Recovery and Conservation of Traditional Water Mills in Wadi Arjan, Jordan

Hamzeh Miqdady (Jordan University of Science and Technology)
Bushra Obeidat (Jordan University of Science and Technology)

In recent years, the reuse of built industrial heritage like old factories and mills has been a common practice in a growing number of cities around the world. These buildings/sites represent the biggest and most visible symbols of the great industrial past, as well as serve as monuments of social and cultural identities. This work is established on the physical analysis of an area dotted by interesting water mills, water springs, and natural elements. It focuses on the recognition of the cultural value of Wadi Arjan's water mills and its role in the production cycle mainly related to the wheat grinding. Today little traces remain for the watermills. This heritage, if rediscovered, conserved and enhanced, may play an essential role in the area's socio- economic regeneration. In this sense, this study aims to bring out the historical origins of watermills, to identify its typological and building characteristics and to provide a comprehensive knowledge framework. This set of information can be used to assess the state of conservation, and a tool for the development of recovery and re-use proposals.