Baku - An online course of kahriz engineering for full-time 3rd year students majoring in Amelioration and Water Management has been started at the Azerbaijan State Agricultural University (ASAU). The course which is based on the curriculum prepared by ASAU teaching staff jointly with the IOM Azerbaijan is the next step in reviving and transferring the historical knowledge of the kahriz engineering profession to the next generation of local engineers that will further develop new renovation models based on the new available technology.

The subject is taught by ASAU faculty members who participated in training courses on kahriz engineering and study visits to kahrizes located in Nakchivan to improve their knowledge and learn best practices of kahriz construction and maintenance organized by IOM Azerbaijan. These capacity-building activities were supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as part of the project “Integrated Rural Development for IDP Communities in Azerbaijan through Revitalization of Kahriz Water Supply System.”

In the scope of collaboration between IOM Azerbaijan and ASAU the Kahriz Research and Information Center for collecting, researching, and disseminating the information, knowledge, and experiences on kahriz systems has been opened at the university.

The project also focuses on improving the water supply in rural areas of Aghdam, Aghjabedi, Barda, Fuzuli, Ganja, Gazakh, Goranboy, and Goygol districts through the renovation of over 40 kahrizes – a man-made, centuries-old, traditional water-supply system that does not need electricity or fossil fuel to function. This water supply method ensures the protection of biodiversity and contributes to local communities’ quality of life. In addition to renovating the kahrizes, the project has components that involve capacity building, business development, and a strong engagement with academia.