by Radwa Emad
As you are driving through the North-western part of the province of Fayoum, about 27 km away, and at the entrance of a small village called “Shakshok” you will see fishermen at work on Caroun Lake. It is one of the hugest and deepest natural lakes in Egypt, with some spots reaching 100 meters deep. This wonderful lake with a weird history has a lot of stories to be told that could fill hundreds of books. So, what are the secrets behind this lake?
The story behind Caroun Lake is mentioned in Al Quran. Caroun was one of Prophet Mosa’s people, who used to live in the area. He was a scientist that God gave the ability to transform sand to treasure. He collected a huge fortune from this, though the keys to the room where he collected his fortune were hard to be held by 10 strong men in those days. Caroun was teasing his people by walking around with his fortune and gold knitted clothes every day, without extending a helping hand. The wise men told him times and times that he had to help the poor, but he wouldn’t listen. One day while he was walking by the market, God punished him for not helping the poor and denying the power HE gave him. And from then on, the lake bore his name.
Fishermen work there in a very systematic and organized way. They are divided into 11 rings along the lake; each ring has a commander who manages the work. These commanders are chosen after elections, fishermen elect who they love, trust and the most educated one among the candidates. These elected commanders are there to solve the fishermen’s problems, and provide them with services. These commanders are called members of Caroun Lake Community, who are responsible for fishermen who use and store their own boats in the designated areas.
The ring I planned to stop at and see how it works, was the responsibility of Mr. Samir Al Shora, a member of the fishermen community of Caroun Lake. He started explaining what exactly he was doing for the fishermen. Every day he gives them a bill with the weight and the price, for each LE 100 the fisherman receives LE 5, and the rest is kept for him in the community fund, indeed the fisherman can ask for this money any time he wants. For each LE 100, the fishermen community reserved LE 10 in the community fund; to cover expenses in case of illness or death. Moreover, the fisherman can get them if he needs to develop his boat.
Ayad Eid Mohamed, a helpful fisherman, directed me to his boss, Mr. Samir, who told me how the daily work goes on shore. One fisherman told me that they use two types of hooks: the transparent one, and the coloured one. However, fishermen prefer the coloured ones because they attract fish; whereas, the remains of the sea stick on the transparent ones turn fish away.
Surprisingly, the issue of having a syndicate is of no importance to fishermen despite being raised in an Egyptian TV program years ago. “We have a community which performs better than any professional syndicate,” Ayad said.
Nevertheless, Caroun Lake’s fishermen have problems. The boats’ owners only have the right to receive aid from the community, no developing for the lake, and no support for fishermen.
Stories on Caroun Lake shore don’t end, even though fish buyers can create some of their own to attract customers. One of these weird stories was narrated on purpose to sell fish. While passing by a shrimp’s vendor, he stopped me by saying he has the best shrimps ever. When asked about the reason, he said that “the gold buried under the lake sends its chemical to the fish and other sea creatures making them the best ever.” Although, it is a funny story, it may sell to some people.
Fishing is not the only job available at Caroun Lake. Fayoumees can also work as tour guides, traders, and sailors. So, if you are planning to spend a day use in one of the hotels there, you will actually need one of those tour guides. First, he will take you on a small boat through the lake, and then he will narrate the story behind the lake.
In his study on the lake’s future, Dr. Murad Kamal, Professor of algologist at Fayoum University, explained that it was a reservoir which saved Egypt through the Nile drought periods and famine as the Lake got filled with water when the rising Nile floods and water remained stored in ponds and swamps. In other words, although all human trials to decrease the size of the lake, or damage, the lake is capable to withstand all of that and survive for a long more time. The lake’s level had been stable for about 30 years after determining the volume of water discharged from Fayoum (365 meters) to the pond at an evaporation rate of 165 million cubic meters.
On the other hand, a recent study conducted by the department of Geography at the University of Asyut reflects an increase in the proportion of pollution in Caroun Lake and high salinity. The study which was conducted by Dr. Hossam El Din Gad El Rab, stated that “increase in pollution results in low fish productivity, deterioration of tourist activity, as well as agricultural land salinity.”
Caroun Lake; nevertheless, is a wonderful place for a big or small family to have a day use or even spend a couple of days. They will find all what they want there; relaxation, entertainment, and fun times. Most classes in Egypt can celebrate their weddings and parties in the designated areas. People who seek the best service will find it in the luxury and hotels run by armed forces, who seek fun time from DJ music to eating small meals with friends, will also find what they want. It is a place that has everything, and where you can do whatever you want.
After all the researches done on the lake, fishermen strongly believe in its generosity. “GOD loves the Fayoumees, because HE bestowed us with Caroun Lake and, thus, whatever happens to it, it won’t stop giving us from its treasure,” said Khaled, a fisherman on his way to the lake.
