Dakhla Oasis is one of the most beautiful oases of Egypt lying northwest of Kharga
and 310 km southeast of Farafra. It is the farthest oasis from the capital city
of Cairo.
Dakhla Oasis in the earlier times was a very lush green region filled with
orchards field and a vast lake but soon this wet era passed and what left was
the remains of the sand. With the advancement of Western desert region most
of the people of Dakhla Oasis migrated from south to the east leaving their
ancient treasure to the hands of never fulfilled desert.
The oldest inscription excavated here dated to the reign of Teti king belonging
to Old Kingdom period. Little evidences of Ptolemaic era have also been discovered
from the sites excavated in Oasis. Among the remains most of the objects belong
to the roman period. Roman farms, villages and cemeteries have been found throughout
the Oasis.
A rose-colored rock wall on its northern horizon dominates Dakhla Oasis. Mut,
the capital of Dakhla Oasis houses Museum of Inheritance. Museum of Inheritance
is a traditional house that displays different aspects of Dakhlan cultural and
social life.
Another destination of Dakhla Oasis is Al-Kasr located about 35 km away from
Mut. Al-Kasr was originally a Roman settlement that became capital of Dakhla
in medieval time. The old town of Al-Kasr is a mud-walled labyrinth including
separate houses. There is also an Ayyubid mosque. For a wonderful view of the
Dakhlan area climb the rooftop of the 10th century madrassa.
Along with the ancient remains of Dakhla Oasis, one can also see Al-Muzawaka
tombs belonging to 1st century and Deir al Hagar, a temple dedicated to Theban
Triad. There is also a picnic spot on the road back to Mut known by the name
of Bir al-Gabel.
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