A City Consumed

The Cairo Fire: A Reconsideration of Urban Commerce and Decolonization in Egypt By Nancy Reynolds Stanford University Press, 2012 In the aftermath of the Egyptian military coup of 1952, the Cairo Fire was remembered as an act of anti-colonial protest. However, at the time, it seemed like a destructive act of national self-destruction. This event has been reevaluated by historian Nancy Reynolds, who explores the decades leading up to the fire and its complex relationship with consumer goods. Reynolds examines how nationalist leaders in Egypt navigated their stance on commerce, often railing against it as a form of colonial captivity while simultaneously promoting local production and consumption to anchor a newly independent economy. By investigating struggles over dress and shopping, Reynolds reveals that nationhood was forged through the informal conflicts and collaborations of consumers, alongside more institutional mandates. This book offers a nuanced understanding of the Cairo Fire's significance in Egyptian history, challenging prevailing narratives and shedding new light on the complex interplay between commerce, identity, and decolonization.