Restoration of al-Mamuriya Noria in Hama

Hama, (ST)- Workshops of Norias Department in Hama City Council completed the restoration works of al-Mamuriya Noria in Hama within the framework of the council of the city to restore Hama norias.

Al-Mamuriya Noria was constructed on the Orontes River at the entrance of al-Tawafera neighborhood in the city of Hama.

Director of Norias Department in Hama City Mohammad Sabaa al-Arab said that the restoration works of al-Mamuriya Noria, whose diameter reaches 21m, included parts of the noria which was severely damaged due to weather conditions.

He added that the maintenance works lasted 40 days as various kinds of wood, including Oaks, walnuts, pine and eucalyptus have been used, adding that the works were carried out by specialized workshops.

Built on the banks of the Orontes River, the norias (wheels of pots) became a symbol of the city of Hama and are part of an ancient irrigation system.

These large wooden wheels were called “the most splendid norias ever constructed” and only 17 of the original ancient hydraulic structures remain, each of these magnificently engineered wheels has its own name.

The biggest and most famous noria is known as al-Muhammadia Noria. The norias are unique both in their size and age and they were built to carry water into the city.

Haifaa Mafalani