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In this third of a nine-part
series marking the
bicentennial of Mohamed
Ali's assumption to the
throne, Professor Yunan
Labib Rizk collects some
of the statements
and views of modern
Egypt's founder
series marking the
bicentennial of Mohamed
Ali's assumption to the
throne, Professor Yunan
Labib Rizk collects some
of the statements
and views of modern
Egypt's founder
Mohamed Ali
Pasha's
assumption to
the throne in
Egypt
Pasha's
assumption to
the throne in
Egypt
If we were to speak of Mohamed Ali's memoirs, readers would think we were pulling their leg. After all, Mohamed Ali
only learned how to read and write when he was 45. However, Al-Ahram 's commemorative edition on Mohamed Ali,
parts of which we are reproducing here, never claimed that he wrote his memoirs himself. He dictated them; and the
newspaper cited the evidence to support this or at least give it credibility. The following article appeared under the
headline, "Mohamed Ali dictates his memoirs":
"Were we to take a close look at the books published by the Boulaq Press by order of Mohamed Ali we would find
translations into Turkish of many foreign works on the lives of such figures as Alexander the Great, Napoleon I and
Katherine the Great. It might strike one as odd that Mohamed Ali would commission these publications at a time when
Al-Matab'ah Al- Amiriya (the government printing press) was unable to keep pace with the demands for schoolbooks.
But the Egyptian ruler was keen to disseminate such histories among educated circles, particularly civil servants,
because he personally had a passion for history and was convinced of its edifying influence. Among our evidence of this
passion is the following letter dated in 1833 from the consul of Greece and friend of Mohamed Ali, to the Greek
Orthodox patriarch:
"'Your Holy Reverend, His Highness Mohamed Ali has asked me to write to you in the hope that you possess in the
patriarchal library a book on the life of Alexander the Great. His Highness would like to borrow such a book, if
possible, in order to have it translated into Turkish. If this book is not in your possession, do you know whether he
would be able to obtain it from the library at St Catherine's or from Istanbul?'
"Mohamed Ali sought wisdom from the teachings of history and he sought inspiration from the great and worthy
projects undertaken by Egypt's ancient rulers. In a directive to the Ministry of Finance in 1829, he noted that he had
learned from his readings of history that the founder of the Ashrafiya Canal, which was slated for renovation, was
Alexander the Great and his entourage of Greek wise men. This canal had eventually fallen into decay but was
renovated following the Kurdish takeover of Egypt at the command of Sultan Al-Ashraf. Later the canal had fallen into
decay again and today he charged the engineer Shaker Effendi with the task of reopening it.
"Clearly, then, in spite of his many concerns and duties, Mohamed Ali found time for the study and contemplation of
history. This interest, moreover, prompted him to sponsor a history of his age entitled Rodat Al-Umran (The Garden of
Urbanisation), towards which end he sent memorandums to various government departments. An example of these is
the one addressed to the provision stores inspector asking him to compile an inventory of the types of wax in the stores,
their methods of fabrication and their purposes and to send this inventory to the citadel so that it can be included in the
history that was currently being compiled under the title Rodat Al-Umran.
"As the work progressed, a committee was formed consisting of Mukhtar Bek, Kani Bek, Artin Effendi, Youssef
Effendi and Estafan Effendi to translate what had been completed into French. But was this history ever published? We
think not, for we have been unable to unearth a copy, to our great misfortune for certainly this book would have shed
light on many details from this period that still remain unknown.
"At the same time, we must ask whether there was a relationship between Rodat Al-Umran and the political memoirs
that Mohamed Ali dictated to his personal secretary. We have numerous references to the fact that he was engaged in
this task and felt it important. In 1831, he is reported to have told the Russian consul: 'My many activities have not
prevented me from recording the details of my political life. Historians who have written of me since my ascendancy to
the Egyptian throne until now have made many mistakes'.
