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

doi:10.1017/CHOL9780521472111.010

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

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 March 2008

Donald Reid

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M. W. Daly

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M. W. Daly: Affiliation:
Kettering University, Michigan

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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

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CHOL9780521472111.010 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 1998

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

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