Gamal Abdel Nasser Biography

(Political Leader of Egypt)

Birthday: January 15, 1918 (Capricorn)

Born In: Bacos, Egypt

Gamal Abdel Naseer was one of the foremost rulers of Egypt who served as the second President of the country from 1956 until his death in 1970. All through his life, he retained important position in the military and in the political scene of Egypt. He was solely responsible for the overthrowing of the monarchy and the establishment of the new government. Though he is often quoted as a controversial leader for his radical leadership policies and wars with Israel, he nevertheless is acclaimed for quite a many things within Egypt and the Arab world including anti-imperialist efforts, assertion of social justice, Arab unity, modernization policy and nationalization of the Suez Canal. Furthermore, major socialist measures, economic and industrial growth in Egypt also occurred during his Presidency. While his popularity was relatively scarce initially, it was the victory over the Suez Canal issue and the subsequent retaliation of the British, French and Israeli forces that provided a strong boost to his political standing. In 1958, he formed United Arab Republic with Syria which lasted until 1961. Till date, he remains to be an iconic figure in the Arab world. To know in details about his life and profile, a further reading of the article would be of help.

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Quick Facts

Died At Age: 52

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Tahia Kazim (m. 1944)

father: Abdel Nasser Hussein

mother: Fahima

siblings: al-Leithi, Izz al-Arab

children: Abdel Hakim Abdel Nasser, Abdel Hamid Abdel Nasser, Hoda Abdel Nasser, Khalid Abdel Nasser, Mona Gamal Abdel Nasser

Born Country: Egypt

Presidents Political Leaders

political ideology: Arab Socialist Union

Died on: September 28, 1970

place of death: CairoCairo, Egypt

City: Alexandria, Egypt

Ideology: Socialists

More Facts

education: Nahhasin elementary school

  • 1

    What were Gamal Abdel Nasser's major accomplishments as President of Egypt?

    As President of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, initiated major land reforms, and played a key role in establishing the Non-Aligned Movement.

  • 2

    How did Gamal Abdel Nasser impact the Arab world politically?

    Gamal Abdel Nasser was a prominent figure in Arab nationalism and pan-Arabism, advocating for unity among Arab nations and challenging colonial powers in the region.

  • 3

    What was the significance of the nationalization of the Suez Canal by Gamal Abdel Nasser?

    The nationalization of the Suez Canal by Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1956 was a bold move that asserted Egypt's sovereignty and independence from Western powers, leading to the Suez Crisis.

  • 4

    What role did Gamal Abdel Nasser play in the 1952 Egyptian Revolution?

    Gamal Abdel Nasser was a key figure in the 1952 Egyptian Revolution that overthrew the monarchy and paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Egypt.

  • 5

    How did Gamal Abdel Nasser influence the development of modern Egypt?

    Gamal Abdel Nasser's policies and leadership style shaped modern Egypt by promoting social reforms, industrialization, and a strong sense of nationalism among the Egyptian people.

Childhood & Early Life
Gamal Abdel Nasser was born to Fahima and Abdel Nasser Hussein in Bakos, Alexdandria. He had two younger siblings. His father was employed in postal service due to which the family relocated several times.
Academically, he completed his basic education from Nahhasin Elementary School in Cairo, while living with his paternal uncle. His mother’s death in 1926 deeply affected him.
He moved to Alexandria with his father and enrolled himself at the Ras el-Tin secondary school. It was during this time that he became increasingly involved in political activities, however without any ulterior motive.
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Career

After completing his education, he enrolled at the Royal Military Academy graduating from the same in 1938, as a second lieutenant. His first posting was in the town of Mankabad.

In the years to follow, he rendered his service to the Egyptian army, both as an officer and teacher. His first battlefield experience was during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War in Palestine. Though the Egyptian forces were successful in securing Fauja, they had to give up on the same after the negotiations between Israel and Egypt.

Post war, he took up the role of the instructor yet again. Meanwhile, he began to form a nationalist group of young military officers who strongly supported revolution. Syrian coup d'état was inspirational for him as he longed for a similar thing in Egypt.

He expanded his revolutionary pursuits and along with the help of three fellow officers, Zakariyya Muyi al-Din, Abd al-Hakam and Anwar el-Sadat, he formed the Association of Free Officers.
With fourteen members from various other politically active organizations, he formed Free Officers' founding committee and was elected as its chairman. The main agenda of the organization was to oust the British and Egyptian royal family from the country.

