Egyptian Historiography in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries on Egyptian Rule of Sudan During the Nineteenth Century

Abstract

In the nineteenth century, Egyptian historians began to write the history of the dynasty of Mehmet 'Ali Pasha and of Egypt. One historical issue that Egyptian historians discussed was the Egyptian rule in Sudan (1820-1879). The historiographic debate on this chapter in Egyptian history seems to allow discerning the formation processes of the Egyptian recognition of Sudan's independence. The formation process of the Egyptian identity influenced the interpretation of Egyptian rule in Sudan and the way it was presented in the historiographic discourse. Finally the article points to the dual role that Egyptian historians played in the national project - providing a justification for the conquest of Sudan and instilling the new national identity.