"To a British tourist, he said, 'I do not treat the judgment of history lightly. The clearest proof of this is that for some
time now I have been engaged in chronicling my life. Whenever I have a moment's time free from my attention to public
concerns I call in the secretary who I have commissioned with this task and dictate to him my
memoirs, which he records without altering a single word I say'. On the substance of these memoirs he added, 'I have
had a full and eventful life. I will speak of my childhood and youth before coming to Egypt. I will describe the condition
of the country when I arrived and all the events that occurred during the conquests of Nubia, Sinar Kordofan, the Hijaz
and Syria no matter how great or small. It is a momentous task and my spare time is limited'.
"Another British tourist who was present at the meeting, asked the Egyptian viceroy why he did not commission one of
his senior officers to write the history which would be of enormous value to future generations. Mohamed Ali
responded, 'I am tending to this matter personally. I have a scribe and for many years now I have been dictating my
memoirs to him in my free time. His task is to record my account of the developments of my life and the state of Egypt
when I assumed power'.
"It is truly regrettable that military and political events consumed all of Mohamed Ali's time, rendering him unable to
complete the recording and publication of his memoirs. In 1839, he said to Sir John Bowring, author of 'Report on
Egypt and Candia", Parlimentary Papers, Reports from Commissioners (1840), 'I have been advised to study history in
order to learn how to rule my country. However, now I find myself advanced in years and sadly unable to continue my
studies'".
APPARENTLY THE EDITORS of the historical commemorative edition of Al-Ahram feared that the original title that
the author had given his article was not clear enough, for they added a subtitle of their own: "The history of the age of
Mohamed Ali in the words of Mohamed Ali". Beneath this caption, the author explained that whenever a foreign
politician or eminent guest emerged from an interview with the famous Egyptian Pasha, he would race home to record
the conversation and dispatch this in a report to his government. One cannot help but admire this writer's scholastic
integrity, for he hastened to stress that Mohamed Ali only spoke Turkish and therefore had to rely on translators --
generally Armenians -- whom some of the foreigners suspected were not as faithful as they should have been in their
translations. He points out, secondly, that because these foreigners had published their citations from Mohamed Ali
without first having submitted the text to him, the quotes could not be considered official. He further cautioned that for
political reasons Mohamed Ali was frequently excessive in his praise of foreign powers. In spite of these reservations,
the author could not help but acknowledge the historical value of the recorded statements of Mohamed Ali. "Taken as a
whole, they form a vivid portrayal of Mohamed Ali's reactions when surprised by an embarrassing question or when
conversing at length in a confidential and convivial atmosphere," he wrote. Readers will be able to ascertain this for
themselves as they peruse some of Mohamed Ali's sayings -- said when talking to foreign officials and visitors -- that
appeared in the Al-Ahram memorial edition on him and which we have arranged topically:
Mohamed Ali as viceroy of Egypt
"Every nation can attain greatness and every army can ensure victory if each has someone who knows how to lead it on
the correct path". (1837)
"It is sufficient for future generations to know that Mohamed Ali did not attain his achievements through imitation or the
mediation of others, but by virtue of his own efforts". (1837)
"Having aged, I can no longer afford to progress slowly, as is the case with those younger than myself. Therefore, I
have to make haste in order to achieve what I would like to accomplish". (1838)
"Do not judge me according to your level of education but weigh me against the ignorance of my environment. We
cannot apply to Egypt the methods you use in England, as we need centuries until we attain your current standards.
You have a multitude, with the discernment to comprehend your rulers and assess their projects, whereas I have only a
handful who are capable of understanding me and implementing my recommendations. I might frequently be the victim
of deception, but I know when I have been deceived". (1838)
"I did not have the good fortune to have received an education when I was young. I only began to learn to read and
write at the age of 47. Nor have I ever been to a country with a greater level of civilisation than mine. Therefore, I do
not expect to be able to do what you do or to reach the level of advancement you have
reached". (1838)
"You have told me some brutal truths today. But, I do not reproach you for that, for I like people to speak to me
frankly". (1838).
