Slavery in Egypt

Slavery in Egypt was practiced until the early 20th century. It was different from slavery in ancient Egypt because it followed Islamic law after the Caliphate took control in the 7th century. The practice slowly ended in the late 19th century when the slave trade was banned, though some people were still held as slaves until the 1930s.

During this time, slaves in Egypt were mainly divided into three groups. Some men were used as soldiers and helpers in government work. Some women were kept in homes, including special places called harems. Others were used for work around the house or on farms. Most of these enslaved people came from Europe, the Caucasus, the Sudan, or Africa south of the Sahara through the Trans-Saharan slave trade.

Even today, Egypt is a place where some people are forced to work against their will. The government has been working to stop these bad activities in recent years.

Abbasid Egypt

See also: History of concubinage in the Muslim world, Islamic views on concubinage, Ma malakat aymanukum, Qiyan, Jarya, Abd (Arabic), Khawal, and Slavery in the Abbasid Caliphate

Egypt was ruled by the Abbasid Caliphate from 750 to 935. During this time, slavery followed rules set by Islamic law.

Slaves in Egypt came from many places. Some were traded under peace agreements, like between Egypt and Nubia. Others were captured during raids. Some slaves were even taken from Egypt itself, against the law.

In cities like Fusṭāṭ, many slaves were sold. They came from many different lands and had many jobs. Many slaves were born into slavery or brought in from outside the Islamic world. Because of Islamic rules encouraging freedom for slaves, Egypt needed a constant supply of new slaves to keep the system going.

Fatimid Caliphate: 969–1171

During the Fatimid Caliphate, which ruled Egypt from 969 to 1171, many people were brought to Egypt from faraway lands. Some worked as soldiers and helpers. Women often helped in homes or important places.

Different groups of people came from near Africa, Europe, and other areas. In important homes, women had many jobs, like helping with housework and caring for children. Some were chosen for special roles because of where they came from.

Men worked hard, guarded important places, and sometimes fought in battles. Some men, known as eunuchs, had big jobs helping leaders make decisions. These men came from many places and were trusted with important tasks.

Ayyubid Sultanate: 1171–1250

The Ayyubid Sultanate (1171–1250) included Egypt and Syria. Slavery in these areas shared a common history during the Ayyubid dynasty.

African slaves were brought into Egypt through trade routes. Slaves also came from places like West Africa and the Red Sea. Some slaves were captured in wars, including people from the Crusader states.

In Egypt, there were more female slaves than male slaves. Many female slaves worked in homes. Male slaves were often used in military roles.

Mamluk Sultanate: 1250–1517

During the Mamluk Sultanate era (1250–1517), Egyptian society had a system where some people were used for certain jobs. Men from places like Central Asia and the Black Sea were often taken to be soldiers. Women were used for work inside homes.

Slaves came from many places. People from Central Asia and the Black Sea were taken to be soldiers, while others from Africa and Europe were brought in for different tasks. The trade of people continued during this time, with routes going from Africa through the Middle East to Europe.

Ottoman Egypt: 1517–1805

The Ottoman Empire ruled Egypt from 1517 to 1805. During this time, slavery existed, much like before. Slaves came from many places. Some became soldiers, while others worked in homes or did hard labor.

Slaves arrived in Egypt through different paths. African slaves came from areas such as Sudan, traveling across the Sahara Desert. Some trade routes, like the one from the Balkans, closed, but others, like the route from the Black Sea, remained open. Slaves from places like Crimea could end up in Egypt.

In Egypt, many soldiers were slaves called Mamluks. They often came from places like the Caucasus or Georgia. Wealthy Mamluk leaders sometimes married women who had also been slaves. These women worked in homes or became wives.

Many women served as helpers in homes. Some people thought slavery was kind to these women, even though many came from poor places. Overall, slaves in Egypt came from many different places and had many roles.

Ottoman Egypt Trans-Saharan slave trade Balkan slave trade Black Sea slave trade Crimean slave trade Mamluk Murad Bey Nafisa al-Bayda harems Ottoman Egypt

Muhammad Ali dynasty: 1805–1953

Egypt became independent during the Muhammad Ali dynasty (1805–1914). During the 19th century, slavery was still an important part of society.

Slaves came from different places. Some were from Africa and used as soldiers or farm workers. Others were from places like the Caucasus and worked in homes or in special living areas called harems.

The slave trade to Egypt was stopped in steps between 1877 and 1884. While slavery itself wasn’t immediately banned, it slowly ended after the slave trade was stopped. By the 1930s, slavery had mostly disappeared in Egypt.

Slave trade

Further information: Turco-Egyptian conquest of Sudan (1820–1824)

Slave traders in Egypt were often from certain areas and formed groups. Cairo was a major center for trading slaves. Slaves were brought to Egypt from Africa through several routes.

Slave market

Women and eunuchs were mainly used in homes or harems. Agriculture also became a new area where slaves were used during the 19th century.

Agricultural slavery

The use of Sudanese people in farming became common under Muhammad Ali and his successors. The growing of crops, especially cotton, created a need for more workers, and slaves were used on large estates.

Harem slavery

The royal harems of the Muhammad Ali dynasty were modeled after those of the Ottoman Empire. These harems included many enslaved women who served in various roles. Over time, these practices changed, especially after laws were made to stop the slave trade.

Military slavery

Muhammad Ali prepared an army using enslaved Sudanese people. They were trained and given new clothes and taught about Islam. Later, local Egyptians were recruited for the army instead.

Abolition and aftermath

The British, who influenced Egypt after 1882, started campaigns against slavery. Laws were passed to stop the slave trade, and slaves were given the right to seek freedom. These changes led to the gradual end of slavery in Egypt. By the early 1900s, slavery was no longer common.