Norias of Hama, Syria

(5 Votes, average 3.60)

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Norias, Syria. Photo by Anduze traveller

The sounds these water wheels make aren’t very pleasant, but maybe sound tourists shouldn’t restrict themselves to pleasant listening experiences.

These gigantic ancient water wheels were used to raise water from the river and drop it into canals to irrigate fields. Although I’ve heard many water wheels, these ancient noria have a really unique and distinctive sound: creaking and splashing as the wood is distorted by the weight of the water and the endless rotation. Given that these are some of the oldest water wheels in the world, maybe they can be forgiven for their groaning and moaning.

Logistics and location

17 survive on the Orontes River in Syria map. website

Credits and sources

Site suggested by Ben Moore
Photo, references and sound credits