Abdel-Rahman al-Raf'ee

Abdel-Rahman al-Raf'ee
(1905-1992)

Abdel Rahman al-Raf'ee is known as the historian of modern Egypt. His writings have been highly influential on modern Egyptian historical thought. Although he was also a prominent lawyer, member of the 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 used to call frequently at al-Liwaa newspaper, where he came in contact with the 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, associating 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.

• In 1911, he accompanied Muhammad Fareed in a European tour.

• In 1915, he was detained for one year on account of his political memoirs, which were found by the police.

• In 1919, he joined a number of nationalists in a campaign to popularise agricultural trade unions. He was also involved in the 1919 Revolution activities.

• In 1924, he was elected a member of the Parliament representing the opposition National Party, and lost his parliamentary seat in 1926.

• In 1932, he was appointed Secretary to the National party.

• In 1949, he was appointed Minister of Supply.

• He warmly welcomed and supported the July 23,1952 Revolution.

• He was appointed Head of the Egyptian Bar Association in 1954.

• In 1958, he was re-elected member of the Supreme Council of Arts, Letters and Social Sciences.

• He was awarded State Merit Prize for Social Sciences in 1961.

Writings:

Al-Raf'ee's writings covered almost all stages of Egypt's modern history as follows:

• History of the National Movement and Evolution of the Governmental system in Egypt (two volumes).

• The Age of Mohammad Ali.

• The Age of Ismail (two volumes).

• Orabi Revolution and British Occupation.

• Egypt and Sudan during the Early Years of Occupation.

• Mustafa Kamel: Motive Force of National Movement.

• Mohammad Fareed: A Symbol of Sacrifice.

• The 1919 Revolution (two volumes).

• In the Wake of the Egyptian Revolution (three volumes).

• 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.