The Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire in the late ^19th century

Around 1880, colonial systems began to define themselves as Empires, ushering Europe into the age of imperialism. What made the question of the Orient so special was the multiplicity of players and their constant interactions. Relationships were characterized by the interference and involvement of outside players in local affairs, with or without the consent of local partners.

In the declining Ottoman Empire, the European powers attempted to establish a collective trusteeship reflecting the European equilibrium. At the same time as they participated in, and even provoked, crises, they also tried to impose regulations. The question of the East is thus the first outline of a plural management of world affairs. As a result, the internal tensions of the European political system were projected into the Ottoman space, while Ottoman conflictuality had repercussions between European powers. Finally, the " civilization " imposed by Europe, sometimes desired by local modernizing elites, led to the emergence of new political identities, destabilizing the old order.

The last third of the ^19th century was also that of the first globalization, with the advent of real time - the creation of the electric telegraph network - and universal time - indispensable for the regular operation of railroads. This sequence was marked by a new fluidity in the movement of people, goods and capital. The abolition of distance increased the number of players in immediate interaction, at a time when public opinion was becoming increasingly important.