Система образования в Египте во время правления хедива Исмаила (1863–1879)

Abstract

The article discusses the period of the reign of Khedive Isma‘il from the standpoint of his influence on the formation of the education system in Egypt. The author gives a brief overview of Khedive’s socio-economic reforms, especially noting his achievements in the field of education. This article analyzes the “Law of Rajab 10th” (1868), the main purpose of which was to promote public education and establish a new type of school under the auspices of the state. The law developed plans for the construction of modern schools of a new type in each city, prepared projects for the reorganization of Koranic schools (kuttabs) and set the task of expanding the state education system. In addition, textbooks were unified and were now published after the approval of the Ministry of Education. The author elaborates on the structure of the education system formed during this period, noting the cultural continuity and historical educational traditions that had not been sacrificed to new knowledge, but were joined in a single model, representing the convergence of religious and secular education. The article points out that during the reign of Khedive Isma‘il the first public schools for girls were opened, and since that female education has become popular among the upper classes of Egyptian society. At the same time, with the support and encouragement of the Khedive, there was a growth of schools of foreign communities. Ultimately, the author comes to the conclusion that despite the financial difficulties that prevented the implementation of all planned educational reforms, this reform proved to be the most useful and necessary at that time. During this period, a clear and orderly system of education management was created, and a plan for a unified state education that should work for the benefit of society was developed.