Muhammad Ali Pasha is recorded as planning to extend his rule to the Ottoman Empire’s Syrian provinces as early as 1812, secretly telling the British consul of his designs on the territory that year.[1] This desire was left on hold, however, as he consolidated his rule over Egypt, modernizing its government administration, public services, and armed forces, and suppressing various rebellions, including Mameluk and Wahhabi uprisings –– on behalf of Sultan Mahmud II.[1]