Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 1.djvu/549

 RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION— ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS. 446 Valley, but also with the native population itaelf, which is bcinj^ brought daily more under the influence of modern ideas. The time is probably approaching when the or}' of " Egypt for the Egj'ptians," already raised under unhappy auspices, will again be heard in a way to command the respect and consideration of European statesmen. Religious Organisation. For the Eg}'ptian Muhommedan world the chief dignitary of the Mussulman religion is still the Sheikh-el- Islam of Constantinople. Hence, in raodifjing the laws of the country without first obtaining the sanction of this spiritual head of the faithful, the British Government has shown a complete disregard and indifference to the most hallowed traditions of the land. In Egypt itself the chief religious authority is centred in the corporate body of doctors attached to the University of El-Azbar in Cairo. The " Jacobite " or National Church of the Coptic Christians is governed by the Patriarch of Alexandria, who, notwithstanding his official title, also resides permanently in Cairo. Like the patriarchs of the orthodox Greek Church, he is chosen not from the active clergy, but from amongst those leading a monastic life. The priests themselves never take orders until they are married, but the principle of celibacy is so far recognised that once become widowers they cannot contract a second marriage. For analogous reasons, marriage with the widows of priests, henceforth vowed to the Church, are also forbidden to all the faithful. The small section of the Coptic Christians who recognise the spiritual headship of the Roman pontiff have no national patriarch, but are governed by a bishop always conse- crated in Rome. Administrative Divisions. For administrative purposes Egj'pt is divided into mudirieh, or provinces, governed by a miuiir, or prefect, who takes the title of mohafez in those provinces which consist only of a large city and its suburban district. The mudirieh are in their turn divided into niarkaz or kism, administered by officials bearing the title of iiazir, and these again into districts of the third rank known by diverse names, corresponding to our circuits, cantons, parishes, and the like The mudirs, or chief governors, administer their respective provinces in the com- bined capacity of civil prefects, receivers of the revenues, and military commanders. All the other provincial authorities are placed under the direct jurisdiction of these mudirs, who, however, discharge most of their multifarious functions by means of a reki/, or lieutenant, and with the aid of the notaries who form their dicaH or private council. The karas and the bodies of police placed at their disposal are charged with the maintenance of order amongst the fcllahin or peasantry of the rural districts. This duty is usually attended by little difficulty, thanks to the naturally peaceful disposition of the inhabitants of Egypt, always ready to yield