Russia’s Presence in Egypt (Late 18th — First Quarter of the 20th Century): Based on Materials from the “Egyptian” Fond of the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire

The documents from the “Egyptian” fond of the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire (Fond No. 317) contain rich information about Russia's presence in Egypt from the end of the 18th century to the early 20th century. These materials reflect the dynamics of the development of Russian-Egyptian relations, beginning with the establishment of the Consulate General in Alexandria and ending with the functioning of the Diplomatic Agency in Cairo. The fond includes correspondence with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy in Constantinople, Egyptian authorities, as well as documents on the country’s history, such as judicial reform, trade development, the construction of the Suez Canal, and the participation of Russian lawyers in mixed courts. Of particular interest are the data regarding the Russian community in Egypt, which mainly consisted of foreigners who had accepted Russian citizenship. The documents contain detailed lists of Russian subjects and protégés, including their ethnic, religious, and professional affiliations, numbers, and social status. Despite the small number of people originating from Russia, Russian diplomacy was respected among the local population due to its neutral stance and absence of colonial ambitions. Additionally, the fond contains unique information about the Abed School in Cairo, which operated under the patronage of the Russian Consulate General, as well as materials related to visits by high-ranking Russian officials, including members of the imperial family. These documents contribute to the reconstruction not only of the history of Russian diplomacy and economic activity in Egypt but also of how the local elites perceived Russia. The archival material reveals new chapters in the interaction between the two countries and is valuable for further research.