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  • Things to Do in Alexandria

    City of Alexandria | Alexandria History

    The history of Egypt will tell us that the last great pharaoh was Ptolemy I Sotir (305-285 B.C. ), who ruled over a state, which he named after himself, the Ptolemaic State (332–30 B.C.). Alexandria, established in this era, served as the most prominent and the largest city in the eastern Mediterranean till the rise of Constantinople in Fifth Century AD.

  • Mohamed Ali Manial Palace

    The Palace Of Mohamed Ali In Shubra

    The beautiful archaeological palace of Mohammed Ali Pasha located at Shubra Al Khayma in Qalyubia Governorate is an architectural and artistic historical building since it was built in 1808 after Mohammed Ali Pasha the ruler of Egypt decided on a location for a rest house on the banks of the Nile in the region of Shubra Al Khayma. The Mohammed Ali Palace is set within a sprawling area of 50 Acres. The construction works were undertaken in various stages spanning approximately thirteen years beginning from 1808 AD to 1821 AD.

  • Abdeen Palace Museum

    Abdeen Palace Museum - Cairo

    One of the main components of Khedive Ismail's modernisation of Cairo is Abdeen Palace. He ordered the palace to be built after ascending to the Egyptian throne in 1863. Abdeen, a Chief Military Officer under Mohamed Ali Pasha, retained the residence and preferred it.

  • Tomb of Al-Shatby

    Tomb of Al-Shatby in Alexandria

    As you pass by Shatby Beach and Beram El-Tunisi Theater, and in front of the ancient Saint Mark's School, you will find the Shatby Tombs, which consist of five funerary buildings that combine Greek and Pharaonic civilizations. It is a large tomb divided into many burial chambers that were discovered in 1893, and dates back to between the end of the second century and the beginning of the third century BC.

  • Emperor Diocletianus _ Roman

    Roman Emperor Diocletian

    Diocletian reigned as the Roman emperor in the years 284 to 305 CE. In 249 CE, Roman emperor Philip the Arab was defeated and killed, and after this event the Roman Empire had to endure about thirty years of really weak rulers. The times of Augustus, Vespasian and Trajan were gone for good, and the greatest Empire, which once ruled the old world, was collapsing both economically and militarily. There were incessant raids on the Danube and in the eastern territories. At long last in the year 284 CE, a man came to the throne with a mission to transform the empire beyond recognition. His name was Diocletian.

  • palatine Gate _ Italy

    Emperor Trajan of Rome

    Trajan’s birth transpired on 18th September of the year 53 A.d. in Italica, located in Southern Spain. To his credit, he was of Italian colonists who are immigrants, and even rose in the aristocratic house of the Vlpii (since his name was Marcus Vlpius Traianus). Yet clearly he was a synecdoche to the empire. His elevation to that position of power came with the ascension of the very region he was born in: Roman Spain was at its prime during that period.

Wadi El Rayyan

Information about Al Fayoum

  • 05 16, 2023

El Fayoum Oasis, a captivating and historically rich region located in Egypt, is a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient heritage. Nestled in the western desert, approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Cairo, El Fayoum is renowned for its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical significance.

Geographic and Environmental Features

El Fayoum Oasis is characterized by its distinctive geographical features. It is situated in the depression of the Nile Valley, which has created a fertile area amidst the arid desert landscape. The oasis is fed by the Nile through the Bahr Youssef canal, which was originally constructed by the Pharaohs to bring water to the region. This canal continues to sustain the lush agricultural lands of the oasis, making it a vital area for farming and water resources in an otherwise dry environment.

Lake Qarun

One of the most prominent features of El Fayoum is Lake Qarun, an ancient saline lake that is one of the oldest in the world. The lake, which covers an area of approximately 240 square kilometers, is a key ecological feature of the oasis. It supports a range of wildlife, including migratory birds and fish, and is a crucial resource for local fishermen. The lake's water levels fluctuate seasonally, influencing both the local climate and the agricultural cycles in the region.

Historical Significance

El Fayoum has been inhabited since ancient times and boasts a rich historical heritage. Its history dates back to Pharaonic Egypt, where it was known for its agricultural productivity. The region was considered a vital grain-producing area and played a significant role in the economic and cultural life of ancient Egypt.

Ancient Temples and Ruins

The oasis is home to several important archaeological sites. The ancient city of Crocodilopolis, modern-day Medinet el-Fayoum, was a major center of worship for the crocodile god Sobek. Temples and ruins from this period, including the Temple of Sobek and a number of tombs, offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the time.

Another notable site is the village of Tunis, famous for its pottery and traditional crafts. The area has been continuously inhabited and its craftsmanship reflects a blend of ancient techniques and modern artistry.

Modern Attractions and Activities

Today, El Fayoum is a popular destination for both local and international tourists, offering a range of activities and attractions:

Nature and Wildlife: The oasis is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of Lake Qarun, the Wadi El Rayan Protected Area, and the Wadi El Hitan (Whale Valley), which is known for its fossilized whale skeletons and UNESCO World Heritage status. These sites provide excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Agricultural Tours: El Fayoum’s traditional farming methods and its lush agricultural lands attract those interested in agritourism. Visitors can tour local farms, experience traditional farming practices, and sample the region's fresh produce.

Cultural Experiences: The oasis is known for its vibrant local culture. Visitors can engage with local artisans, explore traditional crafts, and enjoy the hospitality of the region’s communities.

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 Excursionists from Cairo make a diversion to the bucolic region of the Fayoum, where they discover fossilised whales, temples erected in honour of the crocodile gods and a flourishing pottery industry. Millennia before the dams built on the Nile kept the crocodiles away, the Fayoum oasis was the epicentre of the cult of the Egyptian crocodile god Sobek. On a map of Egypt, this 6,000km2 region looks like a broad sheet emerging from the lush banks of the Nile in Lower Egypt. Today, it's a chance to escape the traffic jams and dusty skyscrapers of Cairo and discover a peaceful, verdant land, just an hour's drive south of the capital.

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