Seeking Bread and Fortune in Port Said: Labor Migration and the Making of the Suez Canal, 1859-1906

Seeking Bread and Fortune in Port Said explores how migrant labor shaped the history of the Suez Canal and modern Egypt, highlighting the processes that led to the canal's construction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Seeking Bread and Fortune in Port Said delves into the profound impact of migrant labor on the history of the Suez Canal and modern Egypt. This captivating documentary meticulously charts the daily lives of the residents of Port Said, a bustling city situated along the northern shores of the Suez Canal, from 1859, when it was established as the northern harbor of the Suez Canal, to 1906, when a railway connected it to the rest of Egypt. Through groundbreaking research, Lucia Carminati offers a unique and intimate perspective on the critical processes that shaped late nineteenth-century Egypt, including the surge in domestic mobility and immigration, the rapid urbanization of cities, the transformation of urban governance, and the increasing influence of foreign powers. By privileging the ordinary lives of migrants, Seeking Bread and Fortune in Port Said sheds light on the underlying mechanisms that laid the foundation for the construction of the Suez Canal.

The documentary explores the diverse experiences of migrants who flocked to Port Said in search of economic opportunities and a better life. It sheds light on their struggles, hardships, and triumphs as they navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing society. Through their stories, the film highlights the social and economic transformations that took place in Port Said during this period, as well as the broader impact of these changes on Egypt's political and economic landscape.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the impact of heightened domestic mobility and immigration on the urbanization of Port Said. The city became a hub for workers from different regions of Egypt, as well as from other countries in the region. This influx of labor transformed the city's demographics, culture, and economy. The workers brought with them new skills, ideas, and technologies, which contributed to the growth of industries such as textiles, shipping, and construction. However, the increased competition for jobs and resources also led to tensions and conflicts between different groups of migrants.

Another important aspect of the documentary is the changing urban governance of Port Said. As the city grew in size and importance, it faced challenges in managing its infrastructure, services, and resources. The government introduced new policies and regulations to address these issues, but they often had unintended consequences and exacerbated existing inequalities. The film highlights the struggles of workers and their organizations to advocate for their rights and improve their living conditions.

The growing influence of foreign powers on Port Said is also explored in the documentary. The construction of the Suez Canal brought with it a wave of foreign investment and influence, which transformed the city's political and economic landscape. The foreign powers played a significant role in shaping the city's infrastructure, transportation, and economic development, but they also contributed to the marginalization and exploitation of some groups of workers.

Seeking Bread and Fortune in Port Said is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a valuable insight into the complex history and contemporary challenges of Egypt. Through its meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the film sheds light on the role of migrant labor in shaping the history of the Suez Canal and modern Egypt. It also highlights the ongoing struggles of workers and their organizations to improve their living conditions and advocate for their rights. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of contemporary Egypt and the role of migration in shaping its future.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520385504