From Mission to Modernity

In this pioneering account of Egyptian educational history, Paul Sedra describes how the Egyptian state under Muhammad Ali Pasha sought to forge a new relationship with children during the nineteenth century. Through the introduction of modern forms of education, brought to Egypt by evangelical missions, the state aimed to ensure children's loyal service to the state, whether through conscription or forced labour. However, these schemes of educational reform, most prominently Joseph...
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In this pioneering account of Egyptian educational history, Paul Sedra describes how the Egyptian state under Muhammad Ali Pasha sought to forge a new relationship with children during the nineteenth century. Through the introduction of modern forms of education, brought to Egypt by evangelical missions, the state aimed to ensure children's loyal service to the state, whether through conscription or forced labour. However, these schemes of educational reform, most prominently Joseph Lancaster's monitorial system, led to unforeseen consequences as students in Egypt's new modern schools resisted efforts to control their behaviour in creative and complex ways, and these acts of resistance themselves led to new forms of political identity. Tracing the development of a distinctly Egyptian 'modernity', From Mission to Modernity is indispensable for all those interested in Egyptian history and the history of modern education and reform.'With its clear writing, broad-ranging analysis, and rich insight, From Mission to Modernity is both an impressive achievement and a pleasure to read. Sedra sweeps across an eventful nineteenth century to present what is at once an intellectual history, a history of education, and a history of religion and politics. With this book, Sedra makes a major contribution to the study of nineteenth-century Egypt.' - Heather J. Sharkey, Associate Professor of Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies, University of Pennsylvania