International trends
Ancient water tribunal still operating in Spain By Bill Thornton
Many of today’s irrigators understand the necessity to protect their water supply and practice efficient water use. Although technology and practices have changed over the years, this focus on water-efficient irrigation is not new to this century — or even the last millennium. Solving issues related to water can be traced back to the 10th century, as evidenced by a 1,000-year- old water tribunal still meeting weekly in Valencia, Spain. It is the oldest existing institution of justice in Europe.
On a recent trip to Spain to attend a family wedding, I learned about this amazing active historical artifact. Officially called the Water Tribunal of the Plain of Valencia, this court has met every Thursday at noon since the mid 900s. The meetings take place in public outside the door of
the Apostles of the Cathedral in Valencia, a cathedral famous for housing a gold chalice said to be the one used by Jesus at the Last Supper. The weekly event has become a popular attraction for tourists, school field trips and pedestrians who gather to wait for the members to congregate and start their session.
Court’s history
There are varying opinions about the true origins of the Valencia Water Tribunal. Many historians claim that the precedent for a water court was set in Roman times, and the foundation for the one still operating in Valencia was laid during the reigns of two Caliphs (Muslim religious and civil rulers) in or around the year 960.
Valencia is one of the most ancient cities of the Mediterranean coast, and its fertile land is irrigated through a network of eight canals. Crops grown in the area include oranges, vegetables and tubers, such as tiger nuts that are pounded to make horchata, a popular Spanish drink.
The court was originally set up by farmers to resolve water disputes. They delegated a representative from each of Valencia’s eight communities of irrigators to hear disputes between farmers, and this tradition continued after Valencia was returned to Christian control.
1,000 years later
Today’s eight-member court still gathers in the same spot every Thursday at noon to take their seats in a circle of 17th century
Members of the Valencia Water Tribunal meet every Thursday to settle water disputes between farmers.
Photo credit: UNESCO, © CC-BY-SA-3.0 34 Irrigation TODAY | October 2017
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