Egyptian Nationalism: Egypt for Egyptians
During the late 19th century, Egyptian nationalism first began as an Anti-English sentiment during the Egyptian revolution of 1919. The rule of Muhammad Ali of Egypt led the country to a more advanced level of industrialization in comparison with the neighboring countries. More discoveries of relics from the ancient Egypt civilization were discovered as well. One of the first major Egyptian nationalist movements was the Urabi movement which took place in the 1870s and 1880s. This movement demanded an end to the alleged dictatorship of the Muhammed Ali family and put an end to the growth of European influence. The slogan for this movement was “Egypt for Egyptians.” One of the key figures in opposing British rule was an Egyptian journalist, Yaqub Sanu. Particular methods Sanu used to promote the movement’s message included publishing illustrations with the intent to ridicule Egypt’s British rulers. The British were portrayed as buffoons in these illustrations. Moreover, Sanu was the first to write in Egyptian Arabic, which was used to appeal to the public and to be easily understood. Sanu eventually fled to Paris after his arrest was ordered but continued to publish his works and smuggle them into Egypt. Shortly after, the 20th century arrived, and Egyptian nationalism became focused on ending British occupation. The movement had support from Liberals and socialists in Britain. Egyptian nationalism then reached its peak in popularity in 1919; when a revolution against British rule took place in response to wartime policies imposed by the British authorities in Egypt during World War I. Three years of protest and political turmoil followed until Britain unilaterally declared the independence of Egypt in 1922 which was a monarchy, though Britain reserved several areas for British supervision. Overall, Egyptian nationalism was a civic type of nationalism and emphasized the unity of Egyptians, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
