Galen Clarke

Watershed

galenclark — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:09:43 +0000

The Fertile Well

galenclark — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:42:00 +0000

The village of Misfat receives all of its drinking and agricultural water from a system known as a falaj, a complex network of channels and waterways that run from a central spring above the town known locally as the fertile well. As the whakeal, or caretaker of the falaj, Suleman al Abri is one of the most respected elders of the village. He is responsible for its maintenance and organizing the time-sharing program that allows each plot to receive its share of the water.

Delma Island

galenclark — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:54:35 +0000

The seafaring heritage of Delma Island extends back to its days as the pearl diving capital of the world. Now, the dhows of Delma set out each night in search of fish. They use traditional fish traps woven from metal wire as well as modern nets to sustain the livelihoods of the tiny island population.

Half Full, Half Empty

galenclark — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:50:17 +0000

Kibbutz Sde Boker, the desert home of David Ben-Gurion, lies in the center of the Negev Desert and requires water to be piped in from Tel Aviv and a sophisticated drip-irrigation system for its crops to flourish. By contrast, the Palestinian town of Jiflic sits on one of the regions largest underground water supplies yet has no means of utilizing this precious resource.

A Flooded Future

galenclark — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:00:41 +0000

Time is running out for Hasankeyf, one for the oldest and most important cites of the Kurdish people in Turkey. When construction on the Illisu dam is complete, water from the Tigress River will flood the ancient city and its networks of caves carved into the cliffside. For now, it remains a popular destination for Turkish tourists.

Family Beach

galenclark — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 22:13:25 +0000

South of the coastal town of Dibba, a stretch of beach know locally as “Family Beach” is one of the country’s most popular holiday spots. During the Eid and National Day holidays, hundreds of families flock to the area to set up tents, ride quad bikes, swim and picnic.

The Falcon Hunter

galenclark — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:52:01 +0000

In the waters off Abu Dhabi is a small empty island where Ibrahim Ali Shams spends his days in a blind just large enough for him to sit up in. Peering through small holes cut in the canvas, he waits for falcons to swoop down on the pigeon he uses as bait and traps them in nets. Falconry’s long tradition is a major part of Arab culture and is growing in popularity as more find the means to peruse it.

Dubai Abras

galenclark — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:11:28 +0000

Once the only way to cross the creek, the abras in Dubai still serve as a practical form of transportation as well as a popular tourist activity. Early morning rush hour can see as many as 20 passengers on one boat making the crossing between Deira and Bur Dubai for only one dirham. For 50 dirhams, abras can be rented for private scenic tours.

Nahwa Enclave

galenclark — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:31:50 +0000

What makes the small farming village of Nahwa unique is that it is a rare double-enclave. Nahwa, which is part of the emirate of Sharjah, is entirely surrounded by the Omani enclave of Madha. Life in Nahwa used to revolve around the wells and natural springs that feed its agricultural industry. Today, better roads allow for greater contact with the rest of the emirates and now many people commute to nearby cities.

Hatta Pools

galenclark — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:20:08 +0000

A wadi hidden in the mountains near Hatta is a popular weekend swimming and picnic area for locals and visitors. A slot canyon with smooth stone walls and deep clear water offers a respite from the sweltering desert heat.