When did the Revolt of Cairo occur during the French Invasion of Egypt?
The uprising erupted on the 21st of October 1798. Discontent against the French grew among Cairene citizens during October of that year before the rebellion began.
Questions about Revolt of Cairo
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who led the French army into Egypt in 1798?
Napoleon Bonaparte led the French army into Egypt. He swiftly captured and occupied Alexandria and Cairo after a bold military move across the Mediterranean Sea.
What happened to the Al-Azhar Mosque during the Revolt of Cairo?
French forces bombarded and stormed the Al-Azhar Mosque where rebels had taken refuge. The bombardment turned a religious sanctuary into a battlefield and resulted in a massacre of its inhabitants.
How many Egyptians died or were wounded at the end of the revolt?
Between 5,000 and 6,000 Egyptians were dead or wounded by the end of the revolt. This high casualty count occurred as French forces gradually pushed back the rebels within the city.
Why did Napoleon order his cannon to open fire on the mosque?
Bonaparte ordered the attack because he personally hunted down rebels who sought refuge inside the building. He declared that God was too late since they had begun the fight so he would finish it.