Tour Egypt presents the Fayoum Oasis in Egypt
About the Area
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.
Obelisk of Senusert
Notation: Many of the monuments, sightseeing, accommodations and
amenities listed may be some distance from Medinet El-Fayoum itself.
Due to the canals, in the area, Medinet El-Fayoum has been called
the Venice of Egypt. The city of close to half a million people was
first known as Crocodilopolis, and later Arsinoe, and has a
substantial Coptic presence. It is the capital of the province and
lies at the center of the depression, and also the transportation
network of the area. All of the canals, roads, and train rails in the
Fayoum converge at Medinet El-Fayoum, including the famous Joseph's
Canal, though to have been built by the biblical Joseph.
The city's dominate attractions are the water wheels built by the
Greek settlers, the canals, and the Obelisk which stands at the city's
northern entrance and was erected in honor of Senwosret I (12th
Dynasty). This monument was originally found in two pieces during the
18th century and was recently reconstructed and erected in the City.
It is thought to be the only Obelisk in Egypt with a rounded top, and
has a cleft where a golden statue of Ra was originally placed.
The canal is the main avenue for most commerce in the city. The
covered market place and the adjacent street of gold smiths found
across the 4th bridge to the west of the central tourist office, are
worth a visit .
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.
http://www.touregypt.net/fayoum.htm
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