Mohamed Tewfik Pasha, also known as Tawfiq of Egypt, was the ruler of Egypt and Sudan from 1879 to 1892. He took over a country that was struggling financially and politically because of the mistakes made by the previous ruler, Isma'il. Tewfik faced challenges with the Egyptian army and foreign control of the country, leading to a revolt against foreigners. He also worked on improving irrigation, education, and justice in the country, and made changes to the royal household.
He was the oldest son of a ruler named Khedive Isma'il and was born in either April or November of 1852. His mother was a princess named Shafaq Nur Hanim. Unlike his younger brothers who were sent to school in Europe, he grew up in Egypt. He could speak French and English well.
In 1866, Isma'il changed who would become the ruler of Egypt after him. Instead of the title going to the youngest male relative of the previous ruler, it would now go from father to son. Isma'il did this because he didn't like his uncle who was supposed to inherit the title, and he wanted to choose his own son as his successor. However, the powerful countries of Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire only allowed the eldest son to inherit the title. So, Tewfik became the next in line to be ruler. He lived in a palace near Cairo and spent twelve years peacefully managing his land and gaining a reputation for being fair and reasonable.
In 1878, he became the leader of a group in charge of making important decisions after another person was fired. He didn't stay in this role for very long, but during his time there he showed that he was smart by not getting involved in any sneaky plans that were happening in Egypt and Sudan. He returned to his home and started living a peaceful life in the countryside. But soon after, Isma'il was removed from his position as ruler by Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who then appointed Tewfik as the new ruler.