Mustafa Kamel driving force of national movement (1874-1908)
Egypt, People, 8/14/2001

Mustafa Kamel is an outstanding nationalist leader, who fully dedicated his life and career to the cause of liberating his homeland from the British occupation. He was, in fact, the driving force that instilled new life into the national liberation movement which had already suffered a severe setback, following the abortion of the Orabi Revolution in 1882, and the consequent British occupation of Egypt.

Through his writings and speeches, Mustafa Kamel waged untiring peaceful resistance against British colonialism inside Egypt and abroad. He disclosed the atrocities of British occupation in Egypt and managed to win the support of world public opinion. His rare devotion to and untiring defense of the cause of national independence had enriched the Egyptian nationalist movement.

Education As a student at the elementary school, he was deeply interested in history and at the secondary stage, he used to make speeches every Friday.

His outstanding ability of improvising captured the attention of his audience, a matter which provided early signs of his unique talent in oratory, which remained a characteristic feature of his personality and his role as a highly eloquent speaker and nationalist leader.

In 1891, Mustafa Kamel obtained his Bachelor of Law at the Egyptian school of law and traveled to France, where he obtained a degree in law at the school of law, Toulouse, France in 1899.

Career Kamel started his career as a lawyer, in preference to government jobs which, he thought, would bring him under the control of the British colonialist authorities.

Since the early beginning of his career, and even before, he dedicated himself to defend the prime cause of his homeland; freedom from British occupation. His plan of action was based on two demands: evacuation of British occupation forces, and declaration of the constitution. His activity in this respect covered both the domestic and international arenas.

At home, he worked for spreading awareness among Egyptians through public speeches and contributions to the press. (As an example, he founded "Al Liwa" (The Banner) newspaper in 1900).

He advocated the spreading of education by establishing private schools. He also called for the establishment of the Egyptian University. In 1907, he established the National Party as a political instrument to organized the political activities of young Egyptians involved in the struggle for independence and the institution of the constitution. He thought to secure and use the sympathy of Khedive Abbas Helmi, encouragement of France and support of Sultan Abdul Hameed II to the nationalist movement.

Internationally, Mustafa Kamel paid several visits to France and other European countries, where he delivered speeches before public gatherings and wrote articles in the press advocating the Egyptian cause.

He also visited Constantinople, Capital of the Ottoman Empire, where he had close relationships with the Sultan's entourage. He was endowed the title Pasha.

In 1906, the Denshewai incident took place, where a number of Egyptian peasants were arbitrarily sentenced to death, penal servitude and flogging under false charge of killing a British officer. This incident spurred the development of the nationalist movement. Mustafa Kamel seized the chance to expose the scandalous nature of the incident and the activities perpetrated by British colonization of Egypt.

At the end, the British High Commissioner, Lord Cromer was forced to resign and the Denshewai peasants sent to prison were pardoned in 1908.

Outstanding Figure Mustafa Kamel's outstanding personality was conditioned by three elements, which contributed to his success as a leader of the Egyptian nationalist movement: his full dedication and firm faith in his own message, his personal traits and true patriotism.

Kamel was not merely an enthusiastic patriotic leader, but rather a political leader, with a mature mind, insight and both intensive and extensive awareness of the secrets of international politics.

Reason gave him a remarkable advantage over his predecessors.

Prior to his active involvement in political activity, Kamel had made a thorough study of the Egyptian issue. He reviewed the history of preceding nationalist leaders and learned from their past pitfalls. As an example, he avoided the mistake committed by the leaders of the Orabi Revolution, when they clashed with the Khedive, which gave Britain the pretext to intervene in Egypt on behalf of the Khedive.

In his attempts to end British occupation of Egypt, he sought support from France. In so doing, he was taking advantage of the contradictions between the interests of France and Britain.

Mustafa Kamel was known for his unique talent and ability as an eloquent orator and press writer. He used these skills to the limit, in reviving and rejuvenating the nationalist movement. While still a student, he contributed to major newspapers such as "Al-Mo'ayyad" and Al-Ahram.

In 1900, he founded "Al Liwa" newspaper, which became the organ of his national party. In 1907, he established two additional newspapers; "L'Etandard Egyptienne" in French and the "Egyptian Standard" in English, beside a weekly magazine, The Islamic World".

Principal Concepts

Mustafa Kamel's nationalist and political activity was based on the following fundamental concepts:

It is essential to support the Ottoman Caliphate and Khedive against imperialist conquest; i.e. to stand as a united front in the face of foreign conspiracies.

Education and cultivation of patriotism into young generations are bases for the revival of the nation and combat of colonialism.

Oratory and the press should be used as effective instruments in the national struggle.

He moved his political campaign against British occupation of Egypt to the colonialist power's own ground and other parts of the world, with a view to influencing world public opinion.

He stressed the national unity between Muslims and Copts.

Famous Sayings As an eloquent and talented orator, Mustafa Kamel left a wealth of statements which have been acknowledged as famous sayings, including:

"Free in our homeland, generous to our guests".

"Hope is the evidence of life and way to freedom".

"With despair, life is pointless, and so is despair while alive".

His works Mustafa Kamel wrote several books, namely:

"Lives of Nations and Slavery under the Romans" "The Oriental Question" "Egypt and British Occupation"

"Egyptian-French Messages", addressed to Mrs. Juliet Adam.

"The Conquest of Andalusia", a play.

Following a hectic life, rich with achievements, as well as frustrations, the devoted patriot and nationalist leader passed away on February 10, 1908 at the age of 34.

Previous Stories:
  Mohamed Oweis: the Nationalist Painter   (8/7/2001)
  Dr. Saheir AI Qalamawi: Schehrezade of contemporary literary life   (7/20/2001)
  Mohamed Oweis: the nationalist painter   (7/17/2001)

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