Ibrahim El-Gohary was born to humble Coptic Christian parents in Qalyub. His father, Youssef El-Gohary, worked as a tailor to support the family. Ibrahim showed early promise in writing and mathematics. As he matured, he began transcribing religious texts and distributing them to churches at his own expense. His dedication caught the attention of Pope John XVIII, who blessed him and facilitated his appointment as the chief scribe to Master Rizk, another esteemed Coptic figure of the time. With the ascent of Muhammad Abu-'l-Dhahab as ruler of Egypt, Ibrahim was appointed as the chief scribe of the entire nation, akin to a modern-day prime minister.

 

Ibrahim had a son named Youssef and a daughter named Demiana. Tragically, Youssef passed away before his wedding, followed shortly by Demiana, who died unmarried.

 

Ibrahim El-Gohary earned the affection of Egyptians and was affectionately called The Sultan of the Copts due to his strong identification with his Coptic heritage. Renowned historian Abd al-Rahman al-Jabarti praised Ibrahim's leadership and statesmanship, acknowledging his enduring impact on Egypt.

 

Known for his philanthropy, Ibrahim El-Gohary was dedicated to constructing and renovating churches and monasteries. His influence in government allowed him to issue decrees permitting Copts to rebuild and repair religious structures, a task previously hindered by bureaucratic obstacles. Notably, he commissioned the construction of Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo.

 

Ibrahim also contributed generously to numerous endowments for church reconstruction, totaling 238 documented contributions to the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate. He undertook the renovation of Saint Mary Church in 1794, a significant seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope at the time.

 

Despite his esteemed position, Ibrahim faced adversity when a coup led by Hasan Qubtan forced him, along with Murad Bey and Ibrahim Bey, to flee to Upper Egypt. Qubtan's persecution of Copts led to the confiscation of Ibrahim's possessions and endowments. However, Ibrahim returned to Cairo in 1791 and resumed his former role.

 

Ibrahim El-Gohary passed away four years later on May 31, 1795. Pope John XVIII delivered his eulogy, and his funeral was attended by Ibrahim Bey. He was laid to rest in a tomb he had constructed near the church of Saint George in Old Cairo.