MARGINALIA
The Near-Destruction of Giza
Jean-Daniel Stanley
Few visitors to the Giza plateau are aware that the pyramids,
Egypt's Old Kingdom treasures and testaments to early pharaonic
history, were almost dismantled about 170 years ago. It is hard to
imagine that these ancient structures, the most popular tourist
sights in Egypt, were nearly sacrificed as part of the plan to
modernize that country. Yet, shocking as the idea now seems, Egypt's
absolute ruler at the time seriously envisioned and nearly executed
the project. To understand what transpired, and to place this story
in historic context, one must return to early 19th-century Egypt. In
1805, an Ottoman commander of Albanian descent seized power and,
with his Ottoman mandate, became the viceroy of Egypt with the rank
of pasha. Muhammad 'Ali Pasha controlled the country until his death
in 1849, and the dynasty he founded held power for more than a
century. Muhammad 'Ali's reign was particularly energetic and
presaged the development of Egypt into a modern state. The many
"wishes" he expressed during his 44 years at the helm were
clearly understood as commands, and many pertained to large-scale
public projects throughout the country.
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