Faiyum, Egypt

Welcome to Faiyum, a city located in the Faiyum Oasis of Middle Egypt. With a history dating back to ancient times, Faiyum is a city steeped in culture and tradition. Originally founded by the ancient Egyptians as Shedet, the city was later renamed by the Greeks as Crocodile City due to its significance as a center of the cult of the crocodile god Sobek. Under the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the city was renamed Arsinoë after the name of Ptolemy II Philadelphus’ sister-wife Arsinoe II. Today, Faiyum is a bustling city with several large bazaars, mosques, and a much-frequented weekly market. The canal called Bahr Yussef runs through the city, its banks lined with houses. There are two bridges over the river: one of three arches, which carries the main street and bazaar, and one of two arches, over which is built the Qaitbay mosque, that was a gift from his wife to honor the Mamluk Sultan in Fayoum. Mounds north of the city mark the site of Arsinoe, known to the ancient Greeks as Crocodilopolis, where in ancient times the sacred crocodile kept in Lake Moeris was worshipped. The center of the city is on the canal, with four waterwheels that were adopted by the governorate of Fayoum as its symbol; their chariots and bazaars are easy to spot. Faiyum is also home to several notable sights, including the Hanging Mosque, Lahun Pyramids, Qaitbay Mosque, Qasr Qarun, Wadi Elrayan, and Wadi Al-Hitan. With its hot desert climate and rich history, Faiyum is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Egypt.