Omar Lotfy
Omar Lotfy Bey | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1867 |
| Died | 14 November 1911 |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, Human Rights Activist[1] |
| Known for | Among the founders of Al Ahly |
Omar Lotfy Bey, was an Egyptian lawyer and human rights activist, known for being the father of cooperation in Egypt and one of the pioneers of the cooperative movement in the world, as well as for his support for women’s rights. He is also the one who came up with the idea of establishing the Egyptian Al Ahly.[2]
Founding Al Ahly
The idea of establishing Al Ahly by Omar Lotfy first emerged while he was the President of the Higher Schools Club. He thought about establishing a sports club that would bring together students from the Higher Schools Club interested in politics and other students in higher school sports, preparing them to take their place at the forefront of the nation's youth seeking Egypt's freedom from colonialism. A place was needed for them after graduation to spend their free time, so that each of them would not have to go back to his village and lose contact with them when the nation needed them to confront the British.[3]
The idea of establishing Al Ahly Club was driven by patriotism, and it was believed in by men loyal to the nation. Omar Lotfy Bey met with patriotic figures and presented the idea of establishing Al Ahly Club to them, including his lifelong friend Mustafa Kamel and the Dean of the Faculty of Dar Al-Ulum. He also met with a group of Egyptian ministers, governors, and provincial directors from north to south, including those who had established the Egyptian economy and established the cooperative movement in Egypt. He also consulted a number of sheikhs from Al-Azhar, and they unanimously agreed to establish Al Ahly Club.[3]
Indeed, Al Ahly Club was established and Omar Lotfy Bey was given the first example in Al Ahly Club of self-denial when he chose Alfred Mitchell Enes to as the first President the club, despite him being the one who had the idea of establishing it, in order to favour the club’s interests.[3]
References
- ^ "118 Years of Glory: Al Ahly from Omar Lotfy's Idea to the Throne of Africa". Misr Connect. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "The story behind Al Ahly's establishment". Al Ahly Sporting Club. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ a b c Sadek, Maximos (6 February 2006). "Zamalek: The Elite Cairo Suburb". Egyptian Gazette Archive via Egy.com. Retrieved 7 May 2025.