By 1952, the number of members in the Free Officer rose to 90. Same year, he planned a bloodless coup d'état, which resulted in ousting the monarchy and gaining independence of the army. King Farouk I and other monarchist leaders were allowed to go in exile instead facing a public execution.

The Republic of Egypt was declared on June 18, 1953. Major General Muhaammad Naguib served as the President while former Prime Minister Ali Maher retained his position.
A Revolutionary Command Council was formed of which he served as the Vice Chairman. His radical reforms and policies however did not go well with Maher who resigned from his post which was taken over by Naguib.
In 1953, following opposition from Naguib, he deposed the latter of the duties and put him under house arrest, while himself emerged as the Prime Minister and RCC Chairman.
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Protests broke out by members of the Muslim Brotherhood which called for reinstatement of Naguib. Having no option, he released Naguib but not before making Amer Commander of the Armed Forces.
Barely saving himself from an assassination attempt, he ordered the arrest of thousands of members of Brotherhood and those loyal to Naguib. Naguib on the other hand was put under house arrest. He then became the unquestionable leader of Egypt.
Having a small following of people, he toured the country widely to gain support. He controlled all media publications and sought to win the love of the countrymen by using flattery terms in his speeches.
In 1956, he formed a new constitution under which Egypt became a socialist Arab state with a one-party political system. Islam was declared as the official religion of the country. In the subsequent elections, he gained support of all Egyptians, for whom he was the only candidate for the post of the President.
With him as the titular and actual head, Egyptian economy seemed to get bright and prosperous. He gained monetary support from Britain and US for building Aswan Dam, which he reassured, would enhance the industrialization process.
While he continuously vouched for Arab independence from British, he started developing cordial relations with the Soviet Union, a move that irked US President Eisenhower. Both UK and US withdrew financial aid towards the building of dam.
Furious at the withdrawal of support, he announced the nationalization of Suez Canal and promised to pay British and French shareowners their share. Fearing his intention of forming an Arab alliance that would cut off oil supplies, British prime minister formed a secret society with France and Israel and planned to attack Egypt all at once.
On October 29, 1956, the Israeli Army invaded Egypt. Two days later British and French troops bombed Egyptian airfields and landed at Port Said. Meanwhile, Israelis captured the Sinai Peninsula.
The events sent a wave of fury amongst other nations, primarily US and Soviet Union who demanded cease fire and evacuation of the British, French and Israeli forces. By March 1957, all the forces retreated and the prisoners of war were relieved.
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The Suez crisis enhanced his political status and reaffirmed his position as the President of Egypt. Towards the end of the year, he nationalized several British and French industries including the tobacco, cement, pharmaceutical, and phosphate.
Furthering his economic development streak, he increased agricultural production and investment in industrialization. It was during his reign that the middle class took important political and economic positions and women were offered more freedom and rights.
In 1962, with an aim to adopt socialism, he introduced the National Charter and a new constitution, which highlighted on universal health care, affordable housing, vocational schools, greater women's rights, a family planning program, as well as widening the Suez Canal. This led to an increase in the percentage of government ownership of Egyptian business.
In 1965, he was re-elected for a second term as the President, as he was the only candidate. While his political opponents were forbidden by law, his party members were considered mere followers.
The Egyptian-Israeli war of 1967, popularly called Six Day War, led to the destruction of the Egyptian air force and the evacuation of the Egyptian army from the Suez Canal. Following this, he attempted to resign but was forced to remain in office.
He took on additional roles of prime minister and supreme commander of the armed forces. He then commenced War of Attrition to reclaim the territory captured by Israel. In 1970, under the US sponsored Roger Plan, the Israeli forces finally retreated.
Personal Life & Legacy
He tied the knot with Tahia Kazim in 1944. The couple was blessed with five children.
He breathed his last on September 28, 1970, due to heart attack. His death was mourned by a large number of people. Following a state funeral, he was finally buried at Nasr Mosque, which today bears his name.
Facts About Gamal Abdel Nasser

Nasser was a devoted fan of Egyptian cinema and enjoyed watching films in his spare time, showcasing his appreciation for the arts.

Despite his role as a prominent political figure, Nasser had a passion for poetry and was known to recite verses from famous Arabic poets.

Nasser had a playful side and enjoyed practical jokes, often lightening the mood with his humor among friends and colleagues.

Nasser was an avid reader and had a deep interest in history and philosophy, demonstrating his intellectual curiosity beyond his political duties.

See the events in life of Gamal Abdel Nasser in Chronological Order

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- Gamal Abdel Nasser Biography
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- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
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