The Egyptian military appeared to outsiders as a world imposed onto an older society

Evidence

What is interesting about St. John’s description of the descent of the new cavalry troops on this peaceful village is the way he brings together these two worlds, the civilian and the military. The appearance of the “rich, variegated costume” of the officers is contrasted sharply with the humbleness and simplicity of the peasants, their dress and their products. Juxtaposed in this manner, a great difference appears between the two worlds with the old setting suddenly looking traditional, backward and mediocre, and the new appearing as dynamic and vibrant. One finds very little connection between the humble peasants in their peaceful little village and the galloping cavalry officers in their magnificent scarlet cloaks and the only way they appear together in the same scene is by “imposing” one on top of the other. — Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed Ali, his…, 414