on 17 November 1869, the Suez Canal was officially opened in Egypt, creating a pivotal maritime link between the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
This monumental engineering feat, spearheaded by French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, revolutionised global trade by providing a direct sea route between Europe and Asia, significantly shortening travel time and fostering economic exchanges on an unprecedented scale.
The canal's inauguration marked a turning point in international commerce and geopolitics, solidifying Egypt’s status as a critical trade hub and drawing interest from major world powers keen to control this vital artery of commerce.
