The Hidden Community: Chapters from the History of Albanians in Egypt

This book lifts the veil on the “hidden” Albanian community that existed in Egypt in the mid-twentieth century, which ranked fifth in terms of size and economic standing before it gradually receded, leaving only individuals and traces and memories scattered here and there. The Albanian presence in Egypt was marked by continuity through the last states that ruled Egypt (the Mamluk, the Ottoman and the dynasty of Muhammad Ali), with the prevalence of a pattern of Albanian sultans, governors and rulers, some of whom left their mark on Egypt’s history, such as Muhammad Ali Pasha. The book deals with unknown chapters of the historical relations between Albania and Egypt, the circumstances that led Albanians to come to Egypt (Al-Mahrousa), and the growing role of Egypt’s Albanians through their notable contribution to Albanian political and cultural life and what they did in establishing independent Albania. It also reveals many concealed pages of our history, including how Prince Fuad was a candidate to take the throne of Albania before he became King of Egypt, through to the years of residence in Egypt of Ahmed Zogu, King of Albania, at the invitation of King Farouk, coinciding with the start of the Cold War, showing how “special operations” were launched, coordinated by King Zogu and Western agencies, to overthrow the communist regime in Albania, and revealing a thrilling chapter of Albanian-Egyptian relations.