SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis has developed from a project I originally had in mind of writing a study, in Arabic, on "The Egyptian Question from 1879 to 1882". I proposed submitting this as a thesis for a Doctorate of Philosophy to the Ain Shams University in Cairo. But finding that the data available in Egypt would add too little for the purpose to what had already been published on this subject, I decided, that I should be well advised to consult the relevant British and French Archives. I accordingly applied for a period of study leave in order to visit London and Paris; and this was agreed to by both the Ain Shams University and the Egyptian Ministry of Education, who accorded me every possible facility. I then, however, decided, instead of pursuing ray original intention, to obtain leave to submit a thesis, in English to the University of London, also on the Egyptian Question, but covering the years 1876 to 1882, since I considered that the events of the last four years of that period might thereby be more satisfactorily elucidated. Moreover, in view of the fact that the international aspect of the subject had already received much attention from historians, I also resolved to give particular weight in ray study to its domestic side. Hence the title under which I present it.