THE ROLE OF QANAT IN THE WATER SUPPLY SISTEM OF AZERBAIJAN

Historically, multifaceted irrigation systems (ditches, springs, wells, pools, ponds, etc.) were created in the territory of Azerbaijan. Qanat (kahriz), which is an artificial irrigation system, is one of the most valuable inventions of mankind. The qanat system, which mainly provides the transportation of water from the mountainous area to another place, has expanded due to the development of urban culture. Along with the beautification of the cities, the qanat system influenced their social planning. Artisan workshops were located near the qanat and suburban gardens and fields were planted.The qanat system, which has been formed since ancient times in different areas of the world, including Azerbaijan, is an indicator of the formation of agriculture, sedentary life and urban culture in the country. Archaeological excavations of the last period in Azerbaijan confirmed the spread of the qanat system mainly in the period after the Arab invasions. Nakhchivan, Karabakh, Ganja, Gazakh, etc. Although many of the qanat in the areas are not used now, ethnographic studies show that the qanat culture is still preserved in some cities (Ordubad and others). The main purpose of the research is to study the ancient water supply system and thereby investigate the lifestyle and cultural heritage of the people. While conducting the research, the kahriz system was introduced in a number of cities (Ordubad, Nakhchivan, Ganja, etc.) and the importance of kahriz in the daily life of the population was studied. Along with ethnographic observations, surveys were conducted among the population. The article used medieval sources (Hamdullah Qazvini, Nadir Mirza Qajar, Hindushah Nakhchivani, etc.), works of European authors (E. Polak, J. Brown, etc.) and modern research.