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Fayoum EGYPT :
Fayoum Oasis In Egypt
The Fayoum
is a wonderful area of Egypt with a rich and interesting history. It is
an area where Egyptians often vacation and which is constantly growing
more popular among Europeans. This 692 sq. mile depression was a lush
paradise during prehistoric times. It's water level was eighty-five
meters higher than today (currently 45 meters below sea level) and the
Nile regularly flooded through the low mountains separating it from the
Fayoum. At 215 square km, the current lake Qaroun remains Egypt's
largest salt water lake. The prehistoric people who lived here were, at
first, nomadic hunters and gatherers, but later began harvesting plants
near the lake. This developed into what is said to be the earliest
agricultural area in the world, where fences were erected and guarded
warehouses built. It has remained an agriculture center, well known for
it's fruits, vegetables and chickens.
But agriculture is not the Fayoums only claim for being first. The Greek
mummy portraits found in the Fayoum are said to be the worlds first true
life portraits, and examples can be found in area museums. In addition,
a paved road, which has been noted as a landmark of engineering by
engineering societies along side the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty,
is said to be possibly the first paved road in the world and dates to
over 4,500 years. And finally, the worlds first dam was probably built
here in order to control the Nile floods into the area.
The peacefulness of the area is a relief from the hustle and bustle of
Cairo, from which it is a brief trip. Bird life still abounds around
Lake Qaroun, bordered by semi-nomadic Bedouin settlements and fishing
villages. Here, on the edge of the desert, you can sail, windsurf, swim
and fish. Other places of outstanding natural beauty near Fayoum are the
hot springs at Ain al-Siliyin, where you can bath and the waterfalls at
Wadi al-Rayan, 40km towards Bahariyya, also suitable for swimming and
picnics.
Fayoum is not a true oasis since it depends on Nile water instead of
underground springs or wells. The ancient Bahr Yussef canal runs through
the center of the city and irrigates the land. Only two hours from Cairo
by road, Fayoum is renouned for its year-round warm climate, numerous
water wheels (introduced by the Ptolemies in the 3rd century) and lush
agricultural land. Cotton, clover, tomatoes, medicinal plants and fruit
are all grown here. The local Souk (market) in Fayoum City sells
copperware, spices and gold jewelry and there is a special pottery
market once a week.
Other small villages in the area too small to document independently
include Qasr Qarun at the western end of Birket Qarun and Shakshuk also
by the lake on a bay.
How to get to Fayoum
From outside Egypt
International flights direct to Cairo, then either an internal flight
(see below) or overland by bus or by car.
From Cairo
Overland
You may like to book a tour through a travel agent or hire your own
transport. Bear in mind that desert driving has special requirements and
be sure to get a suitable vehicle and guidance on possible hazards.
0therwise you can travel to each location by bus or service taxi and
arrange trips from there.
Fayoum:
Service taxis from Midan Giza (Giza Sq.) or buses from the Ahmed Helmi
or Giza terminals. By train from Ramses or Giza stations.
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Bahariya Road
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