Orabi Pasha

Historical significance of Egyptian exile

M.Y.M. Meeadhu

Orabi Pasha who was banished from Egypt arrived in Sri Lanka on January 10, 1883 by ship known as SS Mariotis. In fact the arrival of this Egyptian exile constituted historically a notable event that impelled the reform attitude of Sri Lankan Muslims. Hence, the day of his arrival is commemorated by all Muslims in the year 2010 as a tribute to his great contribution to revival of modern education among Muslims. It is 127th commemorative year of Orabi Pasha's arrival in Ceylon.

Why Orabi Pasha came to Sri Lanka

It is expedient to trace the historical background of the circumstances that caused the arrival of Orabi Pasha in Sri Lanka. "In 1882, there was serious revolt in Egypt caused by the mis-government of Khedhive Ismail and his successor, Tewfik Ismails' "follies of palace building, his follies with European women and his follies of royal entertainment" (Blunt Wilfred, history of the English occupation of Egypt) plunged him into financial difficulties.

He began to fleece the peasantry (fellahin) and embittered this class and became more and more involved and financially indebted to the British and French who had control over Egypt at that time. These two powers had him replaced by Tewfik. Mis-government still continued and in addition to the peasantry, the Egyptian army became a centre of discontentment. The Egyptian officers in the army had suffered under Ismail and were still suffering under Tewfik.

The dissatisfaction among the peasantry and the discontent in the Army found in Ahmed a convenient leader. He represented the peasantry, being a member of distinguished Fellahin family and being a Colonel in the army became the spokesman for the Egyptian soldiery. Around him grew the Nationalist Movement which was the inevitable result of the misgovernment of the Khedhives." (Debb A.C.)

In 1881, Orabi Pasha and his fellow colonels sent a petition to the Khedive to inquire into the discrimination in the matter of promotion to higher ranks in the Army and for the removal of the War Minister. But, the Khedive arrested them in his palace. When the inquiry was in progress, the soldiers of Ali Fahmy rescued the colonels.

Then, Mahmoud Samy was promoted as Prime Minister and Orabi Pasha as Minister of War. The whole country was pleased with these appointments as "a thorough nationalist combination came into being". At this stage, Orabi Pasha reached the peak of his popularity and was being referred to as 'Al - Wahid' (the only one) in addition to being known as 'El-Misri' (the Egyptian).

The National movement at this stage took a turn for the worse. Foreigners were attacked openly. As a repercussion, public opinion in England was roushed and Sir Garnet Wolsely was sent to Egypt to put an end to this violence. However Orabi was later much misunderstood and misrepresented in Egypt and abroad. As a result, he was imprisoned. Sir William Gregory gave Englishmen a true insight into the character of the man who was about to be the virtual dictator of Egypt, (Gregory's Autobiography). In the British parliament, Lord Randolph Churchill asked the Prime Minister whether Orabi's life was safe. (Hansard's parliamentary debate Oct-Nov 1882).

At last, Orabi and the leading prisoners were to plead guilty to then main charge of rebellion and would be sentenced to death and the sentence be immediately commuted to exile for life. But after much discussion, Blunt and his friends were able to get Ceylon as the place of exile. (Debb A.C.)

Orabi and companions leave for Ceylon

All these men and their families left Suez on December 27, 1882 in the Ship S.S. Mariotis. They were in charge of Maurice Bay. An Englishman, who was in the service of the Khedive. The Secretary of the State informed the Governor of Ceylon by Telegram, "Twenty seven Egyptian exiles proceed Colombo-Provide temporary quarters and fund avoiding unnecessary expenses will ultimately choose residence in the Island." These men were referred to as the Egyptian Exiles both in England and Ceylon. They were all Pashas.

Reception to the Egyptian exiles in Ceylon

On January 3, 1883, the Ceylon Times reported the special news item that Lake House, the property of Loos and Vanculenburg had been engaged by the Government for Orabi Pasha. On the next day it reported that a telegram had been received requesting the Government to provide quarters for Orabi Pasha and seven companions. Accordingly, Lake House, Haarlem House, Struan House and Braybrooke Lodge had been selected for their temporary residence. Ultimately, the Exile like any other refugees would be allowed to choose their own residences in the Island. Thus, on January 10, 1883 the Chartered ship SS Mariotis anchored in the Colombo Harbour. The master Attendant (Captain Douman) and port surgeon (Dr. Garvin) boarded the vessel and performed their duties. The Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Douglas next boarded the vessel. Finally the exiles were to come ashore the next day.

