State, Peasants, and Land in Mid-Nineteenth-Century Egypt

This book examines the rural history of Egypt during the middle years of the nineteenth century, arguing that state policy targeting the peasant land tenure regime was informed by the dual economic principles of Ottoman statecraft and that the workings of the relevant regulations did not produce extensive peasant land loss and impoverishment. It highlights peasant voices, experiences, and agential power and will be of interest to students of Middle East history, peasant studies, subaltern studies, gender studies, and Ottoman rural history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2023
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

This book delves into the rural history of Egypt during the mid-nineteenth century, a period often overlooked or forgotten. By utilizing a diverse range of archival sources, some of which have been rarely explored by other scholars, it argues that state policy targeting the peasant land tenure regime was informed by the dual economic principles of the Ottoman philosophy of statecraft. Contrary to popular interpretations, the regulations in place did not result in widespread peasant land loss and impoverishment.

Maha Ghalwash offers a comprehensive analysis of various key issues, including land legislation, tax impositions, tax collection systems, land acquisition methods, large-scale peasant abandonment of land, the emergence of surplus lands, the formation of large, privileged estates, village land distribution, female land inheritance, and the nature of peasants' political activity. Through her investigation, she sheds light on peasant voices, experiences, and agential power.

Traditional interpretations of the rural history of nineteenth-century Egypt often portray the state as avaricious, disregarding the well-being of its peasant population and consistently implementing harsh policies that led to relentless and extensive impoverishment. This study challenges those notions by examining the relationship between the absolutist state and the majority of its subject population, the peasant smallholders, during 1848–63. It demonstrates that these ideas do not hold true for the mid-century period.

State, Peasants, and Land in Mid-Nineteenth-Century Egypt will appeal to students of Middle East history, particularly Egyptian rural history, as well as those interested in peasant studies. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between the state, peasants, and land during a pivotal period in Egyptian history.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781649032775