DPU Working Paper - No. 82

Authors: Arandel, C. and M El-Batran

Publication Date: 1997

Cities in developing countries face similar challenges in attempting to cope with the phenomenon of rapid urbanisation. Their ability to cope with such challenges is largely contingent upon their limited resources and the institutional framework in which they operate. Social organisations, cultures, administrative traditions, planning conventions and political dynamics vary considerably from city to city, and country to country, (Stren and White, 1989, and Stren, 1991).

Egypt was a pioneer among developing countries in instituting a system of public administration whose changes over the ages reflect the country’s long and complex history. According to Valsan, (1990; p.131): “In modern times, three major events have had considerable impact on the administration inherited by the free officers who came to power in 1952: first The French Invasion under Napoleon; second, the rule of Turkish Viceroy Mohammed Aly; and third, the British occupation of Egypt”.

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