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Front: Hussein bin Ali (1856-1931), Sharif of Mecca

Hussein bin Ali succeeded as grand sherif of Mecca in 1908 and thus became ruler of the Hejaz under the Ottoman Empire. In 1916 he launched a successful revolt against the Turks in Arabia and proclaimed himself king of the Hejaz and of all Arabia. He was forced to abdicate in 1924 after being defeated by Ibn Saud. Two of his sons Emir Abdullah and Emir Faisal later became King of Jordan and King of Iraq respectively.

Back: Great Arab Revolt scene

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Front: Abdullah ibn Husayn (1882-1951), King of Jordan 1946-1951

Abdullah ibn Husayn was born in Mecca, son of Husayn ibn Ali of the Hashemite family. Abdullah led Arab revolts against Turkish rule during WWI. In 1921, Great Britain made Abdullah the emir of Transjordan and his brother Faisal King of Iraq. Following the partition of Palestine in 1948, he fought against the newly declared state of Israel. Abdullah annexed the portions of Palestine now known as the West Bank. His goal was to create an Arab federation, preferably under Hashemite rule. In 1951 he was assassinated in Jerusalem.

Back: Ma'an Palace

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Front: King Talal ibn Abdullah (1909-1972), King of Jordan 1951-1952

King Talal was son of Abdullah ibn Husayn. He became king when his father was assassinated in 1951. He abdicated in 1952 due to mental health problems.

Back: Camels at Petra