Kings of Iraq - Definition and Overview

After World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the province of Iraq came under the control of the United Kingdom. Despite the efforts of the British, the people rebelled and Iraq showed itself a hard land to govern. In order to restore order, a dynasty of Hashemite kings was established, beginning with Faisal I who was the son of Hussein ibn Ali. As a family originating in the Hejaz, the Hashemite dynasty was foreign to Iraq, and the Iraqi monarchy was eventually overthrown by a military revolt in 1958.

• Faisal I (1921-1933)
• Ghazi (1933-1939)
• Faisal II (1939-1958)

When Faisal II became king he was only four years old; until he was 18 the following ruled as regents:

• Abdul Ilahi bin Ali (1939-1941)
• Sharaf ibn Rajih al-Fawwaz (1941)
• Abdul Ilahi bin Ali (1941-1953)

See also: History of Iraq, List of Presidents of Iraq, List of Prime Ministers of Iraq.