Abd Al Ilah
Abd al-Ilah
Abd al-Ilah of Hejaz (Arabic: عبد الإله بن علي الهاشمي; GCB, GCMG, GCVO) was a prominent political figure in the Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq. Born on November 14, 1913, in the Hejaz region, Abd al-Ilah was a pivotal member of the Hashemite family, which played a central role in the politics of the Middle East during the 20th century. Abd al-Ilah served as the regent for his nephew, King Faisal II of Iraq, from April 4, 1939, until May 23, 1953, when Faisal came of age.
Early Life and Family
Abd al-Ilah was the son of King Ali ibn Hussein of Hejaz, the elder brother of King Faisal I of Iraq, and the brother of Aliya bint Ali. The Hashemite family lost control of the Hejaz when King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud of Nejd annexed the territory, causing the family to relocate. This familial lineage positioned Abd al-Ilah in a significant role upon the untimely death of King Ghazi in an automobile accident, which led to Abd al-Ilah's appointment as regent for the young King Faisal II.
Role as Regent
Abd al-Ilah's regency was marked by significant political upheaval and international challenges. During World War II, he was temporarily deposed following a coup led by Rashid Ali al-Gaylani, who spearheaded a pro-Axis coup d'état in 1941. This coup was part of the larger context of the Anglo-Iraqi War, wherein the pro-British government under Abd al-Ilah was briefly overthrown. Abd al-Ilah fled the country during the coup and was replaced by Sharaf bin Rajeh as regent. However, with British military support, he was restored to power.
Later Years and Assassination
Abd al-Ilah continued to play a significant role in Iraq's political landscape until the 14 July Revolution in 1958, which led to the overthrow of the Hashemite monarchy. On July 14, 1958, Abd al-Ilah, along with King Faisal II and other members of the royal family, was executed at the Royal Al-Rehab Palace. This event marked the end of the Hashemite dynasty in Iraq and ushered in a new era under Abdul-Karim Qasim.
Legacy
Abd al-Ilah's tenure as regent was characterized by a balancing act between maintaining internal stability and navigating external pressures from both regional and global powers. His life and eventual death reflect the complex and often turbulent history of modern Iraq during a time of significant change and realignment within the Middle East.