On domestic reforms
"I want to introduce major reforms, establish numerous factories, and create a large national army, because the army is
the backbone of permanent and stable power. In short, before I die I want to establish and strengthen the principles of
progress and civilisation in my country. It will then be up to my son, Ibrahim, to follow in my footsteps and elaborate on
my plans. He is devoted to these principles, which should bring great benefit to my country, and his reputation has been
built
on disseminating these principles". (1824).
"I have governed the province of Egypt for 22 years. In the past six, I have achieved more than in all the years that
preceded it. The creation of an army and the systems that support it, and the construction of a fleet are of great
advantage to us. If I live another six or seven years I will be able to give lengthy thought to the other projects I intend to
pursue so that they will have the most profound possible impact on the country. Do you remember what condition
Egypt was in 20 years ago?" (1827).
"There are many projects that must be implemented. As it stands now, my country is more advanced than both Turkey
and Greece, and Persia even more so. But, I started late and I do not know whether I have enough time to complete
my projects. In all events, I will do my utmost to ensure that I leave matters in the best possible condition before I die".
(1832).
"My highest ambition is to introduce the means of modern civilisation into Egypt. Unfortunately, time is short. They tell
me that Egypt is now at the level of Europe, but I am certain that is not true. I need 30 years to promote my new policy
in the country, but the fact is I doubt that I will live that long; nor do I desire to. My father lived to be a hundred, but
then his memory failed him. I hope to die before that happens to me. Therefore, I am taking all possible preparations to
ensure a smooth transition after my death. At the same time, my son Ibrahim espouses my policy and the educational
spirit that I have instilled in my other sons will ensure that my policy survives". (1832)
"The most difficult part is always at the beginning. When I started in Egypt, I used a needle to dig the earth. Now I use
an axe. But I am looking forward to benefiting from all the advantages of a plow". (1838)
On minorities
"Did you not notice how I treated the patriarch of Crete? I received him with the greatest honours and I exempted him
and the men of his court from the payment of exorbitant fees. And the Christians of Syria have never enjoyed as much
happiness and freedom as they do today. They have the right to sound their church bells whenever they like. I respect
them and I want to save them from the hardship they have suffered". (1831)
"My religion and my code of honour compel me to let every person perform in total freedom the duties incumbent upon
him in the worship of God. Therefore, I have abolished all sectarian discrimination in Jerusalem and I put an end to the
humiliation the Christians suffered under Ottoman rule. They did not have the right to build churches there before I
came. I also applied this policy in Mecca, where the Supreme Porte had levied a 300-piastre tax from anyone coming
from Persia". (1833)
On state monopolies
"I know what is going through your mind. But if you were to stay with us for a long time -- and this is my hope --
perhaps you would change your mind. Look at me for a moment. I rule a people inclined to laziness. If I didn't force
them to work, they would remain idle because they can live on less than a millime per day. Once they get that money,
all they think about is how to spend it -- they stop working, in other words -- whereas the purpose of my policy is to
create an industrious people accustomed to effort and exertion. I have taken control over everything, but I did that in
order to make everything productive. Who else could do that but me? Who else could supply the necessary funds?
Who else can furnish the means of education and push the people to acquire the knowledge and ideas that led to
Europe's superiority. Do you think anyone else in this country had thought of introducing cotton, silk and mulberries?"
