Traditional Water Harvesting Systems in Climate Change Adaptation: Insights From a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Village

Abstract

Traditional water harvesting systems (WHS), developed over centuries by past civilizations, have long played a crucial role in addressing water scarcity in semi-arid regions. Although these systems have been largely neglected with the expansion of modern water infrastructure, they remain a valuable heritage containing significant knowledge and practices that are still relevant today, particularly in overcoming water management challenges in the face of climate change. Although traditional WHSs have been studied across various regions, their forms and functions vary significantly due to unique climatic, geological, and cultural conditions. In the Mediterranean context, small-scale WHSs have received comparatively limited attention—particularly studies that integrate both their revitalization for contemporary use and their historical and cultural significance. This study aims to help bridge that gap and contribute the existing literature by focusing on the WHSs in Barbaros, a semi-arid village on the Aegean coast of Turkey. Barbaros is particularly unique due to its special geological conditions, as the porous soil makes water retention difficult, which adds to the importance of traditional WHSs. In this context, the main objective of this research is to comprehensively assess these systems, by considering the area’s topography, geological features, WHS construction techniques, and local knowledge transmitted across generations. This multidisciplinary approach, combining a literature review, field observations, expert surveys and interviews with long-time residents, enables a comprehensive analysis of the typologies, current state and socio-cultural evolution of these systems. A thorough understanding of these systems is essential to assess their resilience and relevance for climate change adaptation, especially with regard to drought management. The study concludes that, despite their partial abandonment, the traditional WHSs in Barbaros offer valuable insights into sustainable water management and demonstrate their potential as practical models for addressing today’s water challenges. © 2025 Middle East Technical University. All rights reserved.