Functions of Karez to Xinjiang Agriculture in the Qing Dynasty from the Perspective of Historical Documents

Desertification is increasingly serious in Xinjiang, and the construction of water conservancy is a precondition for the development of agriculture. The main project for the development of agriculture and water conservancy in Xinjiang is to build Karez, which played a vital role in the development of Xinjiang agriculture in the Qing Dynasty. It has been recorded many times in historical documents of the Qing Dynasty, such as Lin Zexu’s Diary, Tao Baolian’s Diary, Xinjiang Atlasand Zuo Zongtang’s Memorial to the Emperor, etc., which recorded the situation and historical origin of Karez. Karez made a significant contribution to the development of agriculture in the Qing Dynasty. It increased the cultivated land in Xinjiang at that time, and increased the types and yields of crops. It is conducive to the stability and development of Xinjiang’s economy. Until today, Karez is still an important water source for agricultural irrigation in Xinjiang.