Ismail Pasha

(ĭs'mäēl päshä`), 1830–95, ruler of Egypt (1863–79), son of Ibrahim Pasha. He succeeded his uncle Said Pasha as ruler. Ismail used the Egyptian cotton crop, enormously enhanced in value by the American Civil War, to obtain credits for grandiose schemes, including irrigation projects, schools, palaces, the construction of the Suez Canal, and the extension of Egyptian rule in Sudan. Much of the money was wasted, and the country was seriously involved in debt. In 1875, Ismail was forced to sell to Great Britain his stockholdings (some 44%) in the Suez Canal, and in 1876 he was obliged to place the finances of Egypt under the control of a debt commission that represented the French and British bondholders. His attempt to throw off foreign control in 1879 was answered by the Ottoman sultan's deposing him in favor of his son Tewfik Pasha. In 1866, Ismail received the title khedive (viceroy), which his successors also enjoyed.

Ismail Pasha

Born Dec. 31, 1830, in Cairo; died Mar. 2, 1895, in Istanbul. Ruler of Egypt from 1863 to 1879.

In 1867, Ismail received the title of khedive from the Turkish sultan. He was able to broaden the autonomy of Egypt, formally considered part of the Ottoman Empire. He put through reforms that objectively promoted the country’s capitalist development. For the realization of his plans, he resorted to loans from European powers. In an effort to free the country from the financial control established over Egypt in 1876 by the European powers, he attempted to make contact with the national liberation movement. This resulted in his removal from office by the Turkish sultan at the insistence of the Europeans.

Ismail Pasha

1830--95, viceroy (1863--66) and khedive (1867--79) of Egypt, who brought his country close to bankruptcy. He was forced to submit to Anglo-French financial control (1876) and to abdicate (1879)

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References in periodicals archive ?

It was originally commissioned by Khushyar Hanim, the mother of the 19th century Khedive Ismail Pasha and intended to expand and replace the shrine and tomb of the medieval Sufi saint Ahmed el-Rifa'i.

Meeting a royal family at Al-Rifa'i

The Khedive of Egypt and Sudan, Ismail Pasha Sabri, called the work "a distinctive literature of our times.

Events to mark centennial of 'Ar-Rihaniyyaat'

It was built by order of Mohamed Ali Pasha in 1828 to serve as a good deed for the soul of his son, Ismail Pasha.

Antique fabrics at the Egyptian Textile Museum

Giuseppe Verdi composed Opera Aida for 150 thousand francs gold in 1870, while Khedive Ismail Pasha ordered to have the Khedivial Opera House built in only 6 months to hold the Opening of Suez Canal celebrations.

Opera Aida back on stage

Commissioned by Ismail Pasha, it is believed that Verdi received 150,000 francs for it -- quite a sum at that time.

The tragedy of Aida triumphs in the Opera House

Wael Abed, author of Zamalek--My Home Island, tells the story of how the Gezira Palace was built by Ismail Pasha, who ruled Egypt from 1863-79.

Palace Intrigue

After 12 days, their revolution succeeded in deposing the magistrate, and on the 17th day, the new magistrate, Ismail Pasha, assigned the destitute to the rich and the princes so that the poor could be taken care of.

Op-ed Review: History repeats itself and wheat

According to French archaeologist Jean Yves Empereur, the obelisk, which is now present in Central Park in New York City, was granted to the US by Khedive Ismail Pasha in 1879.

The Metropole Hotel: Living History

However, external debts forced Ismail Pasha to sell Egypt's share to the United Kingdom.

The Suez Canal, 140 years on

Egypt's Foreign Ministry released documents showing that the two islands belong to Saudi Arabia, while Facebook users circulated a map from the Library of Alexandria showing the islands included as territory of the Sinai Peninsula dating back to era of Ismail Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt and Sudan from 1863 to 1879.

Cairo court rules Red Sea's disputed islands no longer Egyptian

Budgeted at more than LE 150 million, the serial, directed by Amr Arafa, features more than 250 Arab actors and actresses, including Syrian actor Qosai Al-Khouly who plays Ismail Pasha, Khedive of Egypt from 1863 to 1879.