After Napoleon’s short-lived invasion of Egypt at the end of the 18th century, Egypt rose from its lethargy, energized by modernization plans orchestrated by Mohamed (Mehmet) Ali (1769–1849), an ethnic Albanian from Macedonia. He described himself as being “born the same year as Napoleon, in Alexander’s birthplace.” To accelerate this modernization, he and his descendants encouraged immigration to Egypt from Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Greece, Italy, and the rest of Europe, creating a new cosmopolitan society in the process. An astute politician, he was able to wrest control of Egypt from the Ottomans, whom he helped militarily on occasion and whose territory he later invaded, occupying the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Southern Turkey). This expansion continued unabated until the British intervened in the 19th century, fearful of a rising Egypt replacing the declining Ottomans as the major power in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

 How did this visionary take control of Egypt to found a dynasty that ruled for 150 years? How did he transform Egypt into a modern nation? Was this transformation a lasting one? What remains today of Mohamed Ali’s dream?

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 16 students and that TMI does not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Books to purchase:

• Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha's Men
• Éric Chacour, What I know about you? 
• Adel Kamel, The Magnificent Conman of Cairo

Location: Atwater

First Session: Tuesday September 17th, 2024

Course Length: 12 weeks, Tuesdays, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Discussion Team: Ossama el Naggar, Greg Peace, Nusia Matura   

Degree Credit: 3 credits

Course Fee: 

$100.00 (New Students)

$160.00 (Standard Tuition)

Administrative Fee:

$40.00

Total:

$140.00 (New Students)

$200.00 (Standard Tuition)

For 12-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the second session. If the participant withdraws after the second course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the third course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.