October 20th, 1798.
As the first rays of dawn peeked over the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the ancient city of Cairo, Napoleon stood atop the towering walls of the citadel known as the "Salah El-Din Citadel." The morning breeze carried with it the scent of history, mingling with the anticipation that filled the air. From this fortified stronghold, perched majestically on a hill in the eastern part of the city, Napoleon gazed out upon the sprawling landscape below.
From this strategic vantage point, the citadel offered more than just a panoramic vista. It provided Napoleon with the means to survey the intricate tapestry of streets, markets, and mosques that sprawled beneath him.
There he saw French troops marching in the streets in an orderly fashion, their disciplined formations a testament to the influence the occupying force had gained over time. The once-apprehensive Egyptian locals now appeared more at ease, their interactions with the French soldiers becoming increasingly commonplace. A tentative coexistence was taking shape, where the vibrancy of Egyptian life intertwined with the foreign presence that now shaped the city.
As Napoleon's gaze swept across the landscape, his attention was drawn to the massive construction projects unfolding throughout Cairo. Buildings were being demolished to widen the narrow streets, making room for future modes of modern transportation such as carriages and trams. Streetlights, manufactured in Paris, and electric poles were being installed along the streets. Additionally, extensive excavation work was underway, creating channels for water and sewage pipelines beneath.
Napoleon's vision for Cairo extended beyond mere infrastructure improvements. He recognized the need to establish a stable power supply to fuel the city's growth. A power plant, housing five alternating current generators, was about to make its debut in the evening. As for the steel supplies, most of them were being imported from France but Napoleon already drew up plans on building foundries and steel mills.
Those infrastructure projects were made possible by the taxes raised from the Egyptian populaces, the treasures left by the Beys, and the forced labor of Mamluk soldiers. Just like in his conquered states in Italy, Napoleon introduced the Napoleonic code, encouraging a standardized legal system that would provide equal rights and justice for all citizens. The introduction of the Napoleonic Code brought about a sense of order and stability, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and social progress.
Though there were initial protests from the Egyptian populace about them interfering with their way of life, Napoleon stamped them out with a wave of the hand. He believed that the introduction of Western technology and the implementation of the Napoleonic Code would bring Egypt into a new era of prosperity and enlightenment.
Not only that, Napoleon established a Divan, or a council, consisting of notable Egyptian scholars, religious figures, and local dignitaries. The members of this council were to advise him on various matters regarding the administration and governance of Egypt.
Basically, Napoleon is westernizing and industrializing Egypt.
As he continued observing the bustling activities below, he was interrupted by one of the scholars he brought with him on the expedition.
"General Bonaparte, I have something to show you."
Napoleon turned around and faced him. The person's name was Pierre-Fran?ois-Xavier Bouchard, he is a civil engineer who is overseeing the industrialization of Egypt.
"What is it, Bouchard?"
"General, I seek permission from you to authorize this new product," Bouchard announced, walking forward and handing him the blueprint.
"What is this?" Napoleon said as he grabbed the blueprint and scanned it.
"It's a rail network to connect major cities of Egypt. For example here, we connect Alexandria and Cairo with railways, enabling efficient transportation of goods and people between the two cities. Here we also connect regions rich with mineral resources to facilitate their extraction and transport…"
"Hand me the quill," Napoleon interrupted.
Bouchard swiftly retrieved a quill and inkwell and handed it to him.
Napoleon signed the blueprint, sealing his approval of the ambitious rail network project.
"There, you got your new project," Napoleon said, handing him back the blueprint.
Bouchard bowed respectfully before leaving Napoleon again atop the citadel. Just as Bouchard left, another person entered.
"General Bonaparte."
It was Berthier, Napoleon's Chief-of-Staff and the one temporarily handling the administrative affairs of Egypt.
"It seems like you have news for me, Berthier. What is it?" Napoleon said, a smile playing on his lips.
"Well, the French fleet has arrived in Alexandria and just delivered fresh provisions for our troops. Ammunition, food, and water and I believe we are ready to chase Ibrahim Bey in Syria, defeat his forces and consolidate our position here in Egypt."
"We'll get to that, Berthier. For now, I want to rest and enjoy my time here in Egypt. Oh, I almost forgot, have you already implemented the anti-slavery law and the new tax legislation that I authored?"
"You mean the income tax and the abolition of slavery? Yes, we have implemented it, General Bonaparte. Though there was some resistance from the councils, especially from those who owned a lot of slaves, eventually, they gave in."
"That's good because when I was walking down the streets last week, I saw a slave auction being held in the city square. Women and children are being paraded for sale, their futures determined by the highest bidder. It was a sight that filled me with disgust," Napoleon said. "Slavery is morally abhorrent for me, and as for the other European powers."
Berthier nodded. "We have taken swift action to dismantle the slave trade and enforce the new laws, General. The slave auctions have been abolished, and measures are being put in place to ensure the emancipation and rehabilitation of those affected."
"How about in crimes? Are we experiencing an increase in stability and security since the implementation of my legal code?"
Berthier's expression turned serious as he responded, "Indeed, General. The legal code brought about a significant improvement in the judicial system and law enforcement. Crimes are being met with swift and fair punishment, instilling a sense of deterrence among the population. The establishment of police forces and the restructuring of the legal system have contributed to a notable reduction in criminal activities."
"Good, this is all good, this is turning out very well for us. We should inform about this development to the people of France, I'm sure they'd be pleased."
"You're right about that, General, and I must say, the legal code you instituted is very effective, I really hope it can be implemented in our country…"
Napoleon chuckled. "That's impossible, the Directory is in control. And I'm sure they wouldn't even consider it."
"Is that so…" Berthier said, looking down. "General, are you aspiring to involve yourself in politics? The way you govern our conquered states, to reiterate, is very effective."
"I have been asked that question by Talleyrand, Berthier…"
"You mean the current Minister of Foreign Affairs?" Berthier asked.
"Yes, and I answered him that I do have interest in political power, especially when you believe that you can do a better job than them," Napoleon trailed off and sighed. "This isn't a very good place to discuss such things, Berthier, someone may overhear us. But I assure you, my ambitions extend beyond mere military conquest. I believe that effective governance is essential for the progress and well-being of a nation. Perhaps one day, when the time is right, I will seize the opportunity to make a difference in the political landscape."
"In that case, General Bonaparte, you have my support."
***
Two hours later, Napoleon held a dinner symposium with his councils. The dining hall of the Citadel was lit by the chandeliers, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the gathered dignitaries. Egyptian scholars, religious figures, and local officials sat around the long table. Before they could start their meeting, they have to wait for an important figure.
"Sorry for being late, everyone."
When the Egyptian dignitaries heard that voice, heads immediately turned toward the source of the voice. There, they saw Napoleon, wearing a turban and a traditional Egyptian robe, entering the dining hall with a smile on his face.
"What are you wearing, General Bonaparte?" One of his generals, Kleber, asked, surprised by his appearance.
"Isn't it obvious," Napoleon replied with a mischievous grin, "I am embracing Egyptian culture. As leaders, it is important for us to understand and respect the customs of the people we govern."
After saying that, Napoleon took his seat at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the dignitaries.
"Thank you all for joining me tonight, as you all can see, Egypt is rapidly changing. For that, I have called you here to discuss our next steps, let's talk about Egypt becoming a French colony."
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