(1833)
On the Suez Canal
"If the idea is to license a group of financiers or entrepreneurs to undertake the digging operations for the canal, I will
never approve the project. However, I am fully prepared to meet the wishes of foreign governments, and if they come
to an agreement on the matter I personally will undertake the excavation of the canal immediately after completing the
barrages". (1847)
On hereditary succession
"Why don't I declare my independence? You know the reason. I want to respect the wishes of the great powers and I
would not have remained subordinate to another until now were it not for the fact that I respect the wishes of these
governments. Neither the Greeks nor the Belgians have shown you a similar degree of respect. Yet, you rewarded
those countries by guaranteeing their independence just as you are determined to punish me by refusing my request for
a guarantee of my
safety". (1833)
"Why do you want me to remain an obedient subordinate to a state that is weaker than my country in all respects, while
I rule a more numerous populace and handle greater financial outlays than the sultan and many kings of Europe". (1834)
"I did not devote my entire life to Egypt and achieve progress beyond the capacities of others only to leave it all to
some Turkish ruler. I did not lavish enormous sums of money on constructing vast enterprises, building a great fleet,
digging canals and many other deeds only to leave my supporters to face the prospect of destitution. If I had the
slightest doubt that they will assume power after me then I would prefer to leave them in a position to prosper. I am an
old man and I want to assure myself of the future of my family before I day. I want the power that I established to pass
into their hands". (1838)
On Franco-Egyptian relations
"I had twice stated (through Ibrahim Pasha) the reasons that prevent me from fighting alongside France, in spite of my
admiration for your country and my sincere desire to be of service to it. I will repeat to you the reasons if you wish. I
am the greatest vizier in the Ottoman Empire. However, if I were to agree to the terms you have offered I would lose all
the fruits of my efforts and my honour in the eyes of my people and the Muslim people in general. They would despise
me and turn their backs on me. Do not imagine that this position is based on religious considerations. I am above such
matters. I do not regard myself as Muslim or Christian when it comes to policy. However, my influence derives from
the reputation I have acquired and the regard my nation has for me. I tell you therefore if I entered an agreement with
you on this I would ruin myself". (1830)
"I know where my friends are and I would be happy to offer France my services. However, I have told you twice the
reasons that have compelled me to reject the solution you have offered. Do you want me to cut off my head with my
own sword? If I allied with you against a Muslim people I would do myself in. My status, prestige and moral influence
would collapse. We have spoken frequently of this alliance and now rumours have begun to spread here and
elsewhere".
On the Morea War
"The victories I will achieve in that spot of the empire will strengthen my reputation and prestige. The sultan does not
possess sufficient forces to oppose my ventures.
I am the son of victory. The people of Turkey speak my name and are profuse in their gratitude for the great deeds I
have performed. I have lifted the nation from the depths in spite of the resistance of the Supreme Porte who always
attributes everything positive to himself alone.
"I am fully aware that the empire is headed towards collapse and that it will be difficult to save it. So why do I exert so
much effort towards sparing something that cannot be saved? I will build a vast empire on those ruins and I have the
means to attain that end".
On the Syrian campaigns
"I do not strive to occupy countries beyond Syria. But I need Syria and I must occupy it because I can and I want to
occupy it". (1831)
"If I am aware of the circumstances of Europe, how could you believe that I am ignorant of the circumstances of
Turkey? I know what the Supreme Porte might do to me and I know what I can do against the Supreme Porte. Who is
the commander who will fight against Ibrahim Pasha? Will it be the governor of Aleppo who was an archer some years
ago? No. No. Believe me, the Supreme Porte will think a thousand times before coming up against me. I, for my part,
believe we will reach a solution.
"I have a standing force of 30,000 in Syria. I also have at my disposal 25,000 Druze and 15,000 men from Nablus.
Where is the army that can stand up against a force of this size?" (1832)
"What is your opinion of the Supreme Porte? He had seven months to come to the aid of the governor of Akka, but
what did he do? Poor Abdallah was deceived and he lost everything after having sacrificed all that he had for the
Supreme Porte. He only had a thousand purses left. After that he preferred to come to me because he no longer trusted
the sultan". (1832)
On the administration of Syria
"We have made several mistakes but we have put an end to the abuse of the rulers there. After we withdraw you will
not find a single force capable of ruling Syria. If luck turns again in our favour you will see that the Syrians will turn to us
again. Next year we will return together to that province and mend many wounds".
