Revolt of Cairo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Revolt of Cairo (1798)
Part of the French Campaign in Egypt and Syria during the War of the Second Coalition
Date 21–22 October 1798 Location Cairo, Egypt, Ottoman empire 30°02′41″N 31°14′44″E / 30.0446°N 31.2456°E / 30.0446; 31.2456 Result French victory
Belligerents
French Republic	Cairenes
Commanders and leaders
Napoleon Bonaparte	Various (non-centralized leadership)
Strength
20,000	80,000
Casualties and losses
300 killed 500 wounded	5,000 to 6,000 killed or wounded

The Revolt of Cairo was a major uprising by the people of Cairo against the French army led by Napoleon Bonaparte. This event happened on October 21–22, 1798, during the time France occupied Egypt.

The Cairo Uprising

In 1798, Napoleon's French army arrived in Egypt. They quickly took control of cities like Alexandria and Cairo. However, the people of Cairo were not happy with the French occupation. In October, their unhappiness led to a big uprising.

While Napoleon Bonaparte was in Old Cairo, the city's residents started gathering weapons. They also made strong defenses, especially around the Al-Azhar Mosque. During the revolt, a French commander named Dominique Dupuy was killed. Napoleon's helper, Joseph Sulkowski, also died.

Many locals, encouraged by their religious leaders, swore to fight every Frenchman they met. French soldiers and citizens found in their homes or on the streets were attacked. Crowds gathered at the city gates to stop Bonaparte from entering. He was forced to find another way in through the Boulaq gate.

The French army faced a difficult situation. The British navy had recently won the Battle of the Nile, which weakened French control of Egypt. Also, an Egyptian leader named Murad Bey and his army were still active in Upper Egypt. French generals like Menou and Dugua were struggling to keep control of Lower Egypt. Many people across the region were joining the revolt.

The French responded by placing cannons in the Cairo Citadel. They fired these cannons at areas where the rebels were strong. During the night, French soldiers moved through Cairo. They destroyed any barricades and defenses the rebels had built.

The French forces were very strong, and the rebels slowly lost ground. They were pushed back from their areas of the city. Napoleon Bonaparte himself led the hunt for rebels in the streets. Many rebels sought safety inside the Al-Azhar Mosque.

Bonaparte then ordered his cannons to fire on the Mosque. French soldiers broke down the gates and entered the building. Many people inside were killed as the French took control. By the end of the revolt, between 5,000 and 6,000 Egyptians were killed or wounded. The French lost about 300 soldiers and had 500 wounded.

After the Revolt

After taking back full control of Cairo, Napoleon Bonaparte looked for the people who started the revolt. Several religious leaders and other important figures were found responsible. They faced serious consequences for their part in the uprising.

To further punish the city, a large tax was placed on Cairo. The city's local council was replaced with a military group. This helped the French keep tighter control over the city.