Description of the attraction
On March 4, 1769, in the Greek city of Kavala, in the family of the Albanian merchant Ibrahim Agi, a boy was born, named by his parents Mehmet Ali and who later went down in history as Muhammad Ali of Egypt - Wali of Egypt and the founder of the last Egyptian dynasty that ruled in Egypt from 1805 to 1953.
In Kavala (under the supervision of his uncle in connection with the untimely death of his father), the future wali spent his childhood and youth. Having matured, Mehmet Ali, like his father once did, went into trade and did not even think about a military career. However, in 1798, as the head of one of the military garrisons of the Ottoman army, he went to Egypt. With an extraordinary mind and ambition, he managed to prove himself well, and his career went up rapidly, and in 1805 Mehmet Ali was appointed governor of Egypt.
During the years of his reign, Mehmet Ali carried out a number of global reforms that had a beneficial effect on the development of Egypt, but he did not forget about his hometown, generously donating to the creation of religious, educational and social centers in Kavala, thereby leaving a noticeable mark on the history of the city and the hearts of its inhabitants.
The house where Mehmet Ali once lived has been perfectly preserved to this day and today is one of the most famous sights of Kavala, as well as an important historical monument. It is located in the so-called old town on the Panagia Peninsula and is an elegant two-story mansion that is rightfully considered one of the finest examples of 18th century architecture in Kavala. Officially, the house of Mehmet Ali is the property of the Egyptian state.
In a small square in front of the house, you will see a bronze equestrian statue of Mehmet Ali, made by the talented Greek sculptor Konstantinos Dimitriadis, towering on an impressive pedestal. The statue was donated to the city by the Greek community of Egypt and was solemnly erected on December 6, 1949, in the presence of Prince Amr Ibrahim.
