[January 7] Tewfik Pasha, khedive of Egypt & Sudan

Parents: Isma'il Pasha, khedive of Egypt & Sudan, and Shafiq-Nur

Date of birth: 15 November 1852

Royal House: Alawiyya (Egyptian)

Spouse: Emine Ibrahim Hanımsultan, daughter of Ibrahim Ilhami Beyefendi and Munire Sultan
Predecessor: Isma'il Pasha

Reign: 1879 – 1892

Summary: Tewfik was the first member of the Muhammad Ali family to ascend the throne following his father. Previously, the line of succession followed a system of tanistry where the eldest living male would inherit, regardless of relation to predecessor. Tewfik had little interest in engaging in the politics of Egypt and Sudan and lived in his small homestead for most of his formative years. When he discovered that his father, Isma'il, was despised in 1879, he was less than pleased with his sudden elevation to the khedivate.

Tewfik was a weak monarch. His country was in shambles after the deposition of his father and no one much liked Tewfik, who was seen as distant and unsure. Britain and France, who had caused Isma'il's deposition, took joint control over Egypt and Sudan. The Egyptian army became so disillusioned with their government's situation that it rebelled.  After two years of warfare in northern Egypt, Tewfik signed a constitution limiting his powers. Britain served as witness to the contract and continued to increase in political dominance over Egypt long after Tewfik's peaceful death.

Date of Death: 7 January 1892

Successor: Abbas II, khedive of Egypt & Sudan

Other Monarchs Who Died Today:

• Charles I, king of Naples (1285)
• Dinis, king of Portugal (1325)
• Amadeus VIII, count of Savoy (1451)
• Innocent X, pope of Rome (1655)