Who was Abbas II of Egypt?

Abbas II was the last Khedive of Egypt and Sudan, ruling from January 8, 1892, to December 19, 1914. He was a member of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, which had ruled Egypt since the early 19th century.

What were the dates of Abbas II's reign as Khedive of Egypt and Sudan?

Abbas II reigned as Khedive of Egypt and Sudan from January 8, 1892, until December 19, 1914.

What significant historical event led to the end of Abbas II's rule?

Abbas II was deposed by the British in December 1914, following the Ottoman Empire's alliance with the Central Powers in World War I. This action also marked the formal end of Egypt's status as an Ottoman province, a situation that had persisted since 1517.

When and where was Abbas II born?

Abbas II was born in Alexandria, Egypt, on July 14, 1874.

Who were the parents of Abbas II?

Abbas II's parents were Tewfik I of Egypt and Emina Ilhamy.

What was Abbas II's familial connection to Muhammad Ali of Egypt?

Abbas II was the great-great-grandson of Muhammad Ali of Egypt, the founder of the dynasty that ruled Egypt and whose reforms significantly modernized the country.

How did Abbas II come to power as Khedive?

Abbas II ascended to the throne on January 8, 1892, upon the sudden death of his father, Tewfik Pasha. At the time of his succession, Abbas II was still a student in Vienna.

What was the initial nature of Abbas II's relationship with the British administration in Egypt?

Abbas II's early reign was marked by tension with the British, who had occupied Egypt in 1882. As a young ruler, he resented the significant influence of the British Consul General, Sir Evelyn Baring (later Earl of Cromer), and sought to assert his own authority.

What was the significance of the Wadi Halfa incident in 1894?

The Wadi Halfa incident occurred in January 1894 when Abbas II publicly criticized Egyptian army units under British command during an inspection tour. This led to a diplomatic crisis, with the British Sirdar, Sir Herbert Kitchener, threatening to resign and demanding concessions from the Khedive.

How did Abbas II's relationship with the British evolve over his rule?

While initially confrontational, Abbas II's relationship with the British administration evolved. By 1899, he began accepting British counsel, and later expressed a willingness to cooperate, approving development projects. However, he secretly continued to support Egyptian nationalist sentiments.

What key development projects did Abbas II approve during his reign?

Abbas II formally approved significant projects including reforms to the justice system, tax reductions, educational improvements, and major irrigation works like the Aswan Low Dam and the Assiut Barrage. He also supported the reconquest of Sudan.

What were Abbas II's personal interests outside of politics?

Abbas II had a strong interest in agriculture and established model farms for cattle and horses at Qubbah and Muntazah, which served as examples of agricultural science in Egypt.

How did Abbas II secretly support Egyptian nationalism?

Despite maintaining a public stance of cooperation with the British, Abbas II secretly funded the anti-British newspaper Al-Mu'ayyad and provided support to the Egyptian nationalist movement, notably the one led by Mustafa Kamil Pasha.

Which political party did Abbas II help establish, and what was its purpose?

In 1907, Abbas II helped form the National Party, led by Mustafa Kamil Pasha. This party was established to counter the influence of the Ummah Party, which represented more moderate Egyptian political factions.

Who succeeded Abbas II as the ruler of Egypt after his deposition?

Following Abbas II's deposition in December 1914, his uncle, Hussein Kamel, was installed as the ruler with the title of Sultan of Egypt, marking a shift in Egypt's political status under British protection.

What measures were taken against Abbas II's property and rights after his deposition?

After Abbas II was deposed, Hussein Kamel, acting under British direction, issued orders to confiscate Abbas II's properties in Egypt and Sudan and prohibited him from entering Egyptian territory or pursuing legal action within the country.

When did Abbas II formally abdicate, and where did he spend his later years?

Abbas II formally abdicated on May 12, 1931, and subsequently retired to Switzerland, where he lived out his remaining years.

What book did Abbas II author after his abdication?

After his abdication and retirement to Switzerland, Abbas II wrote a book titled "The Anglo-Egyptian Settlement," which was published in 1930.

On what date and in what city did Abbas II die?

Abbas II died in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 19, 1944, at the age of 70.

How many times was Abbas II married, and who were his wives?

Abbas II was married twice. His first wife was Ikbal Hanim, married in 1895 and divorced in 1910. His second wife was Javidan Hanim, whom he married in 1910 and divorced in 1913.

