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Al-Ahram Weekly 30 March - 5 April 2000 Issue No. 475 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 30 March - 5 April 2000 Issue No. 475
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Special Focus Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Waters and legends of Wadi Al-Rayan
Stretching over an area of just under 2,000 kilometres square, Wadi Al-Rayan is located south-west of the Fayoum depression. Its name -- "the Irrigated Valley" would be a rough English translation -- alludes to the natural water springs, warm water wells and impressive waterfalls that provide a visually sumptuous juxtaposition with sand dunes and rocky outcrops. Interspersed among these incredible contrasts are rich flora and fauna.
Wadi Al-Rayan
photo: Emad Abdel-HadiCurrently, a joint Egyptian-Italian project is under way to develop and conserve the area to be completed in the year 2001. However, consideration of the area for use in modern development plans began in the 19th century. During the British occupation of Egypt it was suggested that the valley might be a suitable water reservoir. The idea, however, was shelved in favour of barrages in the Delta and at Aswan, Assiut and Esna.
Only in 1966 was the plan reconsidered. Drainage from the Fayoum depression was fed into Wadi Al-Rayan by underground pipes as a result of which three deep fresh-water lakes were created, one next to the other with waterfalls between them. These are the waterfalls that became so familiar worldwide as a result of TV coverage of the Pharaohs' Rally in 1998. As this year's rally damaged Wadi Al-Rayan's ecosystem, it was announced that in the future it would not pass through the area, and efforts were redoubled to protect its waterfalls.
Wadi Al-Rayan's recorded history stretches back much earlier than 19th century development plans and modern travellers. Local Bedouins believe, on the other hand, that the area was named after a king who was actually buried in the area and that his tomb, overflowing with treasures, remains to be discovered.
Rumours about this trove abounded in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and there was a constant stream of visitors to the area, some of whom made their journeys in search of these riches. No gold came to light; the only items found were skeletons of animals that perished in the desert including the odd camel who perhaps could not make it from the Sudan.
As for buried treasure, it is no more than a legend. Refrain from digging, and don't go hunting falcons: the law forbids both.
