The Beginnings of Modernization in Education: The Jewish Community in Egypt as a Case Study *

Ethnic and religious minority groups have, of course, contributed substantially to the beginnings of modernization in the Middle East. This is particularly true of Egypt, where these minority groups often served as a channel for cultural and economic penetration, and applies to education no less than to many other spheres. It should be remembered that, as far as modern education is concerned, Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries were late starters —compared to the modest but vigorous advance in their economy. ¹