Abdel-Rahman al-Raf'ee
(1889 - 1966)

Abdel Rahman al-Raf'ee is known as the historian of modern Egypt. His writings were highly influential on modern Egyptian historical thought. Although he was also a prominent lawyer, member of parliament and minister, al-Raf'ee was best known as a historian.

Birth and Education

Born in Cairo on February 8, 1889, he received his primary and secondary education mostly in Alexandria. In 1908, he graduated from the Faculty of Law. As a student of law, he would call frequently on al-Liwaa newspaper, where he came in contact with nationalist leader Mustafa Kamel.

Career

Al-Raf'ee worked as a lawyer for a short time, but soon abandoned the profession for journalism. He joined al-Liwaa newspaper as an editor in association with the nationalist leader Mohammad Fareed who succeeded Mustafa Kamel as Editor-in-Chief.

He cooperated with the National Party's young members in establishing night schools, and providing free education to the poor and working class.

1911: accompanied Muhammad Fareed in a European tour

1915: was detained for one year on account of his political memoirs, which were found by the police

1919: joined a number of nationalists in a campaign to popularize agricultural trade unions. He was also involved in the 1919 Revolution

1924: was elected Member of Parliament representing the opposition National Party, and lost his parliamentary seat in 1926

1932: was appointed Secretary of the National Party

1949: he was appointed Minister of Supply

1954: was appointed Head of the Egyptian Bar Association

1958: was re-elected member of the Supreme Council of Art, Letters and Social Sciences

1961: was awarded the State Prize of Merit for Social Sciences

Writings

• History of the National Movement and Evolution of the Governmental System in Egypt (2 vols.)

• The Age of Mohammad Ali
• The Age of Ismail (2 vols.)
• Orabi Revolution and British Occupation
• Egypt and Sudan during the Early Years of Occupation
• Mustafa Kamel: Driving Force of National Movement
• Mohammad Fareed: A Symbol of Sacrifice
• The 1919 Revolution (2 vols.)
• In the Wake of the Egyptian Revolution (3 vols.)
• Preludes to the July 23, 1952 Revolution
• The July 23, 1952 Revolution: Egypt's National History in Seven Years
• Revolutionary Leader: Ahmad Orabi
• Gamal Eddin al-Afghani
• Egypt's Struggle in Modern Times
• My Diary (1889 - 1951)
• Fourteen Years in Parliament
• Poets of Patriotism in Egypt
• Analysis of the 1936 Treaty

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