How many children did Abbas II have, and from which marriage?

Abbas II had six children, all born from his first marriage to Ikbal Hanim. These included three daughters and three sons.

Who was designated as Abbas II's heir apparent?

Abbas II's heir apparent was his son, Prince Muhammad Abdel Moneim, who was born on February 20, 1899.

What was the name of the anti-British newspaper funded by Abbas II?

Abbas II funded the newspaper Al-Mu'ayyad, which served as a platform for anti-British sentiment and nationalist discourse.

What circumstances surrounded the assassination attempt on Abbas II in 1914?

On July 25, 1914, at the outset of World War I, Abbas II was in Constantinople when he survived an assassination attempt, sustaining wounds to his hands and cheeks.

What title did Hussein Kamel assume upon succeeding Abbas II?

When Hussein Kamel succeeded Abbas II in 1914, he was given the title of Sultan of Egypt and Sudan.

What was the total duration of Abbas II's reign?

Abbas II's reign as Khedive spanned nearly 23 years, from January 8, 1892, to December 19, 1914.

What languages did Abbas II speak besides his native Arabic and Ottoman Turkish?

In addition to Arabic and Ottoman Turkish, Abbas II possessed a strong command of English, French, and German, facilitating his interactions in international diplomacy and education.

To which royal house did Abbas II belong?

Abbas II belonged to the Alawiyya dynasty, the ruling house of Egypt and Sudan established by Muhammad Ali.

What were the primary justifications cited by the British for deposing Abbas II in 1914?

The British cited Abbas II's alleged desertion of Egypt when war was declared on the Ottoman Empire and their belief that he was plotting against British interests by seeking support for the Central Powers as reasons for his deposition.

What role did Sir Evelyn Baring, Earl of Cromer, play during Abbas II's reign?

Sir Evelyn Baring, as the British Consul General, was a dominant figure in Egyptian affairs during Abbas II's early reign. Their relationship was often contentious due to Abbas II's nationalist aspirations clashing with Cromer's control over Egyptian policy.

What was Sir Herbert Kitchener's position and involvement during Abbas II's rule?

Sir Herbert Kitchener served as the Sirdar of the Egyptian Army and later as Consul General. He was involved in disputes with Abbas II, particularly concerning Sudan, and harbored a desire to depose the Khedive.

Describe the relationship between Abbas II and Eldon Gorst.

Abbas II maintained excellent relations with Eldon Gorst, Cromer's successor as Consul General. They collaborated effectively on governmental appointments and on managing the influence of the National Party.

What does the term 'reconquest of Sudan' refer to in the context of Abbas II's reign?

The 'reconquest of Sudan' refers to the military campaigns aimed at regaining control of Sudan from the Mahdist forces, an objective that Abbas II formally supported and which was completed during his reign.

What information does the image caption 'Abbas Hilmi II in 1909' provide?

The image caption indicates that the photograph features Abbas Hilmi II, the Khedive of Egypt and Sudan, and dates the image to the year 1909, placing it within his period of rule.

What does the image caption 'Abbas II with King George V in 1911' suggest about international relations?

This caption highlights a diplomatic interaction between Abbas II, the ruler of Egypt, and King George V of the United Kingdom in 1911, illustrating the ongoing relationship between the two countries.

What does the painting commemorating Abbas II's 1909 Hajj pilgrimage signify?

The painting commemorates Abbas II's Hajj pilgrimage in 1909 and includes his portrait, serving as a visual record of this significant religious journey during his Khedivate.

What are the differing accounts regarding the date of Abbas II's deposition?

While the text primarily states December 18, 1914, as the date of Abbas II's deposition, it notes that some sources provide alternative dates, specifically December 19 or 20, 1914.

What was the title of the book Abbas II wrote while in exile in Switzerland?

While living in exile in Switzerland, Abbas II authored a book titled "The Anglo-Egyptian Settlement."

What was Abbas II's age at the time of his death?

Abbas II was 70 years old when he passed away on December 19, 1944.

What was the name of the school Abbas II attended in Geneva?

Abbas II attended the Haxius School in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of his preparatory education.

What was the name of the educational institution Abbas II attended in Vienna?

Abbas II pursued his higher education at the Theresianum in Vienna, Austria.

Who was the prominent nationalist leader whose movement Abbas II secretly supported?

Abbas II secretly supported the nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kamil Pasha, a key figure in Egyptian nationalism.

