Shaykh al-balad in Egypt during The 18th Century

This thesis discusses shaykh al-balad concept which arose as the title given to powerful Mamluk Beys who were governing Cairo during 18th century. It discusses about historical background, job description and field of effect, in the context of center periphery relation. In the first chapter, financial and administrative changes which led to rise of ayans and notables in the Ottoman Empire are discussed. Also, Kazdağlı (Qâzdughlî) household, the ayan group which was established by Mustafâ Katkhudâ al- Qâzdughlî is mentioned. This household played an important role in Egypt. In addition in the first chapter, job description of shaykh al-balad concept by the chroniclers, travellers and the modern experts of Egypt history is given. When shaykh al-balad concept is used the first time and for whom it was used and the historical roots are also discussed. Job description of a Mamluk Bey who was shaykh al-balad of Cairo, including not only Cairo but the whole Egypt is also revealed. In the second chapter, Mamluk Beys who reached the title shaykh al-balad during the aforementioned century via the Ottoman archive records are discussed. The struggle of the Beys while they were arising and decadence of them are also examined while enlighting Cairo-focused Egypt province's history. In this chapter, French invasion of Egypt in 1798 is also mentioned. Afterwards, shaykh al-balad concept and how it was terminated is finally discussed.