Palaces and Princes

What Type of Political System did Egypt Follow?

Egyptian society has changed significantly over the centuries. Its rulers, language, writing, climate, religion and borders have constantly ebbed many times in the past.  Ancient Egypt was closely connected with other parts of the world, bringing in and exporting goods, religions, food, people and ideas.  And today, modern Egypt continues that legacy and is one of the major economies and societies in the Middle East and emerging as a first world economy in the years ahead.

Who ruled Egypt?

After the Muslim conquest of Egypt, parts of Egypt became provinces of successive caliphates and other Muslim dynasties: Rashidun Caliphate (632–661),Umayyad Caliphate (661–750), Abbasid Caliphate (750–935), Fatimid Caliphate (909–1171), Ayyubid Sultanate (1171–1260), and the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517).  With the latter exerting its own influences on Egyptian society into the 19^th century in particular.

Egypt was never formally colonized.  Britain had occupied and exerted control over Egypt from 1882, establishing a “veiled protectorate” and later a formal protectorate, until 1956 when the last British troops withdrew.  The monarchy was abolished on 18 June 1953 following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 and the establishment of a republic.  But prior to the revolution of 1952, the Egyptian monarchy with its historical roots to their Mamluk predecessor (and others) were an important part of the Egyptian society.

This experience ‘Palaces and Princes’ gives you an insight into the life of the monarchy and ruling classes of Egypt from the 1800’ to the 1900’s.   A part of history and an insight into the lives of the ruling classes of Egypt at that time.

On this tour, you will be visiting Manial Palace, the former home of Prince Mohammad Ali Tewfik and Abdeen Palace built by Ismail Pasha (otherwise known as Ismail the Magnificent).