Bahariya
BAHARIYA
A group of Egyptian oases in the Western Desert, located about 217 miles (350 km) southwest of Alexandria.
These oases in Egypt's Matruh governorate were known in the early history of Islam for their excellent dates and raisins. Cereals, rice, sugarcane, and indigo were also grown there. The fertility of the oases is due to hot springs containing various chemicals. Roman temples and Coptic (Christian) churches were built in the oases, and their ancient population probably exceeded today's estimated six thousand.
Bibliography
Fakhry, Ahmed. The Oases of Egypt. Cairo: American University in Cairo Press, 1974.
Arthur Goldschmidt
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Bahariya
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Bahariya