Cairo fire

Cairo Fire

The Cairo Fire, also known as the Cairo Incident or the Black Saturday, was a significant event in Egyptian history that took place on January 26, 1952. This event marked a turning point in the political landscape of Egypt and had profound implications for the country's future.

Background

The Cairo Fire occurred during a period of intense political and social unrest in Egypt. The country was under British occupation, and there was widespread dissatisfaction with the monarchy of King Farouk I. The Wafd Party, a nationalist liberal political party, was at the forefront of the struggle for independence and reform.

In the early 1950s, tensions between the Egyptian government and the British authorities escalated, particularly over the presence of British troops in the Suez Canal Zone. The situation was further aggravated by economic difficulties and social inequalities, leading to widespread discontent among the Egyptian populace.

The Fire

On the morning of January 26, 1952, a series of riots broke out in Cairo following a violent confrontation between Egyptian police and British forces in the city of Ismailia. The riots quickly escalated into a full-scale conflagration, with mobs setting fire to buildings, shops, and cinemas in downtown Cairo.

The fire raged for several hours, destroying more than 700 buildings, including the famous Shepheard's Hotel, cinemas, and department stores. The destruction was extensive, and the event left a lasting scar on the city.

Aftermath

The Cairo Fire had significant political repercussions. It exposed the weaknesses of the Egyptian monarchy and the government, leading to increased support for revolutionary movements. The event is often seen as a precursor to the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, which resulted in the overthrow of King Farouk and the establishment of a republic under the leadership of the Free Officers Movement.

The fire also highlighted the deep-seated social and economic issues facing Egypt, which would continue to influence the country's political landscape in the years to come.

Also see

• Egyptian Revolution of 1952
• Farouk of Egypt
• Wafd Party
• Suez Crisis