Egypt, 1600–1800 A.D.

  • Carpet
    1971.263.2
  • Carpet
    17.120.137
  • Window
    93.26.3

Timeline

1600 A.D.

1650 A.D.

Ottoman rule, 1517–1805

1650 A.D.

1700 A.D.

Ottoman rule, 1517–1805

1700 A.D.

1750 A.D.

Ottoman rule, 1517–1805

1750 A.D.

1800 A.D.

Ottoman rule, 1517–1805

Overview

Cairo remains the capital of the Egyptian province of the Ottoman empire, one of its greatest sources of tax income and an important center for the production of carpets. Turkish governors are posted there for three-year terms, and the architecture they sponsor is an interesting mix of local and Istanbul influences. These governors, though, have an uneasy relationship with the Egyptian population, and their position is challenged early in this period. Napoleon invades in 1798, and the French control Egypt until 1801.

Key Events

  • 1605

    The Ottoman governor of Egypt is killed by rebels in the first of a series of revolts. This reflects growing tensions between the foreign governors and the local revenue farmers, who are under much pressure to provide tribute to Istanbul. After this time, real power lies in the hands of the Janissary military corps, which has gradually integrated into local society and has a weaker sense of allegiance to Istanbul.

  • 17th century

    The neighborhood around Cairo’s port of Bulaq develops with the patronage of Ottoman officials, as it is one of the few remaining areas of the city not already densely populated. Falling revenues mean, however, that their patronage is on a smaller scale than in the previous century.

  • 1744

    The Fountain of ‘Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda is constructed. The combination of first-floor water dispensary and second-floor boys’ school is a type developed at the end of the Mamluk period, but exterior floral designs and interior tilework show influences from Turkey. Over a hundred such buildings are erected in the Ottoman period.

  • 1786

    Egypt defaults on its payment to Istanbul, and the Ottoman sultan is forced to dispatch troops to regain control of the province.

  • 1798

    A French expeditionary force commanded by Napoleon occupies Egypt. The French rule Egypt for three years and try to expand into Syria, but are repulsed by allied Ottoman and British forces.

Citation

“Egypt, 1600–1800 A.D.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/?period=09&region=afe (October 2003) 

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