"I revived agriculture and commerce and all religions were respected by all. However, in a little while you will find no
trace of the few reforms I attempted to introduce". (1840)
"When I was occupying Syria I it was my duty to devote my attention to it. As a result, I was distracted from some
concerns in Egypt. However, after the events of 1840 Egypt will have the benefit of my full attention". (1845)
THE PRECEDING STATEMENTS attributed to Mohamed Ali reveal much about the man and his policies in the
Arab region. Of particular note are the reasons he offered for his refusal to enter into an alliance with a European
power against a Muslim people, the indication that he harboured designs against the Supreme Porte as
early as the Morea campaign during which he fought under the Ottoman banner, and the priority he accorded Syria in
his strategic calculations -- but then, the Levant has always constituted Egypt's eastern strategic depth.
only learned how to read and write when he was 45. However, Al-Ahram 's commemorative edition on Mohamed Ali,
parts of which we are reproducing here, never claimed that he wrote his memoirs himself. He dictated them; and the
newspaper cited the evidence to support this or at least give it credibility. The following article appeared under the
headline, "Mohamed Ali dictates his memoirs":
"Were we to take a close look at the books published by the Boulaq Press by order of Mohamed Ali we would find
translations into Turkish of many foreign works on the lives of such figures as Alexander the Great, Napoleon I and
Katherine the Great. It might strike one as odd that Mohamed Ali would commission these publications at a time when
Al-Matab'ah Al- Amiriya (the government printing press) was unable to keep pace with the demands for schoolbooks.
But the Egyptian ruler was keen to disseminate such histories among educated circles, particularly civil servants,
because he personally had a passion for history and was convinced of its edifying influence. Among our evidence of this
passion is the following letter dated in 1833 from the consul of Greece and friend of Mohamed Ali, to the Greek
Orthodox patriarch:
"'Your Holy Reverend, His Highness Mohamed Ali has asked me to write to you in the hope that you possess in the
patriarchal library a book on the life of Alexander the Great. His Highness would like to borrow such a book, if
possible, in order to have it translated into Turkish. If this book is not in your possession, do you know whether he
would be able to obtain it from the library at St Catherine's or from Istanbul?'
"Mohamed Ali sought wisdom from the teachings of history and he sought inspiration from the great and worthy
projects undertaken by Egypt's ancient rulers. In a directive to the Ministry of Finance in 1829, he noted that he had
learned from his readings of history that the founder of the Ashrafiya Canal, which was slated for renovation, was
Alexander the Great and his entourage of Greek wise men. This canal had eventually fallen into decay but was
renovated following the Kurdish takeover of Egypt at the command of Sultan Al-Ashraf. Later the canal had fallen into
decay again and today he charged the engineer Shaker Effendi with the task of reopening it.
"Clearly, then, in spite of his many concerns and duties, Mohamed Ali found time for the study and contemplation of
history. This interest, moreover, prompted him to sponsor a history of his age entitled Rodat Al-Umran (The Garden of
Urbanisation), towards which end he sent memorandums to various government departments. An example of these is
the one addressed to the provision stores inspector asking him to compile an inventory of the types of wax in the stores,
their methods of fabrication and their purposes and to send this inventory to the citadel so that it can be included in the
history that was currently being compiled under the title Rodat Al-Umran.
"As the work progressed, a committee was formed consisting of Mukhtar Bek, Kani Bek, Artin Effendi, Youssef
Effendi and Estafan Effendi to translate what had been completed into French. But was this history ever published? We
think not, for we have been unable to unearth a copy, to our great misfortune for certainly this book would have shed
light on many details from this period that still remain unknown.
"At the same time, we must ask whether there was a relationship between Rodat Al-Umran and the political memoirs
that Mohamed Ali dictated to his personal secretary. We have numerous references to the fact that he was engaged in
this task and felt it important. In 1831, he is reported to have told the Russian consul: 'My many activities have not
prevented me from recording the details of my political life. Historians who have written of me since my ascendancy to
the Egyptian throne until now have made many mistakes'.
"To a British tourist, he said, 'I do not treat the judgment of history lightly. The clearest proof of this is that for some
time now I have been engaged in chronicling my life. Whenever I have a moment's time free from my attention to public
concerns I call in the secretary who I have commissioned with this task and dictate to him my
memoirs, which he records without altering a single word I say'. On the substance of these memoirs he added, 'I have
had a full and eventful life. I will speak of my childhood and youth before coming to Egypt. I will describe the condition
of the country when I arrived and all the events that occurred during the conquests of Nubia, Sinar Kordofan, the Hijaz
and Syria no matter how great or small. It is a momentous task and my spare time is limited'.
