Al-Fayoum

The Origin of the name Al - Fayoum:
- Al-Fayoum was first called in old ages “Mire Wire” which means the great sea because the water used to cover all the low areas in the city. Then it was called “Shidet” which means the Lake.
- While in the Greek and the roman ages it was called “Ber Sobak” which means the house of God Sobak because the area was inhabited by the crocodiles and these crocodiles were adored and had the name Sobak.
- Then the name was changed to be “Arsiuny” after the king’s sister name, and it was mentioned in the ancient Egyptian writings by the name “Bi Yam” which means the Lake finally it was changed to be Fayoum and when the Arabs entered Egypt they added the Arabic definite article to be called Al – Fayoum.
Logo:
- The logo consists of the waterwheels and eagle. As for the flag the waterwheels are drawn due to their importance for the agriculture. These waterwheels are put in yellow frame representing the desert surrounding Al – Fayoum and the background of the flag is green representing the most important activity in it which is the agriculture.
The national day of the governorate:
- On the 15th of March in every year Al – Fayoum celebrates its national day in the memory of the public demonstration against the British invaders in 1919 revolution, that is besides it is the day when the anti-bilharzias disease project started and finishing the Rayan Village project in addition that this date is spring time in Al – Fayoum where there you can find real beauty.
Tourism Tours in Al – Fayoum governorate:
- There are many types of tourism in Al – Fayoum such as the environmental, safari, cultural and joyful tourism.
- The most important attraction factors for tourism in Al – Fayoum are:
* The moderate warm weather.
* Its location is near to Cairo.
* Full of the historical and cultural places from the old ages. There you can find Pharos, Roman, Coptic and Islamic monuments.
* There are many cultural places to visit in addition to the arts and Folklores.
* Also you can see the beauty of nature.
Al – Fayoum Honorable History:
• During the French military expedition: there were two main battles held in Al – Fayoum:
1. Sendmint Mountain Battle: where the Bedouins faced the French army leaded by Dyzia in octobre 1799 and they killed 340 French soldiers.
2. Al – Fayoum City Battle: on the 8th of November 1799 when Al – Fayoum people attacked the French Camps they were 2000 fighters from the farmers and Bedouins.
• Oraby Revolution: when Al – Fayoum people participated in the Oraby Revolution under the leadership of the Rowabby Basha.
• 1919 revolution: the Bedouins leaded by Hamed Basha attacked the police station and 400 people were killed.
Karoun Lake:
- The Lake is located in the North Western part of the governorate, it is considered the oldest natural lake in the world and it is characterized by the important geological components. It contains rare different plants and inhabited by many birds some of which are emigrants and some are residents.
- Also there where some ancient mammals that aged 10 million years were discovered in the protectorate, in addition to the oldest monkey in world and some petrified trees.
- There you can find pharos, roman, Coptic monuments such as the churches area, El-Sagha temple and Karoun palace temple.
Rayan Valley:
- It is located in the south western part of the governorate; it consists of upper and lower lakes and waterfalls area connecting the two lakes. Also there is the Rayan water springs south the lower lake; these springs are surrounded by the Rayan Mountain. Near by the lower lake you can find El – Madoura mountain area.
- The Rayan Valley is characterized by its complete desert environment including the sandy hills, different plants and animals and also some ancient aquatic organisms. It has 15 different kinds from wild animals and different kinds of eagles.