On January 11, the Muslims living in and around Colombo gathered in thousands on either side of the road from the Jetty to the Barracks. A distance of nearly a quarter mile and demonstrated their sentiments and enthusiasm in welcoming Orabi Pasha and his seven companions without bothering about the British rule in Ceylon during that period.

At that time there were about 197,775 Muslims in the Island out of them there lived about 32,208 Muslims in Colombo. According to Sri Lanka National Archives/5/213 - Despatch of January 13, 1883. They (Muslims) are without doubt the most energetic race in the Island. They had religious and racial ties with the Egyptian Exiles for they had originally come to the Island from then region of the Persian Gulf long before the arrival of the British.

Orabi's background

He was born in 1839/40 at Hariet-elRasna near Zagazig. He was the son of a village Shikh and a member of a fellahin (peasants) family with strong religious affiliations (Debb). After doing some studies at Al-Azhar University for a brief period, he was conscripted to the military service at the age of 14 and secured higher ranks, first as Lieutenant at 17, Captain at 18, Major at 19 and as Lieutenant Colonel at 20.

The Khedive Ismail made him a Pasha and arranged a wife for him from the Khedive harem. He had been popular as a hero of the oppressed Egyptian soldiers and fellahin, for a short period.

Although he was not a literate he spoke eloquently in Arabic and commanded the respect of Egyptians by his excellent habits and winning strategies.

As far as his towering personality was concerned, he was tall heavily built and slow of movement. He had a dignified appearance. But materially, he was poor without any worthwhile properties.

On arrival to Ceylon, he looked a well built man with a heavy moustache, whiskers and beard cropped short. He played the role of a leader in his group of Exiles.

On Friday January 12, 1883 Orabi paid his first visit to Colombo Maradana mosque for Jumma prayers. On this occasion the local Muslims followed him in grand procession.

Gradually, Orabi Pasha exerted his influence on the life of Muslims who lived in Colombo and other neighbouring villages and towns. He associated himself with the prominent leaders and intellectuals of Sri Lankan Muslim community and because of his attracting personality he began to shine as a guide, philosopher and a great friend of the Muslims. Though they were active, rich and capable, they needed a mentor to invigorate them. Undoubtedly, Orabi Pasha fulfilled the Ceylon Muslims' great expectations.

Siddi Lebbe, a leading Muslim intellectual from Kandy visited Orabi frequently in Colombo and exchanged progressive views on vital subjects like modern liberal education and religious instruction with special stress on study of Arabic language and literature. Orabi stressed the value of English education and under his inspiration the wealthy philanthropist Wapichee Marikar founded Zahira college in 1892 in Colombo, Maradana using the name given by Orabi.

As a result of association with Orabi and his companions, Sri Lankan Muslims took a keen interest in studying Arabic language with the main objective of understanding the Quran and Hadees and adopted the Egyptian dress of trousers and covering their heads with the fez or Tarboosh in imitation of the Pashas.

During his 19 years of exile Orabi Pasha inspired the Ceylonese nationalists and influenced the Muslim community that found him the capability to guide and the qualities of a good friend.

Orabi Pasha lived in Colombo until 1892, then he moved to Kandy in the house known as "Arabi House" until he was pardoned in 1901. Finally, on September 17, 1901, the German ship known as Princess Irene sailed from Colombo Harbour carrying Orabi Pasha and his family to their motherland, Egypt where he died peacefully on September 21, 1911.

Monument of Orabi Pasha

The year 1983 declared as Orabi Pasha year, late Prime Minister R. Premadasa recommended the purchase of Orabi Pasha's Houses situated at 26 George E. De Silva Mawatha, Kandy by the Egyptian Embassy for its transformation into a permanent Museum and Cultural centre which remains as a monument of tribute to Orabi Pasha and his seven heroes.