What was the purpose of the National Party formed during Abbas II's reign?

The National Party, formed in 1907 and led by Mustafa Kamil Pasha, was established to counter the Ummah Party, representing moderate Egyptian political interests, and to advance nationalist goals.

On what date was Abbas II born?

Abbas II was born on July 14, 1874.

On what date did Abbas II die?

Abbas II died on December 19, 1944.

Who was identified as Abbas II's heir apparent?

Prince Muhammad Abdel Moneim was identified as the heir apparent to Abbas II.

What historical event in 1517 is mentioned as the start of Egypt's Ottoman era?

The year 1517 is noted as the beginning of Egypt's four-century period as a province of the Ottoman Empire, an era that concluded with Abbas II's deposition in 1914.

What is the name of the dynasty to which Abbas II belonged?

Abbas II belonged to the Alawiyya dynasty, founded by Muhammad Ali, which ruled Egypt and Sudan.

Who was the British diplomat appointed as Under-Secretary of State for Finance in Egypt during Abbas II's reign?

Alfred Mitchell-Innes was appointed to the position of Under-Secretary of State for Finance in Egypt in 1899 during Abbas II's rule.

What was the nature of Abbas II's interest in agriculture?

Abbas II demonstrated a significant interest in agriculture, establishing model farms for livestock and horses at Qubbah and Muntazah, which contributed to advancements in agricultural science within Egypt.

Abbas Ii Of Egypt Wiki: The Khedive's Gambit: Abbas II and the Twilight of Egyptian Sovereignty

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Biographical Context

Early Life and Education

Born in Alexandria on July 14, 1874, Abbas Hilmi was the great-great-grandson of Muhammad Ali, the founder of modern Egypt. His upbringing included a European education, attending schools in Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland, and later the Theresianum in Vienna, Austria. This international exposure provided him with fluency in multiple languages, including English, French, and German, alongside Arabic and Ottoman Turkish, shaping his perspective and diplomatic capabilities.

Family Heritage

Abbas II hailed from the influential Muhammad Ali dynasty. His father was Tewfik I, the Khedive before him, and his mother was Emina Ilhamy. His lineage placed him at the center of Egyptian political life, inheriting a throne that was increasingly influenced by foreign powers, particularly Great Britain.

Preparations for Rule

His education was meticulously planned to prepare him for leadership. He received instruction from both European and Arab masters, with a focus on military training from an American officer in the Egyptian army. This comprehensive preparation underscored the expectations placed upon him as the future ruler of Egypt and Sudan.

The Reign of Abbas II

Navigating British Influence

Ascending to the throne in January 1892 at a young age, Abbas II inherited a nation under British occupation since 1882. He initially clashed with the British Consul-General, Lord Cromer, resenting the extensive British interference in Egyptian affairs. His nationalist sentiments and association with anti-colonial movements led to friction, particularly concerning Egyptian sovereignty in Sudan.

Shifting Alliances and Policies

Despite early opposition, Abbas II eventually adopted a more cooperative stance with British officials, particularly after 1899. He supported significant infrastructure projects like the Aswan Low Dam and the reconquest of Sudan. However, he secretly continued to foster Egyptian nationalist movements, leading to a complex relationship with the British administration, especially under Lord Kitchener.

World War I and Deposition

The outbreak of World War I in July 1914 marked a turning point. Abbas II, while in Constantinople, was injured in an assassination attempt. His perceived alignment with the Central Powers and failure to promptly return to Egypt led the British to depose him on December 18, 1914. This action coincided with Britain declaring Egypt a Sultanate under its protection, effectively ending Abbas II's rule and Egypt's nominal ties to the Ottoman Empire.

Marriages and Issue

First Marriage: Ikbal Hanim

Abbas II married Ikbal Hanim in Cairo in 1895. They had six children: Princess Emina, Princess Atiyatullah, Princess Fathiya, Prince Muhammad Abdel Moneim (who served as Regent of Egypt), Princess Lutfiya Shavkat, and Prince Muhammad Abdul Kadir. The marriage ended in divorce in 1910.

Second Marriage: Javidan Hanim

His second marriage was to Javidan Hanim, a Hungarian noblewoman, in 1910. This union was brief, ending in divorce in 1913, and produced no issue.

Distinguished Honors

Throughout his life and reign, Abbas II received numerous state honors from various countries, reflecting diplomatic relations and his status as a sovereign. These accolades span across Europe and the Middle East.

