ΣΥΝΤΟΜΗ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ

The position of Egypt in 1914 was rather complex. Formally part of Turkish Empire, it actually operated as a British protectorate (formally announced in December 1914). On 5 August 1914, Egypt was declared to be at war with the enemies of Britain. For the British and Egyptian leaders, there were at that time two chief concerns: one was the Turkish Army, believed to be intent on an attack from Palestine; the other internal security, for many Arabs including the nominal head of state Abbas Il Helmi were anti-British. Muslim Turks soon proclaimed a jihad, in an effort to rouse anti-British, anti-Western sentiment in the Middle East, and generally maneouvred to foment an internal Arab revolt against the British. Britain in turn manoeuvred to remove Helmi and replaced him with Prince Hussein Kamel. The Turks planned to invade Egypt, and began to build up a force of 20,000 men under the command of Fourth Turkish Army. Djemal Pasha was both Commander-in-Chief of this Army and Governor of the Ottoman Empire in Palestine.