Objectives of Ahmed ‘Urabi

Ahmed ‘Urabi was an Egyptian nationalist and colonel who served in the army of the Khedive. Of fellah origins, he was one of the first Arabs to be included in the Khedivate's administration; positions of which were usually reserved for members of the Turco-Circassian elite. Egypt at the time had come under heavy influence by Europeans, facilitated by the Khedive. Tensions eventually boiled over as 'Urabi refused to leave Cairo and in turn demanded the dismissal of Turco-Circassian officers and the creation of an elected government. Britain and France quickly put an end to attempted reforms, which led to open revolt.

Assuming a scenario in which European powers and the Ottoman Sultan have little to no influence, what would have an Egypt led by Ahmed ‘Urabi looked like? Would he have eventually abolished the monarchy and establish a republic?

The Ottoman-descended upper class under the Khedivate quickly became westernized as they were sent to be educated in French schools, something which intensely alienated them from the majority of the population. The class of elected politicians under ‘Urabi's government may have instead had an anti-European sentiment and looked to Japan instead of France as a model to emulate. Would they go down the same path as the Ottoman-era elite, or espouse anti-Western traditionalism instead?
 
Last edited:
At this time period, if he's calling for elections and such, he's sufficiently Westernized that he is not going to be hostile to the West. Especially since you stipulate that the western powers haven't opposed him. In fact, he will probably want to find at least one Western power to cozy up to for protection and to help with investment and modernization.
 
At this time period, if he's calling for elections and such, he's sufficiently Westernized that he is not going to be hostile to the West. Especially since you stipulate that the western powers haven't opposed him. In fact, he will probably want to find at least one Western power to cozy up to for protection and to help with investment and modernization.

The basis of his movement was to expel all British and French influence from Egypt, he certainly wouldn't trust any European dressed in a suit. The reason I said to assume that there would be no foreign interference is because under the circumstances Egypt was at the time, it would be impossible for him to go through with any of his plans.
 
Ahmed ‘Urabi was an Egyptian nationalist and colonel who served in the army of the Khedive. Of fellah origins, he was one of the first Arabs to be included in the Khedivate's administration; positions of which were usually reserved for members of the Turco-Circassian elite. Egypt at the time had come under heavy influence by Europeans, facilitated by the Khedive. Tensions eventually boiled over as 'Urabi refused to leave Cairo and in turn demanded the dismissal of Turco-Circassian officers and the creation of an elected government. Britain and France quickly put an end to attempted reforms, which led to open revolt.

Assuming a scenario in which European powers and the Ottoman Sultan have little to no influence, what would have an Egypt led by Ahmed ‘Urabi looked like? Would he have eventually abolished the monarchy and establish a republic?

The Ottoman-descended upper class under the Khedivate quickly became westernized as they were sent to be educated in French schools, something which intensely alienated them from the majority of the population. The class of elected politicians under ‘Urabi's government may have instead had an anti-European sentiment and looked to Japan instead of France as a model to emulate. Would they go down the same path as the Ottoman-era elite, or espouse anti-Western traditionalism instead?

Urabi has no ground to stand. Egypt has large debts to European States which is endangered if Urabi takes power there. Hence why he failed. Now before the British occupation, the Ottomans were askes to crush the Mahdists, probably going to be asked again to put an end to the turmoil in Egypt. I see one chance and that is if the UK and France are distracted. Considering the lack of war in Europe after 1878, this is a little difficult.

There might be another chance for Urabi to rise. That is the Ottomans back Urabi and reintegrate Egypt back to the Empire to British and French wishes and accepts the responsibility of the Egyptian debt. The Ottomans however do not escape from their fate of the '08 revolution and Egypt declares independence in 1908. From 1908 onwards Egypt follows its own path with Egypt and Sudan as the the territory of the state. Urabi becomes the leader of the Republic (no Khedive since 1879 or so.). As history is altered, Urabi lives longer than 1911 maybe... he died 69-70 years old so living 10-15 years is not out of options. So... for 16 years you have Urabi to rule Egypt to form it whatever he desired.

Egypt will likely be targeted for a guarantee of passages through the Suez and the debts they still need to pay as they are independent. As long as there is a guarantee for the Great Powers, Egypt is safe. The Ottomans won't try to go for Egypt again post-1908. Potential good relations can be held.
 
At this time period, if he's calling for elections and such, he's sufficiently Westernized that he is not going to be hostile to the West. Especially since you stipulate that the western powers haven't opposed him. In fact, he will probably want to find at least one Western power to cozy up to for protection and to help with investment and modernization.

That's contradicting. Being in favor of Westernization does not make him favourable to the West. He was against the interference of the Western Powers in Egypt. Neither would the West accept a potential danger to their interest (see: Iran under Mossadegh).
 
The basis of his movement was to expel all British and French influence from Egypt, he certainly wouldn't trust any European dressed in a suit. The reason I said to assume that there would be no foreign interference is because under the circumstances Egypt was at the time, it would be impossible for him to go through with any of his plans.

He won't but he will eventually. Be it German, Russian or Italian. He needs backing and investments to develop Egypt and keep the foreign threats away.
 
Top