Cambridge anthropologist studies Elche's Acequia Mayor irrigation system

Ekin Kurticor, an anthropologist and researcher affiliated with the University of Cambridge, has visited the Acequia Mayor del Pantano in Elche to study its traditional irrigation system. The visit aims to explore the historical relationship between water, territory, and society within the region.

During her visit, Kurticor met with Paco Pico, the president of the Acequia Mayor community, to examine historical documentation and inspect key infrastructure such as 'partidores' (water dividers) used to distribute flow among various branches and users. The Acequia Mayor is considered a vital piece of Elche's historical heritage, representing centuries of agricultural adaptation to water scarcity. Beyond the physical hydraulic works, the system encompasses a complex social history involving water distribution rules, customs, and community relations that have shaped the local landscape and society.