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Abbas PashaThe third Viceroy of Egypt, the eldest son of Prince Tusun Pasha (1794-1816) and grandson of the Egyptian Pasha Muhammad Ali.
Date of Birth: 10.11.1813
Country:  Egypt |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military and Political Career
- Reign as Viceroy
- Diplomacy and Reforms
- Health and Death
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Muhammad Abbas Hilmi Iwas born in Cairo, Egypt, as the elder son of Prince Tusun Pasha (1794–1816) and a grandson of Egyptian Pasha Muhammad Ali. Raised by his grandfather in Cairo, Abbas displayed aptitude in military and civil service at a young age.
Military and Political Career
Abbas's career was marked by mixed success. He failed to distinguish himself in the Syrian wars of 1831 and 1840 or in his governance of provinces. Nevertheless, he inherited the throne after Ibrahim Pasha's death on November 10, 1848, and was appointed Viceroy of Egypt by the Ottoman Empire.
Reign as Viceroy
During Abbas's reign, he canceled the privileges enjoyed by foreigners in Egypt and faced complaints from his relatives. The Ottoman Empire used this opportunity to strengthen its control over Egypt. Abbas was forced to implement Tanzimat reforms in 1851 and increase tribute payments.
Diplomacy and Reforms
Despite concessions, Abbas managed to gain concessions from the Ottoman Empire in 1852, protecting him from family opposition. He demonstrated his loyalty to Turkey by sending a fleet and 15,000 troops to support Sultan Abdulmejid I in the Crimean War.
Health and Death
Abbas died of a heart attack (or possibly assassination) on July 13, 1854. Contemporary historiography has challenged the depiction of Abbas as a reactionary and enemy of reform, attributing it to French propaganda in response to the loss of privileges. Abbas, in fact, continued Egypt's modernization, overseeing the construction of the first Egyptian railway with British assistance.
Legacy
Abbas was succeeded by his uncle, Said Pasha. His reign was characterized by modernization efforts, geopolitical diplomacy, and the reassertion of Egyptian sovereignty in the face of foreign influence.
