Sanüa lost the khedive’s support in 1872.25 He then founded two literary groups: Mahfil al-taqaddum (the Circle of Progress), followed by Jamat Muhibbi al-ilm (The Society of Lovers of Knowledge). Both were dedicated to intellectual discussions among Egyptians, no matter their religion. Reformist-minded ulamä´ from al- Azhär joined, as did officers of the army. But these societies were short- lived.The khedive closed them in 1874, even exiling some of their members to the south of the Sudan.

Eve M. Troutt Powell, A Different Shade of Coloni…, loc. 315