(born 1813 — died July 13, 1854, Banh
a, Egypt) Viceroy of Egypt (1848 – 54) under the
Ottoman Empire. His rule was one of consolidation, when many of the Western-style reforms begun by his grandfather,
Muhammad 'Ali, were either discontinued or neglected. Though generally distrusting of foreigners, he allowed the British to construct a railroad between Alexandria and Cairo in 1851. The British, in turn, assisted him in disputes with his Ottoman overlords, whom he nonetheless aided by sending troops to fight in the
Crimean War (1853). A private man, he died at his palace in Banh
a; many believed he was murdered by his servants.
For more information on 'Abbas I, visit Britannica.com.