Muhammad al-Badr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Muhammad al-BadrArabic: محمد البدر |
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Al-Badr in 1962
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| King and Imam of Yemen | |
| Reign | 19 – 26 September 1962 |
| Predecessor | Ahmad bin Yahya |
| Successor | Title abolished (Abdullah al-Sallal as President of the Yemen Arab Republic) |
| Born | 15 February 1926 Sana'a, Kingdom of Yemen |
| Died | 6 August 1996 (aged 70) London, United Kingdom |
| Burial | Brookwood Cemetery |
| Issue | Ageel bin Muhammad al-Badr Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Badr |
| House | Rassids |
| Father | Ahmad bin Yahya |
| Religion | Zaidi Shia Islam |
Muhammad Al-Badr (born February 15, 1926 – died August 6, 1996) was the very last king and religious leader (called an Imam) of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen, also known as North Yemen. He was also a key leader for the people who supported the monarchy during the North Yemen Civil War (1962–1970). His full name was Al-Mansur Bi'llah Muhammad Al-Badr bin Al-Nasir-li-dinu'llah Ahmad.
Contents
Early Life and Rise to Power
Muhammad Al-Badr was born in 1926 in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen. He was the oldest son of Ahmad bin Yahya, who later became the Imam and king. In 1944, he moved to Taizz to continue his education. His father was already a powerful leader in that area.
In 1948, the Imam at the time, Yahya Muhammad Hamid ed-Din, was assassinated. Al-Badr's father, Ahmad, quickly took control. He gathered tribes who supported him and became the new Imam. Muhammad Al-Badr, still young, became his father's deputy in Hodeida, an important port city. He also served as the Minister of the Interior, managing internal affairs.
Becoming Crown Prince
In 1955, there was a revolt against his father, Imam Ahmad. Muhammad Al-Badr played an important role in stopping this rebellion. Because of his loyalty and actions, he was declared the Crown Prince. This meant he was next in line to become king.
Modernizing Yemen
During his father's rule, Al-Badr also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. From 1958, he was also his father's deputy in Sana'a. Like many young Arab leaders, Al-Badr admired Gamal Abdel Nasser, the President of Egypt.
In 1959, while his father was away for medical treatment, Al-Badr was in charge of Yemen. He invited experts from Egypt to help modernize Yemen, especially its military. However, his father canceled these plans when he returned.
The Civil War Begins
In March 1961, Imam Ahmad was seriously injured in an assassination attempt. Muhammad Al-Badr then took effective control of the government. On September 19, 1962, Imam Ahmad died. Al-Badr was immediately announced as the new Imam and King.
Just one week later, on September 26, 1962, a group of rebels attacked his palace. Abdullah as-Sallal, whom Al-Badr had appointed as the commander of the royal guard, led a coup. He declared himself president of the new Yemen Arab Republic.
Escaping and Rallying Support
The rebels announced that Al-Badr had died in the attack, but he had actually escaped unharmed. He fled to the northern parts of Yemen. As he traveled, many tribes joined him. These tribes were Zaidi Shia Muslims, who believed it was their duty to support an Imam from the Prophet's family.
Soon, Al-Badr held a press conference in Saudi Arabia, proving he was alive. His uncle, Sayf al-Islam al-Hasan, who had been proclaimed Imam after the false news of Al-Badr's death, immediately pledged his loyalty to Al-Badr. Many powerful tribes in the central and northern highlands of Yemen also joined Al-Badr's cause. This led to the start of the North Yemen Civil War.
Years of Conflict
The civil war lasted for eight years. Al-Badr lived like a warrior alongside his supporters, sharing their difficulties. He set up his headquarters in hidden caves in the mountainous northwest of Yemen. These locations were often targeted by Egyptian air attacks, as Egypt supported the republican side. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, supported Al-Badr and the monarchists.
In 1967, Al-Badr moved his headquarters to Taif in Saudi Arabia, where he stayed until the war ended.
Life After the Monarchy
In 1970, even though Al-Badr and his family still controlled much of Yemen, Saudi Arabia recognized the new Yemen Arab Republic. Other countries, like the United Kingdom, quickly followed.
Al-Badr was very surprised by Saudi Arabia's decision, as it was made without consulting him. He decided to leave Saudi Arabia and moved to England. He lived a quiet life in a modest house in Kent. He only traveled abroad to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and to see family and friends.
Muhammad Al-Badr passed away in 1996 in London. He is buried in Brookwood Cemetery in Woking, Surrey.
Honours
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (November 28, 1957).
See also
In Spanish: Muhammad al-Badr para niños
- North Yemen Civil War
- Bruce Conde
