KHEDIVE one of the titles of the ruler of Egypt, a tributary prince of the sublime porte, who, since 1867, has exercised absolute power within his own dominions.. The first khedive was Ismail, sovereign of Nubia, Soudan, Kordofan, and Darfour, sou of Ibrahim Pasha (eldest son of Mohammed Ali Pasha, founder of the dynasty), was born in 1830, and succeeded his uncle, Said Pasha, in 1863, as fourth viceroy of Egypt. He traveled through the capitals of Europe, informing himself concerning their manners. and customs, and these he introduced into his own dominions ou his return. He fell under the displeasure of the sultan, through the jealous fears of the latter regarding European ascendency in Egypt, but succeeded in obtaining from him important sions. By a firman dated May 21, 1866, he gained the right of the succession in the direct masculine line in his branch ; by that of June 8, 1867, the title khedive, or sovereign; was granted him; and by the firman of Sept. 29, 1872, lie obtained the right
to increase his army and navy at his pleasure, and to borrow money. Finally, he was conceded, in 1873, the right to conclude treaties of commerce, with the full autonomy of the administration of the country. Yet, despite all this, the sultan retained in his hands the disposition of the government in Egypt, since, in April, 1879, he proposed to the western powers to depose Ismail in favor of his uncle, Halim Pasha, the rightful heir. This proposition was not received favorably, though repeated in June, and the sultan was finally induced to issue a firman deposing Ismail in favor of his son, prince Mohammed Tevfik. This was on Juue 26, and the finnan abolished that of 1873, and deprived the khedive of the power to conclude treaties with foreign powers, and to maintain a standing army. Ismail Pasha accordingly quitting the throne, his son was proclaimed khedive, under the title of Tevfik I.