Khedive facts for kids
The Khedive was a special title for the rulers of Egypt between 1867 and 1914. It was like being a powerful governor or a viceroy. The Ottoman Sultan (the ruler of a large empire) gave this title to Egypt's leader. However, the British Empire removed the title when the Ottomans joined Germany in World War I.
The first person to use the title was Muhammad Ali Pasha. He was an Albanian general who took control of Egypt. At first, he called himself "Wali" (which means Governor) under the Ottoman Turks. His family's rule was not fully recognized by the Sultan until Ismail Pasha became ruler. The title of Khedive became official in 1867. Ismail Pasha and the rulers after him used this title until 1914.
The last Khedive of Egypt was Abbas II. Even after the Khedive title ended, Muhammad Ali's family continued to rule Egypt. However, they were under the "guidance" of the British. This period ended with the Egyptian revolution of 1952. The last family member to rule Egypt was King Farouk I.
What Was a Khedive?
The word "Khedive" comes from a Persian word meaning "lord" or "master." It was a higher title than "Wali," which was a regular governor. This showed that the Khedive of Egypt had more power and independence than other governors in the Ottoman Empire. It was a way for the Ottoman Sultan to recognize Egypt's special importance.
The First Khedives
The story of the Khedives began with Muhammad Ali Pasha. He was a very strong and clever leader. He built a modern army and navy for Egypt. He also started many new industries and schools. Even though he was officially a governor under the Ottomans, he acted like an independent ruler.
Later, his grandson, Ismail Pasha, worked hard to get the Khedive title officially recognized. He wanted Egypt to be seen as a modern and powerful country. In 1867, the Ottoman Sultan agreed to give him the title of Khedive. This made Egypt's rulers more important than other Ottoman governors.
End of the Khedives
The Khedive title lasted until 1914. At that time, World War I began. The Ottoman Empire joined the war on the side of Germany. The British Empire was against Germany and the Ottomans. Because Egypt was under British influence, the British decided to end the Khedive title. They wanted to show that Egypt was no longer under Ottoman rule.
After 1914, Egypt became a British Protectorate. This meant Britain had direct control over Egypt. The rulers from Muhammad Ali's family still governed, but they were called "Sultan" and later "King." This continued until the Egyptian revolution of 1952, when Egypt became a republic.
Images for kids
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Abbas Hilmi Pasha, the last Khedive of Egypt.
See also
In Spanish: Jedive para niños
