Monarchy and Modernity in Egypt

The creation of the Egyptian monarchy in 1922, under King Fuad I, opened contests and debates over fundamental cultural questions, particularly definitions of Egyptian modernity, rule and identity. James Whidden looks at the political, cultural and intellectual landscapes of Egypt between the wars, [...]
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The creation of the Egyptian monarchy in 1922, under King Fuad I, opened contests and debates over fundamental cultural questions, particularly definitions of Egyptian modernity, rule and identity. James Whidden looks at the political, cultural and intellectual landscapes of Egypt between the wars, from the nationalist agitations for independence in 1919, the rise of the Wafd - first under Saad Zaghul and then Nahas Pasha - and the rise and fall of different political and power brokers in the period, such as Abd al-Latif al-Makkabati or Abd al-Khaliq Tharwat. Whidden therefore focuses on the different interpretations of the nature of Egyptian politics, highlighting the ways in which patriotism and elitism, Islam and tradition, colonial manipulations, and ideological politics combine. In particular, he examines how monarchists, like Zaki Fahmi and Diaeddine Saleh, attempted to neutralise opponents through cultural works, patronage and political party contests. Monarchy and Modernity in Egypt is a vital resource for those interested in Middle East history, as well as intellectual developments within the region.