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I must clarify that Egypt did not gain independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1806. In fact, Egypt remained under Ottoman suzerainty until the early 20th century. However, the early 19th century was a pivotal period in Egyptian history, marked by significant political and military developments under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Pasha, who is often considered the founder of modern Egypt.
In 1805, Muhammad Ali Pasha, an Albanian Ottoman military commander, was appointed as the Wali (governor) of Egypt by the Ottoman Sultan. While Egypt remained nominally part of the Ottoman Empire, Muhammad Ali embarked on a series of reforms and military campaigns that effectively transformed Egypt into a semi-autonomous state.
Muhammad Ali consolidated his power by eliminating the Mamluks, the former ruling elite, in a brutal massacre in 1811. He then modernized Egypt's military, economy, and administration, drawing inspiration from European models. His reforms included the establishment of a modern army, the introduction of cash crops like cotton, and the development of infrastructure such as irrigation systems and schools.
By the 1820s, Muhammad Ali had expanded Egypt's influence beyond its borders, conquering Sudan and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. His military campaigns in the Levant (modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine) brought him into direct conflict with the Ottoman Empire. In 1831, he launched a war against the Ottomans, achieving significant victories and nearly toppling the empire. However, European powers, fearing the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of a strong Egypt, intervened and forced Muhammad Ali to withdraw in 1841.
Despite this setback, Muhammad Ali secured hereditary rule for his family, ensuring that Egypt would remain under his dynasty's control. While Egypt remained nominally part of the Ottoman Empire, it operated as a de facto independent state under Muhammad Ali and his successors.
In summary, while Egypt did not gain formal independence in 1806, the early 19th century marked the beginning of its transformation into a powerful, semi-autonomous state under Muhammad Ali Pasha. His reign laid the foundation for modern Egypt and set the stage for its eventual independence in the 20th century.