"Another British tourist who was present at the meeting, asked the Egyptian viceroy why he did not commission one of
his senior officers to write the history which would be of enormous value to future generations. Mohamed Ali
responded, 'I am tending to this matter personally. I have a scribe and for many years now I have been dictating my
memoirs to him in my free time. His task is to record my account of the developments of my life and the state of Egypt
when I assumed power'.
"It is truly regrettable that military and political events consumed all of Mohamed Ali's time, rendering him unable to
complete the recording and publication of his memoirs. In 1839, he said to Sir John Bowring, author of 'Report on
Egypt and Candia", Parlimentary Papers, Reports from Commissioners (1840), 'I have been advised to study history in
order to learn how to rule my country. However, now I find myself advanced in years and sadly unable to continue my
studies'".
APPARENTLY THE EDITORS of the historical commemorative edition of Al-Ahram feared that the original title that
the author had given his article was not clear enough, for they added a subtitle of their own: "The history of the age of
Mohamed Ali in the words of Mohamed Ali". Beneath this caption, the author explained that whenever a foreign
politician or eminent guest emerged from an interview with the famous Egyptian Pasha, he would race home to record
the conversation and dispatch this in a report to his government. One cannot help but admire this writer's scholastic
integrity, for he hastened to stress that Mohamed Ali only spoke Turkish and therefore had to rely on translators --
generally Armenians -- whom some of the foreigners suspected were not as faithful as they should have been in their
translations. He points out, secondly, that because these foreigners had published their citations from Mohamed Ali
without first having submitted the text to him, the quotes could not be considered official. He further cautioned that for
political reasons Mohamed Ali was frequently excessive in his praise of foreign powers. In spite of these reservations,
the author could not help but acknowledge the historical value of the recorded statements of Mohamed Ali. "Taken as a
whole, they form a vivid portrayal of Mohamed Ali's reactions when surprised by an embarrassing question or when
conversing at length in a confidential and convivial atmosphere," he wrote. Readers will be able to ascertain this for
themselves as they peruse some of Mohamed Ali's sayings -- said when talking to foreign officials and visitors -- that
appeared in the Al-Ahram memorial edition on him and which we have arranged topically:
Mohamed Ali as viceroy of Egypt
"Every nation can attain greatness and every army can ensure victory if each has someone who knows how to lead it on
the correct path". (1837)
"It is sufficient for future generations to know that Mohamed Ali did not attain his achievements through imitation or the
mediation of others, but by virtue of his own efforts". (1837)
"Having aged, I can no longer afford to progress slowly, as is the case with those younger than myself. Therefore, I
have to make haste in order to achieve what I would like to accomplish". (1838)
"Do not judge me according to your level of education but weigh me against the ignorance of my environment. We
cannot apply to Egypt the methods you use in England, as we need centuries until we attain your current standards.
You have a multitude, with the discernment to comprehend your rulers and assess their projects, whereas I have only a
handful who are capable of understanding me and implementing my recommendations. I might frequently be the victim
of deception, but I know when I have been deceived". (1838)
"I did not have the good fortune to have received an education when I was young. I only began to learn to read and
write at the age of 47. Nor have I ever been to a country with a greater level of civilisation than mine. Therefore, I do
not expect to be able to do what you do or to reach the level of advancement you have
reached". (1838)
"You have told me some brutal truths today. But, I do not reproach you for that, for I like people to speak to me
frankly". (1838).
On domestic reforms
"I want to introduce major reforms, establish numerous factories, and create a large national army, because the army is
the backbone of permanent and stable power. In short, before I die I want to establish and strengthen the principles of
progress and civilisation in my country. It will then be up to my son, Ibrahim, to follow in my footsteps and elaborate on
my plans. He is devoted to these principles, which should bring great benefit to my country, and his reputation has been
built
on disseminating these principles". (1824).
