Gamal Abdel Nasser

Gamal Abdal Nasser, born January 15, 1918 in Alexandria, was the first president of Egypt, and can be considered one of the most important Arab leaders in history.

Nasser was active in Egyptian groups against foreign domination, while a graduate of the Military Academy. In 1952, Nasser led the military coup against King Farouk I of Egypt. In 1954, he arrested the leader of the country, general Muhammad Naguib, and became the Egyptian premier. Two years later, Nasser was the only candidate at the presidential elections, and he became the first predisent of Egypt.

In that same year, Nasser announced the nationalisation of the Suez canal, which lead to a short conflict with Great Britain, France and Israel.

In 1958, Nasser merged Syria and Egypt into the United Arab Republic in an attempt to create a pan-Arab state. attempts were also made to include Yemen, but the United Arab Republic was dissolved in 1961, though Egypt used the name until 1971.

After a defeat in the 1967 war against Israel, Nasser resigned from his position, but the Egyptian people asked for him to remain in power.

Nasser, who during his rule reformed his country and re-established Arab pride, died of a heart-attack on September 28, 1970. He was succeeded by Anwar Sadat.