Introduction

The concept of Egypt's borders as 'fake' is a persistent myth propagated by a few conspiracy theorists and unverified sources. This article aims to debunk the misconceptions surrounding Egypt’s borders, trace the historical events leading to its current borders, and clarify the role of the Sykes-Picot Agreement in this context.

Myth: Egypt's Borders Are Fake

Unfounded claims often circulate that Egypt's current borders are artificial and not natural. This misconception stems from a misunderstanding of the region's history, particularly the role of the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the position of Egypt during World War I.

Natural Borders: Deserts and Rivers

Egypt's borders are indeed natural in many respects. To the west lies the Western Desert (or Western Sahara), a vast, arid region that acts as a natural barrier. To the south, the border with Sudan follows the Second Nile Cataract, a stretch of the Nile river that has served as a natural boundary for centuries. Other natural features, such as sand dunes and river courses, have also been integral to defining the country's borders.

Historical Context: Egypt and the Ottoman Empire

Shattering the myth that Egypt was always part of the Ottoman Empire, historical records reflect a more complicated relationship between these entities. While Egypt was nominally under Ottoman suzerainty, it often challenged and even fought against Ottoman control. In the early 19th century, Muhammad Ali Pasha, who came from Egypt to take control of the Ottoman Empire's province, led military campaigns against the Ottomans and established a stable and independent administration in Egypt.

The British Protectorate and World War I

The misconception that Egypt's borders are 'fake' is further fuelled by the belief that they were created by the Sykes-Picot Agreement during World War I. However, it is crucial to understand that by the time the Sykes-Picot Agreement was signed in 1916, Egypt was already a British protectorate. Therefore, it was not under Ottoman control and was not a territory to be divided by the agreement.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement and Its Impact

The Sykes-Picot Agreement, named after Sir Mark Sykes and Fran?ois Georges-Picot, who negotiated it on behalf of the British and French Empires, was a secret agreement during World War I about the post-war division of the Ottoman Empire's Arab provinces. The agreement did propose changes to the boundaries of the Middle East, but it did not affect Egypt’s status as a British protectorate.

The Agreement and Egypt

While the agreement aimed to delineate spheres of influence for the Allied powers, it did not include Egypt. The agreement was primarily focused on other regions such as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Palestine, and the Levant. The British, who had been overseeing Egypt for several decades, did not need to consult with the agreement's outcomes.

The Role of World War I

During World War I, the region experienced significant political and military upheaval. The Ottomans were already weakened, and the British had established a protectorate over Egypt in 1914, long before the Sykes-Picot Agreement was signed. Egypt thus continued to be governed by the British under the wartime protectorate, which was not dependent on the results of the Sykes-Picot Agreement.

Conclusion

Despite the persistent myths, Egypt's borders have natural and historical roots. The Western Desert and the Nile river serve as natural barriers, while the Second Nile Cataract demarcates a historical boundary. Egypt’s relationship with the Ottoman Empire was complex and not always harmonious, with military conflicts and a quest for independence.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement had no direct impact on Egypt’s status as a British protectorate, and it was not responsible for the creation of Egypt’s current borders. Misconceptions about the Agreement and Egypt’s history need to be addressed to provide a clear and accurate understanding of the nation’s geography and political history.