Misir'in Son Memlük Beyleri (1801-1806)

• Published in: Cumhuriyet tarihi arastirmalari Dergisi 2015-10, Vol.11 (22), p.227
• Main Author: Güner, Selda
• Format: Article
• Language: Turkish
• Subjects: Invasions; Middle Eastern history; Middle Eastern studies; Narratives
• ISSN: 1305-1458; 2147-1592

This study will discuss the changes in the positions of the Mamluk beys after the French invasion of Egypt (1798-1801). From this point the Mamluk perspective overshade as a patrimonial-traditional elements, two dominant narrations and their response will be meaningful in a dynamic story and it will thus be possible a sophisticated historical reading. The first dominant narrative and discourse about Egypt issue mainly based on 'International Relations' perspective, Egypt-based competition between the Great Powers and conflicts and alliances. In 1798 Napoleon invaded Egypt at once and after Britain and Russia was involved in the case. The Sublime Porte tried to produce a new diplomatic position against the French threat. In the second narrative focused on the most important figure in the Egypt scene was Kavalali Mohamed Ali Pasha; he is the inevitable subject of this theological history of view. He proved his political genius in every step and his portrait composes of perpetual enthusiasm for the Western institutions. These two dominant narratives and historical discourses, of course, gave the place Mamluks; just as figurants in the great game. This article is without denying the roles of important factors such as Great Powers and Mohamed Ali Pasha, but it intends to open a wider perspective on the internal history of the Mameluk Beys.