Omar Pasha (1806-71)

Photograph of Omar Pacha seated on a chair by a doorway facing partly right. He is wearing ornate military uniform and a cap. A sword is resting between his legs.

Omar Pacha was originally an Austrian subject, born in Croatia. He converted to Islam and went to Turkey where he entered the regular army. He served with distinction in campaigns in Syria, Albania, Kurdistan and the Balkans, and commanded the Turkish forces during the Crimean War. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, met Omar Pasha during a tour of the Near East. He wrote to his mother Queen Victoria from Constantinople on 4 April 1869, telling her that 'I made the acquaintance of Omar Pasha... & he is very agreeable to talk to - & is a very fine looking old man.'