Today marks the 55th anniversary of Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein's presidency-- and the beginning of a new Arab Republic of Egypt that would eventually lead to the three-decade rule of ousted Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak.
Where did it all go wrong?
When was it ever right?
We show you Egypt's past six decades in rulers-- note that while the United States has seen 13 presidents in the past six decades, Egypt has only seen three, excluding the current interim government.
Nasser is among the most prominent political figures of the 20th century and widely regarded as the father of modern Egypt. He ruled the country for sixteen years and probably would have been president for life were it not for his untimely death at the early age of 52. Tall, handsome and charismatic, Nasser inspired millions of Arabs with his strong Pan-Arab philosophy. He reached the pinnacle of fame and acclaim when Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956.
Technically, he wasn’t “president” during his entire reign. He began as Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council. Further complicating the matter is that for periods of his reign Egypt was actually part of an entity called the United Arab Republic which included Syria.
Nasser died of a heart attack – his funeral procession in Cairo attracted at least five-million mourners.
FreeinfosocietyA baby holds an Egyptian flag at Tahrir Square in CairoReuters
