Mehmed Ali held de facto political sway in Syria before conquest

Evidence

In 1821 he again showed a keen interest (and influence) in Syrian affairs when ‘Abdallah Pasha, the vali of Sidon, requested his mediation with the Porte to reinstate him in his pashalɩks after falling out of favor with the Sultan. He agreed to play the role of mediator and, thanks to his efforts ‘Abdallah Pasha was pardoned and reinstated in his post. — Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed Ali, his…, 210