This dissertation was written as part of the MA in Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean
studies, at the International Hellenic University.
The establishment of the Greek communities in Egypt dates back to the first
half of the 19th century, when Egypt was part of the Ottoman Empire and was ruled by
the powerful governor Muhammad Ali. The privileges granted to foreign citizens as a
result of the Capitulations were one of most important reasons for the Greek
migration to Egypt. Egypt accepted them and offered opportunities for a better life.
The gradual development of imperialism led to the Interference of European states
and mainly Great Britain to the inner affairs of Egypt. In 1882, the country was
occupied. The indigenous people have always struggled for their independence and as
a result many nationalistic movements were developed. The Greeks of Egypt were part
of the bourgeois. They organized their communities and thrived in intellectual and
economic activities.
Since the interwar period, nationalism in Egypt started to gain ground at the
expense of the foreigners. In 1922 an “artificial” independence was declared by the
British. The Second World War had a great impact on the political scene of Egypt.
Young officers emerged determined to bring Egypt to its people. In 1952, the Egyptian
revolution shocked the world and the Greek community, which was already declined.
The new regime of Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized Egypt and enacted laws in favor of
the Egyptians. The Greek community was affected and severely downscaled, also due
to the fact that its people never adjusted to the new reality.
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