, to gain insights into the community's recent history and changes over time. The results show that the strategic location of these springs has facilitated the emergence of communities that integrate and adapt to the diverse cultures of the desert Bedouins and the urban population. The Springs community is diverse in terms of tribal, professional, religious, and traditional aspects, enabling it to sustain harmonious relations with both distinct regions—the desert and the floodplain. Several notable landscape features associated with these springs have been documented, including fortresses built around them. Communities often connected springs to increase water availability for irrigation. When establishing connections between springs was not feasible, qanat-style irrigation systems were constructed. Secondary or tertiary canals branching from farms frequently form comb-like, parallel patterns, while long canals from springs to farms create broom-shaped layouts. Springs could support either single or multiple farms, depending on capacity. Following 2003, poor groundwater management and severe climate conditions led to the drying up of most springs and oases. As a result, farms were deserted, populations relocated, and the ancient irrigation systems that had been used for thousands of years were left behind

First Author: Jaafar Jotheri

Keywords:
ancient irrgation system
cultural heritage
Oases
Climate change
water mamangment
Groundwater