EL-Fayoum
Major Cities and Towns
Medinet El Fayoum
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.
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.
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