These early photographs, taken by Émile Béchard in Cairo, Egypt during the 1870s, present vivid portraits of local figures such as shopkeepers, street merchants, workes, and dancers. Béchard, active in Cairo from 1869 until 1880, focused on capturing Egyptian subjects through an orientalist lens. His work provides a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives and vibrant culture of 19th-century Egypt, highlighting the unique characters and atmosphere of the era.
Despite his notable work, Émile Béchard remains a somewhat enigmatic figure. Since the late 1980s, many historians believed that two photographers, Émile and “Henri” Béchard, were both active in Egypt. However, more recent scholarship suggests that Émile might have adopted the second name to differentiate between the subjects of his various series, such as portraits and monuments. The discovery of a brother named Hippolyte Béchard offers a more plausible explanation: Hippolyte likely sold and distributed Émile’s photographs in France. During the nineteenth century, Egypt underwent significant socioeconomic and political changes that laid the foundations of the modern state. This transformation began with the integration of Egypt’s economy into the global capitalist system, resulting in the country becoming an exporter of raw materials to Europe and an importer of European manufactured goods by the century’s end. This economic shift led to the rise of a ruling elite composed of large landowners of Turco-Circassian origin, as well as the development of a class of medium-sized landowners of Egyptian origin who increasingly influenced the country’s political and economic life. In rural areas, many peasants lost their land due to debt and migrated to cities, swelling the ranks of the underemployed and unemployed. In the urban centers, a professional middle class emerged, consisting of civil servants, lawyers, teachers, and technicians. Additionally, Western ideas and cultural forms began to permeate Egyptian society, further shaping the nation’s development.
At the turn of the century, Egypt’s population was around 10 million, with approximately 2 million residing in towns and cities. Of these, 500,000 lived in cities with populations exceeding 20,000. Alexandria’s population grew significantly as it became the financial and commercial hub of the cotton industry. New towns like Az Zaqaziq and Port Said (Bur Said) on the Suez Canal were also established. Most of the urban population increase resulted from peasants migrating from the countryside. While some became workers or petty traders, the majority joined the ranks of the underemployed or unemployed. By the turn of the century, a working class had emerged, primarily composed of transport and building workers, as well as those employed in the few industries that existed, such as sugar refineries, ginning mills, and cigarette factories. However, a significant portion of the new urban lower class consisted of people without fixed employment. The influx of cheaply made European imports adversely affected the traditional lower class, especially artisans. While some crafts like basketry, pottery, and rug weaving survived, others, such as textiles and glass blowing, were nearly eliminated. Urban guilds declined and eventually disappeared as Europeans took over production and commerce. The traditional middle class, which included the ulama (religiously educated elite who staffed religious institutions and courts) and merchants, also declined in status and wealth. The ulama and merchants were closely connected through family and business ties, but the economic changes of the time diminished their influence and prosperity.
(Photo credit: Émile Béchard / Bibliothèque Nationale de France / Images uspcaled by RHP). Notify me of new posts by email.
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