Princess Nazli Fazil
Introduction
Princess Nazli Fazil was a member of the Egyptian royal family, born in 1886 to Khedive Ismail, the ruler of Egypt during the late 19th century. As a member of the Khedive’s family, Princess Nazli Fazil was born into a life of luxury and privilege, but her life was marked by tragedy and loss. Despite being a member of the royal family, Princess Nazli Fazil’s life has been largely forgotten, and it is only through recent research that her story has begun to be uncovered.
Early Life and Education
Princess Nazli Fazil was born on June 25, 1886, to Khedive Ismail and his wife, Princess Nazli Sultan. She was the youngest of the Khedive’s seven children, and her early life was marked by luxury and indulgence. The Khedive was a patron of the arts and education, and Princess Nazli Fazil received a European-style education, learning languages such as French, German, and English.
As a member of the royal family, Princess Nazli Fazil was expected to marry well and produce children to secure the future of the dynasty. However, her early life was marked by tragedy when her father, Khedive Ismail, died in 1892 at the age of 59. Her brother, Abbas II, succeeded him as Khedive, but Princess Nazli Fazil’s life was forever changed by the loss of her father.
Marriage and Personal Life
In 1909, Princess Nazli Fazil married Prince Muhammad Ali Tewfik, a cousin of hers who was also a member of the Egyptian royal family. The marriage was arranged to secure alliances between the two families, but it was not a happy one. Prince Muhammad Ali Tewfik was known for his cruel treatment of his wife, and Princess Nazli Fazil lived in fear of him.
Despite her unhappy marriage, Princess Nazli Fazil remained devoted to her husband and children. She had two sons, Abbas II and Muhammad Ali, and a daughter, Fatima. However, her life was marked by tragedy when her husband died in 1919. The loss of her husband was devastating for Princess Nazli Fazil, who was left to raise their children on her own.
Involvement in Politics
As a member of the royal family, Princess Nazli Fazil was involved in politics from an early age. Her father had been a strong advocate for Egyptian independence from British rule, and Princess Nazli Fazil inherited his passion for politics. Despite her husband’s opposition to her involvement in politics, Princess Nazli Fazil continued to advocate for Egyptian independence and women’s rights.
In the early 1920s, Princess Nazli Fazil became involved in the Egyptian nationalist movement, working closely with figures such as Saad Zaghloul and Mustafa Kamil. She used her influence to promote Egyptian independence and women’s rights, often using her position as a princess to lobby for change.
Legacy
Despite her involvement in politics and her efforts to promote Egyptian independence and women’s rights, Princess Nazli Fazil’s legacy has been largely forgotten. Her life was marked by tragedy and loss, and she died in 1947 at the age of 61. However, recent research has begun to uncover her story and highlight her contributions to Egyptian history.
In conclusion,
Princess Nazli Fazil’s life was marked by tragedy and loss, but she also played an important role in Egyptian politics and history. Her involvement in the nationalist movement and her advocacy for women’s rights make her an important figure in Egyptian history. Despite being largely forgotten until recently, Princess Nazli Fazil’s legacy is an important reminder of the role that women have played in shaping Egyptian history.
