Kingdom of Egypt

Egypt, 1922–1953.

Britain declared Egypt independent in 1922 but kept troops and influence. The country had a king, a parliament and lively politics, and Cairo was the centre of Arab film, music and literature.

Seat of power: Cairo

Rulers

Fuad I

King, 1922–1936

Became king when Britain ended its protectorate. The 1923 constitution created a parliament, but Fuad often dissolved it and ruled through palace-friendly governments, competing with the popular Wafd party.

Portrait of Fuad I: Brain News Service (publisher), Public domain, file

Farouk

King, 1936–1952

Came to the throne at 16 as a popular young king. His reign was shaped by rivalry with the Wafd party and the British, who surrounded his palace with tanks in 1942 to force a change of government. Defeat in the 1948 war and corruption scandals led to the Free Officers' coup in July 1952 and his exile.

Portrait of Farouk: Unknown author, Public domain, file

Culture

Studio Misr opens in 1935 and Cairo becomes the Hollywood of the Arab world.
The singer Umm Kulthum's monthly radio concerts gather listeners across the Arab world.
Naguib Mahfouz writes his first novels about Cairo life. He later wins the 1988 Nobel Prize.

Picture

Studio Misr in its early years, the birthplace of Egypt's film industry.

Image: Alahram, Public domain, file