Al Farafra is a small oasis located in the Western Desert of Egypt. It is the most isolated oasis of the governorate of Al Wadi Al Gadid in Southern Egypt. This is the reason of live in Farafra are still famous until today for practicing their old traditions and customs. It gained the attention of tourists during the last few years because of its unique magic. Also, it is the start point for many interesting tours in the Western desert of Egypt like the white desert, the black desert, and the Crystal Mountains.
The Oasis situates in the western desert of Egypt in Al Wadi Al Gadid governorate. And it is the largest governorate in Egypt in terms of space. It is about 170 km away from the Bahaerya Oasis and 627 km away from Cairo. Farafra also 370 km to the South West of Marsa Matroh and the Mediterranean Sea.
Historians believed that the oasis passed through three phases in prehistoric times while exposing to a set of heavy rains. This was a proof that Farafra hosted inhabitants since the prehistoric era. these rains attracted many Egyptians to go and live in Farafra . Some other historians believed that it was the connection point between the Libyan Desert and the Egyptian desert. With many trading routs between the Western Desert and the Nile Valley, Farafra was one of the most important transit points for the caravans.
The Farafra Oasis had a role in Pharaonic time. It is a small oasis in many ancient Egyptian texts. Especially in the reign of the 10th dynasty in the 21st BC. People called it Farafra as “Ana Akhet”, or the land of the cow as a symbol of fertility in reference to the ancient god Hathour and it was best description as the city of conquest or invasion because of its remoteness. In the time of New Kingdom, there were some evidences that Ramsis II used to import stones from Farafra Oasis to construct his many temples in Luxor precisely. However, no mining locations have ever been discovered in Farafra.
During the Roman Era, the oasis, including Al Dakhla, Al Kharga, Al Bahareya, and Al Farafra were the lands of grains. There are many grains were cultivated in the lands of the oasis. There are some monuments left in Farafra like the Qaser Al Farafra. Or the Farafra Palace and Qaser Abu Monqar and some other rock cut tombs. However, there are also the ruins of a temple from the Roman Era.
Today Farafra has a population of more than 20,000 people. However, most of them originate from the Nile Valley and they went there to work as farmers. and there is also an important agriculture project in Farafra covering more than 10,000 Hectares near a well called Bir Qarawein.
Until recently, all the routes going from Farafra Oasis not pave. So, travelers used to suffer a lot to reach this unique oasis. However, nowadays there is a good network of roads that connects Farafra with other Western Desert oasis and the Nile Valley as well.
The capital and the most important town in Farafra Oasis is the city of Qaser Farafra. This is the most ancient part in Farafra Oasis and in the 19th century. Although it was the only inhibited city in the Western Desert with a population of only 200 people.
Many tourists choose Farafra today as it started being famous worldwide for its quietness and warm weather. People from North America and Europe come to the Oasis to escape from the cold weather in their homeland, and also to enjoy the wonders of the Western Desert.
Due to its geographical location and geological formation, the Oasis enjoys having a number of natural water wells. There are more than 100 wells spread all over the lands of Farafra. Most of these wells used in aggregation of the cultivated land in the oasis. Some of the wells in Farafra, became favorite touristic destination like: Bir Sitta, (well number 6 in Arabic), Bir Sab’a (well number 7), and Bir Ithnian wa ishrin (well number#22), they are the most important wells in Farafra Oasis. These wells are very favorable for swimming and relaxation. There is also a huge lake and a well with the name of Abu Nus located 15 km to the north of Farafra. This area has also become a major touristic attraction as well.
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