Source of Life: Water Management in the Premodern Middle East

NYUAD Institute

In the challenging climatic conditions of the Middle East, providing clean water has always been a significant concern. Yet, ancient cities like Abbasid Baghdad and Mamluk Cairo effectively supplied water to their populations. This talk explores these historical achievements, shedding light on the often misunderstood institutional strengths in the premodern Middle East. The discussion focuses on the diverse water systems in place and the reasons behind their sustainability. Speaker Maaike van Berkel, Professor of Medieval History, Radboud University