Lake of Qarun Birket Qarun

The northeast part of the Fayyum Oasis is occupied by the Birket Qarun, the Lake of Qarun (the Korah of Numbers 16:1), which is the surviving part of the much larger Lake Moeris of ancient times. It is almost 30mi/50km long from east to west, with a maximum width of 6mi/10km; the average depth is 13-16ft/4-5m, but in places the depth reaches 50-60ft/ 15-18m. The north side of the lake is barren and enclosed by hills rising to a considerable height; the south side is flat, and in many places intensively cultivated right up to the water's edge.

The greenish water is slightly brackish and unsuitable for drinking. Bathing in the lake is not possible because of the thick layer of ooze on the bottom. There is a remarkable variety of bird life around the shoresof the lake, and it is well stocked with fish. Accordingly the local people gain much of their subsistence from wild fowling and fishing.