fco_384335 - EGYPT - SUEZ CANAL 20 Centimes Borel Lavalley et Compagnie 1865

EGYPT - SUEZ CANAL

The first canal was started by Pharaoh Senousret III (1887-1849 BC) and completed by Seti I and Ramses II. Ferdinand de Lesseps (1805-1894), vice-consul of France in Alexandria, convinced the khedive Mohammed Saïd, of whom he was a friend, to build a canal linking the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The firmans of 1854 and 1856 prepared and specified the act of concession of November 25, 1854 which allowed Ferdinand de Lesseps to undertake the construction of the canal. The firman of 1856 provided for freedom of movement. The capital was subscribed by France for more than half and the viceroy of Egypt for a quarter. Work began in 1859 and lasted ten years. The canal was inaugurated on November 17, 1869. Its length was 52 km in 1869 and its width was 44 meters..