First World War Postcard of 'The Statue of Mohammed Ali', Alexandria

1900 - 1919
Overview

A sepia-coloured artistic postcard depicting a statue situated in a city square, of a man on horseback dressed in local robes and headwear. The statue sits on a high plinth surrounded by an ornate metal fence. Outside of this fence at each corner are ornate light poles each with five lamps. Three or four storey European style brick buildings can be seen in the background. The postcard is in very good condition with no damage. The top edge has perforations that suggest it was separated from another card. The front is printed with a description of the image, and the reverse has proforma printing.

Historical information

Mohammed Ali (1769 to 1849) is considered the founder of modern Egypt. A towering equestrian statue was installed in 1873 at the centre of the square. This was just twenty-four years after his death. It was the first statue unveiled in public anywhere in the Middle East. Despite all the political changes that have occurred in Alexandria and Egypt since that time, Muhammad Ali statue’s still rises above the square today.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-12-2022.1.145
Item type
Postcards
Material
Card
Width
87 mm
Height or length
135 mm
Inscriptions and markings

In machine printing, on the front “ Statue Mohamed Aly - Alexandrie”. On the reverse “Carte Postale / Union Postale Universelle / SERIE 210 / THE CAIRO POSTCARD TRUST - CAIRO 54522.”

Contextual information

The Cairo Postcard Trust (founded in the early 20th century) is one of the most famous and trusted publishers of vintage Egyptian postcards. These highly collectible, antique photographs and artistic illustrations document the golden age of travel in Cairo, capturing historical landmarks, bustling streets, and the pyramids.

Place made
Egypt
Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Well provenanced
Google Maps search term / URL
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWHZtRH1mm24SAjK8
Last modified
Wednesday, 5 August, 2026
Completeness
100
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Postcard Front
The Statue of Mohammed Ali, Alexandria
Rear View of Postcard
Reverse of Postcard

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