Biggest of all Hama's norias is the Mohamediya, with a diameter of about 60 feet. It dates back to the 14th century (though the wheel and axle would have been replaced several time in that period) and once supplied water for ritual washing by worshippers in the Grand Mosque. The noise from the wooden axle running in it's wooden block is quite incredible - if I ever get my soundcard working I'll upload some of the recordings I made.