ABSTRACT

Organised interest groups are not a new or modern phenomenon in Egypt. On the contrary, professional associations are deeply rooted in the Egyptian culture and their genesis goes back to the old guilds system, which existed in Ottoman Egypt until the turn of the twentieth century. A closer look at the functions of the guilds reveals a striking similarity between them and modern Egyptian associations and syndicates that developed later. The guilds were headed by Sheikhs, who controlled and supervised guild members. These Sheikhs had the official authority to issue professional permits to guild members and to ensure that government rules and orders were strictly followed. They were, however, held accountable for any misdemeanours of their guild's members, as well as being responsible for supplying labour and services to both government and private employers. In their capacity as heads of guilds, the Sheikhs acted as arbitrators in members' disputes. Their responsibilities also included the collection of taxes from guild members and they assisted the government in setting the amount of taxes to be paid by the guilds. Apart from controlling entry to the professions by restricting the number of people involved in certain trades, some guilds maintained a complete monopoly over their profession.