"I have governed the province of Egypt for 22 years. In the past six, I have achieved more than in all the years that
preceded it. The creation of an army and the systems that support it, and the construction of a fleet are of great
advantage to us. If I live another six or seven years I will be able to give lengthy thought to the other projects I intend to
pursue so that they will have the most profound possible impact on the country. Do you remember what condition
Egypt was in 20 years ago?" (1827).
"There are many projects that must be implemented. As it stands now, my country is more advanced than both Turkey
and Greece, and Persia even more so. But, I started late and I do not know whether I have enough time to complete
my projects. In all events, I will do my utmost to ensure that I leave matters in the best possible condition before I die".
(1832).
"My highest ambition is to introduce the means of modern civilisation into Egypt. Unfortunately, time is short. They tell
me that Egypt is now at the level of Europe, but I am certain that is not true. I need 30 years to promote my new policy
in the country, but the fact is I doubt that I will live that long; nor do I desire to. My father lived to be a hundred, but
then his memory failed him. I hope to die before that happens to me. Therefore, I am taking all possible preparations to
ensure a smooth transition after my death. At the same time, my son Ibrahim espouses my policy and the educational
spirit that I have instilled in my other sons will ensure that my policy survives". (1832)
"The most difficult part is always at the beginning. When I started in Egypt, I used a needle to dig the earth. Now I use
an axe. But I am looking forward to benefiting from all the advantages of a plow". (1838)
On minorities
"Did you not notice how I treated the patriarch of Crete? I received him with the greatest honours and I exempted him
and the men of his court from the payment of exorbitant fees. And the Christians of Syria have never enjoyed as much
happiness and freedom as they do today. They have the right to sound their church bells whenever they like. I respect
them and I want to save them from the hardship they have suffered". (1831)
"My religion and my code of honour compel me to let every person perform in total freedom the duties incumbent upon
him in the worship of God. Therefore, I have abolished all sectarian discrimination in Jerusalem and I put an end to the
humiliation the Christians suffered under Ottoman rule. They did not have the right to build churches there before I
came. I also applied this policy in Mecca, where the Supreme Porte had levied a 300-piastre tax from anyone coming
from Persia". (1833)
On state monopolies
"I know what is going through your mind. But if you were to stay with us for a long time -- and this is my hope --
perhaps you would change your mind. Look at me for a moment. I rule a people inclined to laziness. If I didn't force
them to work, they would remain idle because they can live on less than a millime per day. Once they get that money,
all they think about is how to spend it -- they stop working, in other words -- whereas the purpose of my policy is to
create an industrious people accustomed to effort and exertion. I have taken control over everything, but I did that in
order to make everything productive. Who else could do that but me? Who else could supply the necessary funds?
Who else can furnish the means of education and push the people to acquire the knowledge and ideas that led to
Europe's superiority. Do you think anyone else in this country had thought of introducing cotton, silk and mulberries?"
