Some historical discoveries emerge from archaeological excavations. Others are found buried in archives, forgotten by generations. Such is the story of the Map of Fayoum of 1844 – 1260 AH, a remarkable document that disappeared from public knowledge for many years.
Published only once, in 1950, in an edition of merely one thousand copies, the map never entered mainstream historical or scientific discourse. Today, through this article, we are pleased to make a high-quality digital scan of this extraordinary document freely available to scholars, researchers, students, and all those interested in the history of Fayoum and Egyptian cartography.
Category Archives: Cultural Heritage of Fayoum
Culture and Art of Fayoum,Egypt
The Legend of Kiman Faris
Translated by R. Neil Hewison
The legend of Kiman Faris was handed down by word of mouth through many generations. The following stories were collated to form this magical supernatural tale. It is a tale of love, revenge, magic and destruction!
Continue reading The Legend of Kiman FarisThe Story of the Fayoum Pottery Book
Published by the American University in Cairo Press, the Fayoum Pottery book by Mr. Neil Hewison is a lavishly illustrated book with over 150 full-color photographs of unique designs and rare methods, providing an in-depth look at the pottery produced in the Fayoum. The book reveals the stories of the three villages and the skilled potters who make their living in Fayoum, looking at how they learned their trade and how they work, from the preparation of the clay to the formation of the pots on the wheel or by hand, to the decoration, the glazing, and the firing, and finally to the display or distribution and sale of the finished product.
Continue reading The Story of the Fayoum Pottery BookHamdi Saif al Nasr House

The house is located on a long a small peninsula of land called Abu Neema projecting into Lake Qaroun in Fayoum. Owned by Hamdi Pasha Saif Al Nasr who was Egypt’s former minister of defense during the time of king Farouk, the house was intended to be used during the landlord’s periodic visits to his estate here.
Continue reading Hamdi Saif al Nasr HouseFayoumi Handicrafts
Fayoumi Handicrafts is a local initiative to preserve and promote Fayoum governorate local handicrafts. It is Fayoum’s first online market place specialized in selling bulk and customized handicrafts.
Continue reading Fayoumi Handicrafts