Water utilization and water systems in Urartian Kingdom

At the beginning of the 9th century BC, the Urartian Kingdom, which had rich mineral resources, were also in a successful position in construction activities due to their mining and engineering skills. One of these construction activities is irrigation systems, which are of vital importance. The Urartians sought solutions to supply water to arid regions in their mountainous and rugged geography in order to solve the nutritional problem that arises with the increasing population. For this purpose, they built irrigation channels for kilometres long, and they provided the formation of agricultural activities in the mountain foothills by closing the natural depressions to collect water and to carry it to the regions with lack of water. The Urartians observing the topography well, researched for the best locations where water systems would be established, to which regions the system would serve and the routes it would pass to reach the intented regions that the system will serve. The Urartians have been built drainage systems, cisterns and wells inside the settlements while having drainage systems as well as irrigation canals, ponds, dams and fountains outside of their settlements. With the comprehensive planning they have shown, the construction of irrigation systems, post-construction controling, cleaning, maintenance and protection works were carried out within the frame of planning. Utilizing the power of water apart from the irrigation activities, the Urartians benefitted from water in a wide variety of usages ranging from daily needs, agricultural activities, animal husbandry and transportation to ritual use.