In 1927, King Fuad I of Egypt embarked on a significant tour of Manchester, a pivotal event that highlighted the city’s advancements in industrial and educational sectors. This visit, reflecting the king’s interest in global progress and modernization, provided a unique opportunity to explore Manchester’s achievements during a period of rapid technological and educational development. This study examines the key aspects of King Fuad’s visit, focusing on the industrial and educational institutions he explored. It provides a detailed account of the various sites visited, including major industrial enterprises and prominent educational establishments, and analyzes the interactions between the royal visitor and local leaders. The visit not only showcased Manchester’s industrial prowess but also underscored its commitment to educational excellence. Through an analysis of contemporary reports, archival materials, and personal accounts, this study highlights the impact of King Fuad’s visit on both the Egyptian and British perspectives of technological and educational progress. The visit fostered diplomatic relations and demonstrated the global recognition of Manchester’s role in shaping modern industry and education.

Industrial Tour, Educational Institutions, Royal Visits

Address of Mohammed Hamdy, the Egyptian student, on behalf of the Manchester Egyptian Students’ Association on 20 July 1927, Records of Victoria University of Manchester, the University of Manchester Archives, the Library of the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Address of the Egyptian students in the University of Manchester on 20 July 1927, Records of Victoria University of Manchester, the University of Manchester Archives, the Library of the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Address of welcome spoken by the Vice-Chancellor on the occasion of the visit of his Majesty King Fuad of Egypt to the University of Manchester on Wednesday, 20 July 1927, Records of Victoria University of Manchester, the University of Manchester Archives, the Library of the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Alberti, Samuel J. M. M., Nature and Culture: Objects, Disciplines and the Manchester Museum. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2009.

“An Alliance with Egypt: Proposed British Offer.” The Observer, June 19, 1927.

“Arrival at Dover: Welcomed by the Prince of Wales.” The Manchester Guardian, July 5, 1927.

“Artificial Silk and Cotton.” The Economist, July 23, 1927.

“Banquet at Bolton: King Fuad’s Decoration for Mayor.” The Manchester Guardian, July 21, 1927.

Bent, Peter H., “Agrarian change and industrialization in Egypt, 1800-1950.” In Proceedings of La Théorie de la Régulation à l'épreuve des Crises, June 10-12, 2015, Paris.

“Civic Banquet to King Fuad: Another Protest” The Manchester Guardian, July 29, 1927.

“Cotton Congress: King Fuad and the Visitors” The Manchester Guardian, July 27, 1927.

Counter-draft approved by His Majesty’s Government on 28 July 1927, Papers Regarding Negotiations for a Treaty of Alliance with Egypt, presented by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to Parliament by Command of his Majesty, London, 1928.

“Great Britain and Egypt” The Economist, July 9, 1927.