(1833)
On the Suez Canal
"If the idea is to license a group of financiers or entrepreneurs to undertake the digging operations for the canal, I will
never approve the project. However, I am fully prepared to meet the wishes of foreign governments, and if they come
to an agreement on the matter I personally will undertake the excavation of the canal immediately after completing the
barrages". (1847)
On hereditary succession
"Why don't I declare my independence? You know the reason. I want to respect the wishes of the great powers and I
would not have remained subordinate to another until now were it not for the fact that I respect the wishes of these
governments. Neither the Greeks nor the Belgians have shown you a similar degree of respect. Yet, you rewarded
those countries by guaranteeing their independence just as you are determined to punish me by refusing my request for
a guarantee of my
safety". (1833)
"Why do you want me to remain an obedient subordinate to a state that is weaker than my country in all respects, while
I rule a more numerous populace and handle greater financial outlays than the sultan and many kings of Europe". (1834)
"I did not devote my entire life to Egypt and achieve progress beyond the capacities of others only to leave it all to
some Turkish ruler. I did not lavish enormous sums of money on constructing vast enterprises, building a great fleet,
digging canals and many other deeds only to leave my supporters to face the prospect of destitution. If I had the
slightest doubt that they will assume power after me then I would prefer to leave them in a position to prosper. I am an
old man and I want to assure myself of the future of my family before I day. I want the power that I established to pass
into their hands". (1838)
On Franco-Egyptian relations
"I had twice stated (through Ibrahim Pasha) the reasons that prevent me from fighting alongside France, in spite of my
admiration for your country and my sincere desire to be of service to it. I will repeat to you the reasons if you wish. I
am the greatest vizier in the Ottoman Empire. However, if I were to agree to the terms you have offered I would lose all
the fruits of my efforts and my honour in the eyes of my people and the Muslim people in general. They would despise
me and turn their backs on me. Do not imagine that this position is based on religious considerations. I am above such
matters. I do not regard myself as Muslim or Christian when it comes to policy. However, my influence derives from
the reputation I have acquired and the regard my nation has for me. I tell you therefore if I entered an agreement with
you on this I would ruin myself". (1830)
"I know where my friends are and I would be happy to offer France my services. However, I have told you twice the
reasons that have compelled me to reject the solution you have offered. Do you want me to cut off my head with my
own sword? If I allied with you against a Muslim people I would do myself in. My status, prestige and moral influence
would collapse. We have spoken frequently of this alliance and now rumours have begun to spread here and
elsewhere".
On the Morea War
"The victories I will achieve in that spot of the empire will strengthen my reputation and prestige. The sultan does not
possess sufficient forces to oppose my ventures.
I am the son of victory. The people of Turkey speak my name and are profuse in their gratitude for the great deeds I
have performed. I have lifted the nation from the depths in spite of the resistance of the Supreme Porte who always
attributes everything positive to himself alone.
"I am fully aware that the empire is headed towards collapse and that it will be difficult to save it. So why do I exert so
much effort towards sparing something that cannot be saved? I will build a vast empire on those ruins and I have the
means to attain that end".
On the Syrian campaigns
"I do not strive to occupy countries beyond Syria. But I need Syria and I must occupy it because I can and I want to
occupy it". (1831)
"If I am aware of the circumstances of Europe, how could you believe that I am ignorant of the circumstances of
Turkey? I know what the Supreme Porte might do to me and I know what I can do against the Supreme Porte. Who is
the commander who will fight against Ibrahim Pasha? Will it be the governor of Aleppo who was an archer some years
ago? No. No. Believe me, the Supreme Porte will think a thousand times before coming up against me. I, for my part,
believe we will reach a solution.
"I have a standing force of 30,000 in Syria. I also have at my disposal 25,000 Druze and 15,000 men from Nablus.
Where is the army that can stand up against a force of this size?" (1832)
"What is your opinion of the Supreme Porte? He had seven months to come to the aid of the governor of Akka, but
what did he do? Poor Abdallah was deceived and he lost everything after having sacrificed all that he had for the
Supreme Porte. He only had a thousand purses left. After that he preferred to come to me because he no longer trusted
the sultan". (1832)
On the administration of Syria
"We have made several mistakes but we have put an end to the abuse of the rulers there. After we withdraw you will
not find a single force capable of ruling Syria. If luck turns again in our favour you will see that the Syrians will turn to us
again. Next year we will return together to that province and mend many wounds".
"I revived agriculture and commerce and all religions were respected by all. However, in a little while you will find no
trace of the few reforms I attempted to introduce". (1840)
"When I was occupying Syria I it was my duty to devote my attention to it. As a result, I was distracted from some
concerns in Egypt. However, after the events of 1840 Egypt will have the benefit of my full attention". (1845)
THE PRECEDING STATEMENTS attributed to Mohamed Ali reveal much about the man and his policies in the
Arab region. Of particular note are the reasons he offered for his refusal to enter into an alliance with a European
power against a Muslim people, the indication that he harboured designs against the Supreme Porte as
early as the Morea campaign during which he fought under the Ottoman banner, and the priority he accorded Syria in
his strategic calculations -- but then, the Levant has always constituted Egypt's eastern strategic depth.
