Khulkhäl Aga’s mutilation symbolizes Ottoman rule’s denial of Egyptian autonomy. [fact]
It seems clearer here, though, that Khulkhäl Aga is as much a victim of the Ottoman ruling class as any Egyptian: he lost his manhood and is thus symbolic of Egyptians' own inability to gain autonomy in the government that ruled them.
Eve M. Troutt Powell, A Different Shade of Coloni…, loc. 434