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نابليون في القاهرة | الدحيح

New Media Academy Life・40 minutes read

Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt aimed to establish a model colony embodying French Revolution ideals but faced challenges and ultimately ended in failure, marked by brutal tactics and questionable intentions. Despite claiming to bring modernization to Egypt, the French were met with resistance and viewed advancements as tools of abuse, raising questions about colonial powers' definition of progress.

Insights

  • Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt initially aimed to establish a model colony embodying French Revolution ideals but eventually resorted to brutal tactics like executing prisoners and facing challenges of plague among his soldiers, highlighting the campaign's descent into violence and failure.
  • Despite French claims of bringing modernization to Egypt through initiatives like the printing press and fair trials, the Egyptians viewed these advancements as tools of abuse, questioning the colonial definition of modernity and advocating for alternative paths to progress through cultural exchange and peaceful interactions.

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  • What were Napoleon's intentions in Egypt?

    Napoleon aimed to establish a model colony embodying French Revolution ideals.

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Summary

00:00

"Napoleon's Encounter with Future Grandson"

  • Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor, meets Rajab Abdel Hafeez, a farmer, in Egypt.
  • Rajab Rajab Rajab Abdul Hafeez Al-Falah, claiming to be Napoleon's grandson from the future, warns against Napoleon's intentions.
  • Napoleon is accused of trying to steal the Rosetta Stone by Rajab Rajab Rajab Abdul Hafeez Al-Falah.
  • Napoleon is persuaded to put down the Rosetta Stone by Rajab Rajab Rajab Abdul Hafeez Al-Falah.
  • Napoleon aims to establish a model colony in Egypt embodying French Revolution ideals.
  • Napoleon's army lands in Al-Ajami and proceeds to Alexandria.
  • Napoleon shows mercy to wounded Alexandrians after entering the city.
  • The Battle of the Pyramids between Napoleon's forces and the Mamluks ends swiftly.
  • Napoleon's campaign in Egypt faces challenges of thirst and hunger among soldiers.
  • Napoleon's use of the printing press in Egypt to portray himself as a savior rather than an occupier.

10:04

Napoleon's Egypt: Taxes, Revolt, and Suppression

  • Napoleon introduces Diwans in Egypt, local councils with officials, notables, and scholars to bridge communication between him and the Egyptians.
  • Diwans are established in Cairo and regions, with a public Diwan for all Egyptians and a private council for elites, aiming to familiarize Egyptians with senate systems.
  • Napoleon imposes taxes and fees, including a 2% property tax, registration fees, and stamp fees, leading to discontent among the Egyptian Diwan members.
  • Egyptians protest against the taxes and fees, expressing outrage at the sudden financial burdens imposed by Napoleon.
  • Discontent escalates as Napoleon's forces widen roads by demolishing houses and mosques, conducting health inspections, and restricting burial practices.
  • Egyptians revolt on October 20, led by students and sheikhs, resulting in clashes with French forces and the death of General Dupuy.
  • Napoleon retaliates by bombing Cairo, leading to a ground attack on Al-Azhar Mosque, where French soldiers desecrate the mosque and its occupants.
  • French soldiers mock their supposed respect for Egyptian religion, with actions contradicting their propaganda, leading to clashes with Egyptians in Alexandria.
  • Napoleon swiftly suppresses the revolution, executing sheikhs and displaying their bodies to assert his dominance, revealing his true intentions despite earlier claims.
  • The Scientific Institute is established by Napoleon in Cairo, aiming to promote science and knowledge in Egypt, but French scholars face disdain from soldiers and fail to integrate with Egyptians, leading to a disconnect between intentions and actions.

19:05

French Scientists in Egypt: Triumphs and Tragedies

  • During the first Cairo revolution, scientists were targeted and forced to defend themselves, with General Caffarelli's house being stormed and machines destroyed.
  • Egyptians were unfamiliar with machines due to lack of French education, leading to destruction of valuable equipment.
  • French scientists conducted research in Egypt, exploring temples, collecting minerals, and deciphering ancient writings.
  • French soldiers mistakenly believed scholars had treasures, destroying collected samples and manuscripts.
  • Only two significant achievements remained from French scientists in Egypt: the Rosetta Stone discovery and the book "Description of Egypt."
  • Napoleon initially achieved success in his campaign but resorted to brutal tactics, such as ordering the killing of 3,000 prisoners in Jaffa.
  • Plague spread among Napoleon's soldiers during the siege of Acre, leading him to give overdosed opium to infected patients.
  • Napoleon faced challenges in Acre and Egypt, eventually deciding to withdraw and seek peace with the Ottomans.
  • General Kléber took over leadership in Egypt, facing financial crises and negotiating the Treaty of Al-Arish for French withdrawal.
  • Kléber's reign ended tragically with his assassination by Suleiman Al-Halabi, a historical figure who pretended to be a beggar.

28:06

Egypt's Modernization Under French Colonial Rule

  • Al-Jabarti, a historian, was amazed by the first trial in Egypt according to the modern system, praising the guarantees of justice like public trials, forensic reports, and multi-language rulings.
  • Despite the fair trial's outer appearance, a horrific torture process followed for Suleiman Al-Halabi, involving witnessing executions, burning his hand, and a brutal death sentence.
  • Jacques Menou, ridiculed by French soldiers, converted to Islam, married an Egyptian woman, and faced defeat by British and Ottoman forces in Egypt.
  • The French campaign in Egypt faced two sieges, leading to surrender agreements and significant soldier losses, marking the campaign's end.
  • Napoleon, realizing the failure of the campaign, returned to France, leaving behind a Mamluk companion and a legacy of invading the East.
  • The French campaign claimed to bring modernization to Egypt, but the Egyptians viewed advancements like the printing press and fair trials as tools of abuse.
  • Despite French claims of introducing modernity, Egyptians already had advanced medical practices like bone splinting and eye disease treatments.
  • The text questions the definition of modernity imposed by colonial powers, suggesting alternative paths to progress like cultural exchange and peaceful interactions.
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