Uzbekistan’s Dargom and Shokhrud canals were recognized as world irrigation heritage sites in 2026, securing a place in the registry of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).

This status is awarded to historical irrigation and drainage facilities of exceptional engineering, economic, and cultural significance. Today, both Dargom and Shokhrud remain active structures within the water management system.

The 26th ICID International Congress and the 77th meeting of the International Executive Council are taking place in Marseille, France, from October 12 to 17.

The event brings together representatives of water management agencies and national irrigation committees from nearly 50 countries, as well as international organizations, scientists, engineers, and industry experts. Discussions focus on water resource management in the context of climate change, ensuring agricultural sustainability, and introducing modern irrigation technologies.

On October 14, ICID President Marco Arcieri and Secretary General Rakesh Gupta solemnly presented certificates and commemorative plaques for the canals to Erkin Fayzillayev, head of the Amudarya-Bukhara Irrigation Systems Basin Directorate, and Farhod Rajabov, head of the Zarafshon Irrigation Systems Basin Directorate.

Dargom Canal

The Dargom is one of the oldest operational irrigation systems in Central Asia. Its construction dates back to the 5th–4th centuries BCE. For over two thousand years, the canal has been supplying water to the Samarkand oasis.

Spanning nearly 102 kilometers in length, the canal serves approximately 178,000 hectares of land in the Samarkand and Kashkadarya regions. The system includes 146 hydro-technical structures and 12 hydroposts. Dargom has preserved its historical route and its capability to deliver water through natural gravity flow.

Shokhrud Canal

The Shokhrud is believed to have been excavated around the 3rd–4th centuries CE. The canal played a crucial role in the development of the Bukhara oasis and the city itself.

For centuries, the Shokhrud supplied water to crop fields, gardens, vineyards, craft and residential neighborhoods, as well as city reservoirs (hauzes). The history of the canal is closely tied to the historic center of Bukhara, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Previously, in 2025, Uzbekistan’s Dustlik and Eski Tuyatortar canals were recognized as world irrigation heritage sites.