Qanat Systems and Relationships with Landscape: Van City Example (Türkiye)

Abstract

Water has played a vital role in the establishment and development of civilizations, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Among ancient water management systems, the qanat (kehriz) represents one of the earliest and most effective engineering solutions for sustainable irrigation and drinking water supply. This study examines the qanat systems in Van, Türkiye, through a comprehensive literature review, oral interviews, and archival documents—including 1:25000 scale maps—obtained from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) Van Regional Directorate. Historical evolution, technical structures, and landscape impacts were analyzed in detail. Fieldwork was conducted on April 29, 2025, at the Bostaniçi Pond, which hosts the spring points of two potentially restorable qanat systems. In addition to providing water transport without evaporation or pollution, these systems shaped settlement patterns, agricultural land use, and the formation of green infrastructure. Research indicates that qanat systems in Van, dating back to the Urartian period (9th century BC), once numbered approximately 54 (30 of which are documented, and only 5 remain partially functional), playing a crucial role in both sociocultural development and ecological sustainability. Although many have lost functionality due to the introduction of modern infrastructure, they still exhibit strong potential for integration into contemporary landscape planning and sustainable water management strategies. Traditional knowledge and community-based management associated with qanat systems offer valuable insights for sustainable design models. The study concludes that these structures require urgent measures for restoration, legal protection, and integration into climate-resilient rural and urban landscapes. Reuse as low-energy green infrastructure and within eco-tourism frameworks is recommended, emphasizing their importance as key components of cultural landscapes.

Keywords

• Qanat
• Landscape Architecture
• Traditional irrigation
• Water management

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