When Egypt was under the Turkish rule, El Qalamon (Qalamoun) was the capital of El Dakhla Oasis where military forces were mobilized to maintain security. Located near Mut, the well-preserved village comprises a mosque and a number of houses distinguished with the Islamic style of the same period. Today, the small village is still inhabited with the simple local people who adore the graceful golden sand dunes and the palm gardens of the oasis. The village is well renowned for the production of basketry works made of palm leaves and other materials. In a vicinity of Qalamoun are found the Ottoman Tombs, an ancient dramatic cemetery of well-preserved domed tombs that date back to the Mamluk and Ottoman Periods.