Faisal II of Iraq, the last King of Iraq (d.1958)

Faisal II, known in Arabic as الملك فيصل الثاني (Al-Malik Fayṣal Ath-thānī), held the somber distinction of being the last King of Iraq. Born on 2 May 1935, his life and reign, which spanned from 4 April 1939 until his tragic death on 14 July 1958, are inextricably linked to a pivotal, violent turning point in Iraqi history. His execution during the brutal 14 July Revolution not only brought his youthful life to an abrupt end but also definitively concluded the thirty-seven-year-old Hashemite monarchy in Iraq, ushering in an era of republican rule.

The Hashemite dynasty in Iraq, established in 1921 under British mandate following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, had sought to provide a sense of continuity and legitimacy for the newly formed state. Faisal II’s untimely death, often referred to as a regicide, thus represented a profound rupture with the past, setting Iraq on a dramatically different course.

Early Life and Accession to the Throne

As the only son of King Ghazi of Iraq and Queen Aliya, Faisal's path to the throne was marked by an early and unexpected tragedy. His father, King Ghazi, who himself had a relatively brief and often controversial reign, died in a car crash on 4 April 1939. At just three years old, the young Faisal acceded to the throne, far too young to govern. Consequently, a regency was established under his maternal uncle, Prince 'Abd al-Ilah, who was appointed as the Regent. This period of regency was a delicate time, as the young kingdom navigated complex internal politics and the turbulent currents of global affairs.

The Regency and World War II's Shadow

The stability of the regency was soon tested. In April 1941, a pro-Axis coup d'état, led by nationalist prime minister Rashid Ali al-Gaylani, overthrew the regent, Prince 'Abd al-Ilah. This coup, fueled by anti-British sentiment and a desire for greater Iraqi autonomy, saw the country aligning, albeit briefly, with the Axis powers during World War II. The British, who had significant strategic interests in Iraq duepecially its oil resources and its position along vital communication routes, quickly responded. A month later, they initiated an invasion of Iraq to restore order and their influence, successfully reinstating Prince 'Abd al-Ilah to power. During this tumultuous period of conflict and political upheaval, young Faisal, along with his mother, Queen Aliya, was evacuated to the relative safety of the United Kingdom, where he later received a traditional British public school education at the prestigious Harrow School. The regency finally came to an end in May 1953 when Faisal reached the age of 18, officially coming of age and assuming his full monarchical powers.

A Reign Under Pressure: Seeds of Revolution

Despite his formal assumption of power, King Faisal II's brief reign as an adult monarch unfolded against a backdrop of increasing instability and profound socio-political challenges. Iraq, though rich in oil, suffered from rampant economic inequality, with much of the population experiencing poverty while a select few prospered. This disparity provided fertile ground for the growth of opposition movements, including the rise of Communism, which appealed to frustrated intellectuals and the urban poor. Simultaneously, a powerful wave of anti-imperialist sentiment swept across the Arab world, fueled by a desire to shake off the lingering influence of former colonial powers and assert true national sovereignty. Adding to this volatile mix was the surging tide of Pan-Arab nationalism, a powerful ideology advocating for the unity of Arab nations, often under a strong, charismatic leader.

External events further exacerbated these internal pressures. The overthrow of the Egyptian monarchy in 1953 by Gamal Abdel Nasser's Free Officers movement served as a potent inspiration for revolutionary change across the region, demonstrating that established monarchies were not immutable. The formation of the United Arab Republic (UAR) in February 1958, a political union between Egypt and Syria, became a powerful symbol of Pan-Arab unity and a direct challenge to the traditional, often Western-aligned, monarchies like Iraq's. In an attempt to counter the UAR's influence and strengthen Hashemite ties, Iraq and Jordan formed the Hashemite Arab Federation in February 1958, with King Faisal II at its head. However, this defensive alliance proved insufficient to quell the widespread and deeply rooted opposition within Iraq, which was increasingly yearning for fundamental change.

The 14 July Revolution and the End of an Era

The simmering discontent finally boiled over in July 1958. A group of Royal Iraqi Army officers, led by Brigadier Abd al-Karim Qasim, mounted a swift and decisive coup d'état. The uprising, known as the 14 July Revolution, quickly seized control of Baghdad and overthrew the Hashemite monarchy. The consequences were tragic and immediate. King Faisal II, along with numerous members of his royal family, including his uncle and former regent Prince 'Abd al-Ilah, were executed in the courtyard of the Rihab Palace. This brutal act brought an abrupt and definitive end to the Hashemite reign in Iraq, transforming the kingdom into a republic and marking one of the most significant and violent shifts in modern Iraqi history.

Frequently Asked Questions About King Faisal II and the Iraqi Monarchy

Who was Faisal II?

Faisal II was the last King of Iraq, reigning from 1939 until his overthrow and execution in the 14 July Revolution of 1958. He was a member of the Hashemite dynasty, which had ruled Iraq since its establishment as a kingdom in 1921.

How did Faisal II become King?

Faisal II became King at the tender age of three in 1939, following the sudden death of his father, King Ghazi, in a car crash. Due to his young age, his maternal uncle, Prince 'Abd al-Ilah, served as Regent until Faisal came of age in 1953.

What were the main reasons for the instability during Faisal II's reign?

The instability stemmed from a complex mix of factors including significant economic inequality, the rising influence of Communism, strong anti-imperialist sentiments against lingering British influence, and the powerful wave of Pan-Arab nationalism inspired by leaders like Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser.

What was the 14 July Revolution?

The 14 July Revolution was a military coup d'état that took place in Iraq in 1958. Led by a group of Royal Iraqi Army officers, most notably Abd al-Karim Qasim, it overthrew the Hashemite monarchy and established Iraq as a republic. The revolution was marked by the execution of King Faisal II and many members of his family.

What happened to King Faisal II and his family?

On 14 July 1958, King Faisal II, along with his uncle and former regent Prince 'Abd al-Ilah, and several other members of the royal family, were executed by the revolutionaries at the Rihab Palace in Baghdad, bringing a violent end to the Hashemite monarchy.

What was the Hashemite Arab Federation?

The Hashemite Arab Federation was a short-lived political union formed in February 1958 between the Hashemite Kingdoms of Iraq and Jordan, with King Faisal II as its head. It was primarily conceived as a counter-move to the growing influence of the United Arab Republic (UAR) formed by Egypt and Syria, aiming to strengthen the Hashemite position against the rising tide of republicanism and Pan-Arab nationalism. However, it failed to garner popular support and collapsed with the 14 July Revolution.