International Accolades

Abbas II was recognized with high honors from numerous nations, including Sweden, Austria-Hungary, France, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia, various German states, Siam, Romania, Italy, Belgium, Ethiopia, Morocco, Albania, and Zanzibar. These awards typically included Grand Crosses and other senior grades of prestigious orders.

Country	Honor	Year
Sweden	Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the Polar Star	1890
Austria-Hungary	Grand Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph	1891
United Kingdom	Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George	1891
France	Grand Cross of the Légion d'honneur	1892
Denmark	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog	1892
United Kingdom	Honorary Knight Grand Cross (Civil) of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath	1892
Spain	Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III	1892
Netherlands	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion	1892
Ottoman Empire	1st Class of the Order of the Medjidie	1895
Ottoman Empire	1st Class of the Order of Osmanieh	1895
Austria-Hungary	Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold	1897
Siam	Knight Grand Cross (Special Class) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao	1897
United Kingdom	Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order	1900
Russia	Knight of the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky	1902
Hesse	Grand Cross of the Order of Ludwig	1903
United Kingdom	Recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain	1905
Oldenburg	Grand Cross of the House and Merit Order of Peter Frederick Louis	1905
Saxony	Grand Cross of the Order of Albert	1905
Greece	Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer	1905
Montenegro	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Danilo I	1905
Romania	Grand Cross of the Order of Carol I	1905
Vatican	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX	1905
Austria-Hungary	Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Stephen	1905
Russia	Knight 1st Class of the Order of Saint Stanislaus	1908
Siam	Knight of the Most Auspicious Order of the Royal House of Chakri	1908
Italy	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus	1911
Belgium	Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold	1911
Ethiopia	Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Ethiopia	1911
Morocco	Grand Cross of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite	1913
Albania	Grand Cross of the Order of the Black Eagle	1914
Prussia	Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Red Eagle	1914
Zanzibar	Grand Cordon of the Order of the Exalted	1914

Later Life and Legacy

Exile and Writings

Following his deposition, Abbas II retired to Switzerland. During his exile, he formally abdicated in 1931 and authored "The Anglo-Egyptian Settlement" in 1930. He passed away in Geneva on December 19, 1944, precisely thirty years after the end of his reign.

Historical Significance

As the last Khedive, Abbas II represents a pivotal figure in Egyptian history, presiding over a period of intense political transition and foreign influence. His reign concluded with the formal establishment of a British protectorate, marking the end of Egypt's formal status as an Ottoman province and the beginning of a new era under direct British control.

Related Resources

Further insights into Abbas II's life and times can be found through various historical resources. His family lineage is detailed within the Muhammad Ali dynasty framework, and extensive biographical information is available through academic databases and historical archives.

Related Entities:

Wikimedia Commons Media
Nuttall Encyclopædia Entry
National Portrait Gallery Portraits

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References

These three duchies were small independent free states that became part of the German Empire before World War I.

Shaw, Wm. A. (1906) The Knights of England, I, London, p. 342

Shaw, p. 213

Shaw, p. 424

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This content has been generated by an AI model, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia and adhering to specified formatting and persona guidelines. It is intended for educational and informational purposes at a postgraduate level.

This is not historical consultancy or primary source material. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source of truth, the information provided should be cross-referenced with authoritative historical texts and scholarly research. The AI does not possess personal experiences or the ability to conduct original historical analysis.

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Abbas II: The Khedive's Gambit

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biographical Context 👤

👶 Early Life and Education

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Heritage

🎓 Preparations for Rule

The Reign of Abbas II 🏛️

🇬🇧🇪🇬 Navigating British Influence

🤝 Shifting Alliances and Policies

🌍 World War I and Deposition

Marriages and Issue 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

💍 First Marriage: Ikbal Hanim

💍 Second Marriage: Javidan Hanim

Distinguished Honors 🏅

📜 International Accolades

Later Life and Legacy ⏳

✍️ Exile and Writings

🏛️ Historical Significance

🔗 Related Resources

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Context

Early Life and Education

Family Heritage

Preparations for Rule

The Reign of Abbas II

Navigating British Influence

Shifting Alliances and Policies

World War I and Deposition

Marriages and Issue

First Marriage: Ikbal Hanim

Second Marriage: Javidan Hanim

Distinguished Honors

International Accolades

Later Life and Legacy

Exile and Writings

Historical Significance

Related Resources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice