Irrigation in Upper Egypt in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century (1867-1912 AD)

Thesis Title: Irrigation in Upper Egypt in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century (1867-1912AD) Preparation: Ahmed Mohamed Rashad Sayed Supervision: Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Sherbini Elsayed, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History and former dean of the Faculty of Arts at Cairo University. Degree: Master's Exact Major: Modern and Contemporary History Grade: Excellent Abstract This study is concerned with tackling and analyzing the policy of irrigation along with its projects that took place in Upper Egypt in the second half of the nineteenth century. This policy aimed at changing the lands of Upper Egypt from basin irrigation to permanent irrigation by means of digging and extending canals, and erecting barrages on the canals and then on the riverbed. This was in order to expand the cultivation of cash crops required by the global market after its integration into the Egyptian one. The study also aimed at defining the relation between the projects of permanent irrigation and agricultural drainage in Upper Egypt and automated irrigation. Additionally, the most important obstacles facing the construction of these projects and how to overcome them, were dealt with. The present study showed the mechanism of carrying out these projects, the sources for their funding, the way of managing irrigation in the second half of the nineteenth century with its administrative divisions, and the role of public work supervisors to manage the irrigation projects and to protect their infrastructure. Moreover, the study presented the impact of irrigation projects on the crop and agricultural area, the type of crop structure in Upper Egypt, the effect of irrigation projects on the increase of the agricultural investment in Upper Egypt, and the relation between irrigation projects and the expropriation of public benefits. The current research clearly presented the effect of irrigation projects on the formation of the pyramid of agricultural properties in Upper Egypt, and the relation existing between the projects of permanent irrigation and the spread of diseases and epidemics. It also dealt with some features of the administrative corruption shown by those who were responsible for managing irrigation and implementing its projects. In addition, the study clarified the relation between forced labor (Covreé) and irrigation projects in Upper Egypt, along with the influence of such projects in the region of Nubia. The study begins in 1867 AD which was the start of digging the canal of Ibrahimiya which was the largest artificial canal in the world at that time. The study then ends in 1912 AD which was the year that witnessed the first elevation of Aswan Dam showing the most important resulting effects on both the social and economic levels. Key Words: Upper Egypt, Irrigation, Barrages, Canals, Crop and Agricultural area, Crop Structure, Aswan Dam, Ibrahimiya Canal, Asuit Barrages, Esna Barrages, Irrigation Shifts,