Revolt of Cairo
In 1798, Napoleon led the French army into Egypt. He swiftly captured and occupied Alexandria and Cairo. The campaign began with a bold military move across the Mediterranean Sea. French forces landed on the shores of Egypt to challenge Ottoman control. This invasion aimed to disrupt British trade routes to India. Napoleon arrived in Alexandria before moving toward the capital city. His troops took control of key locations without major resistance initially. The occupation set the stage for future conflict within the region.
Discontent against the French grew among Cairene citizens during October of that year. On the 21st of October 1798, an uprising erupted by the people of Cairo. While Bonaparte was in Old Cairo, the city's population began spreading weapons around to one another. They fortified strongpoints, especially at the Al-Azhar Mosque. A French commander named Dominique Dupuy was killed by the revolting Egyptians. Bonaparte's Aide-de-camp Joseph Sulkowski also died during the initial clashes. Excited by the sheikhs and imams, many locals swore by the Prophet to exterminate all Frenchmen they met. Every Frenchman encountered at home or in the streets was killed.
The French army's situation became critical as British threats loomed after their victory at the Battle of the Nile. Murad Bey and his army remained active in Upper Egypt while generals Menou and Dugua struggled to maintain Lower Egypt. Crowds rallied at the city gates to keep out Bonaparte who was repulsed and forced to take a detour via the Boulaq gate. During the night, French soldiers advanced around Cairo and destroyed barricades and fortifications. The rebels soon began to be pushed back by the strength of the French forces. Gradually they lost control of their areas within the city. At the end of the revolt 5,000 to 6,000 Egyptians were dead or wounded.
Bonaparte personally hunted down rebels from street to street. He forced them to seek refuge in the Al-Azhar Mosque. He declared that God was too late because they had begun the fight. Now he would finish it. He immediately ordered his cannon to open fire on the Mosque. The French broke down the gates and stormed into the building. They massacred the inhabitants inside. This brutal response demonstrated Napoleon's determination to crush resistance through overwhelming force. The bombardment turned a religious sanctuary into a battlefield.
Back in absolute control of Cairo, Bonaparte sought out the authors and instigators of the revolt. Several sheikhs along with various people of influence were convicted of participation in the plot. These individuals were executed as punishment for their roles. To complete his punishment, a heavy tax was placed upon the city. Its divan was replaced by a military commission. The French posted a proclamation in all cities under their control ending with specific words designed to negate effects of the Great Lord's firman. This final act solidified French authority over Egypt following the violent suppression.
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Common questions
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.
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.