Fayoum is located in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and is nestled at 70 km from central Cairo. Even though the history of Fayoum dates back to the geological ages, it has traces of many civilizations such as Pharoic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic civilizations. It is also home to a beautiful natural environment where 3 stunning elements combine ( coastal, desert and plantations ) to give Fayoum its reputation.
Fayoum is characterised by its natural beauty and its moderate climate all year round, it is famous for its calmness as well. The natural springs, gardens, water mills, waterfalls are just a few places that can be visited for those seeking natural beauty. For those who look for history, the magnitude of ruins range from millions of years ago ( geological ) to human civilization ruins.
Fayoum is also home to the world’s oldest lake, a remnant of Morris Lake called Qarun Lake. Even though plantations surround the southern shore, the beautiful desert covers the northern shore. Therefore the lake area is home to a variety of plants, fruits and even the rare white deer. |
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Desert wheater : the two most common birds that will be seen around al fayoum
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Hoopoe lark : the two most common birds that will be seen around al fayoum
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Barbary falcon : the most efficient bird of prey used in the ancient art of falconry
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Little white egret : its long black legs make this bird common around lake qarun
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Little white egret : its long black legs make this bird common around lake qarun
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Dorcas gazelle : only a handful of this species is found in the al fayoum due to hunting and the reduction of their natural habitat.
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 Nile perch : the waters of wadi el-rayan are less salty which allows it to house other fish such as the nile perch or tilapia.
Sole : : the sole fish is the most common fish found in lake qarun due to its high salt content.
Tilapia : the waters of wadi el-rayan are less salty which allows it to house other fish such as the nile perch or tilapia.
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Egyptian mongoose : typical species of the desert.
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Sahara horned viper : hiding in the desert sands, the sahara horned viper awaits its prey of rodents and birds.
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Changeable agama : the changeable agama is an insect-eating lizard that camouflages itself perfectly in the desert.
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Animal life
The Fayoum oasis is a shelter to many species of animals from birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles. |
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Plant life
The plant life in the Fayoum region is interesting for its variety, including plants that grow in lake environments as well as plants common to the desert and cultivated areas.
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Acacias : among the native plants in the al fayoum area is the acacias. On these trees grow bright yellow flowers.
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Date palms : the fruitful date palm trees are also among the native plants of the al fayoum area.
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Salicornia : one of the few plants that grow in salty conditions is the salicornia, which is the most abundant plant along lake qarun, commonly known in arabic as rimth.
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A fayoum portrait
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 The pyramid of lahun.
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 Sobek the crocodile god.
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History
Although its presence goes as far back as the Pre-dynastic Period, The Fayoum region gained its importance during the Middle Kingdom.
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