A mystique of personal omnipotence shielded Mehmed Ali so he could drop formal ceremony

Evidence

As disappointing as the conclusion of this impressive spectacle might appear, Mehmed Ali knew only too well that he could afford this anticlimactic appearance on center stage for there is enough evidence that suggests that even during his own time an aura of sanctity and mystique had already been formed around his own body, his name and his dwelling place. It was enough for an unarmed foreign traveler when he was close to being attacked by a local mob to utter the word “Pasha” and “Firman” for the local governor (who was leading the mob) to grow “very civil and humble.” Furthermore, by insisting on doing everything himself and on overseeing all the details of the government Mehmed Ali managed to convey the impression that his residence was the real center of power in his realm. — Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed Ali, his…, 682

Categorization

• XREF: Echoes the ADDENDUM essay on how claimed sacred or awe-inspiring aura stabilizes a ruler’s authority without coercive props.
• QUESTION: How was the ‘aura of sanctity’ deliberately cultivated versus organically arising — and against whom (Ottoman superiors?) was it directed?