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9 - The ‘Urabi revolution and the British conquest, 1879–1882

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2008

By
Donald Reid
Edited by
M. W. Daly
M. W. Daly
Affiliation:
Kettering University, Michigan
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Summary

Introduction

Between September 1881 and September 1882 the ‘Urabi revolution in Egypt tried to roll back Anglo-French financial and political predominance, the Turco-Circassian monopoly on high military posts, and the authority of Khedive Tawfiq. Like Colonel Nasir, Colonel Ahmad ‘Urabi gave his name to an upheaval that challenged the Muhammad ‘Ali dynasty and European power. While Nasir’s revolution was a qualified success, however, ‘Urabi’s failed, ending in outright British occupation and reducing the nominally restored khedive almost to a figurehead.

Egyptian partisans of Tawfiq and many westerners have dismissed the ‘Urabi movement as a mere military revolt. It is called a revolution here to emphasize the movement’s extensive civilian involvement and social depth. For some, a failed revolution is by definition only a rebellion or a revolt. But if we are to continue calling the failed upheavals of Europe in 1848 and Russia in 1905 revolutions, there is no reason to single out the ‘Urabi movement for demotion to “revolt.”

The military demonstration at ‘Abdin palace on September 9, 1881 began the revolution, forcing the khedive to dismiss Mustafa Riyad’s cabinet. Wealthy landed notables from the previous majils shura al-nuwwab (hereafter, the chamber) sanctioned the army’s move in advance, and people from a range of social backgrounds quickly lent their support.

The slogan “Egypt for the Egyptians” underlines the proto-nationalist strand in the revolution. This was not conceived in narrow ethnic terms and coexisted easily with religio-political appeals to jihad and professions of loyalty to the Ottoman sultan-caliph (sultan ‘Abd al-Hamid II did not denounce ‘Urabi as a rebel until seven days before the fateful battle of Tall al-Kabir).

Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge History of Egypt , pp. 217 - 238
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 1998

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