Zapadlý projekt Muhammada Alího. Budování hráze v deltě Nilu
Forgotten project of Muhammad Ali. Construction of the barrage in the head of delta

Summary/Abstract: This article analyses the problems of the first modern attempts at modernization of the Egyptian irrigationsystems on the Nile River in 19th century. The focus is on the construction of the barrage inthe head of Delta. This project, commenced by Egyptian ruler Muhammad Ali (1805–1848), was intendedto improve the irrigation of Delta and thus increase agricultural revenues, primarily withregard to the cotton production. The engagement of French foreign advisors such as engineers LouisMaurice Linant de Bellefonds and Eugène Mougel in the first phase of the project demonstrates thegreat influence France held over Muhammad Ali’s Egypt. The involvement of British engineers ColinScott-Moncrieff, William Reid and William Willcocks in the later phase of the project, which beganin the 1860s, in contrast reflects British economic interests and the rising of Britain’s dominance onthe Nile.

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