Tusun Pasha

Tusun Pasha (1794–1816) — (Tosun Paşa, Ahmet Tosun Paşa, Ottoman: طوسون پاشا, طوسون باشا) (1794–1816) — was the eldest son of Muhammad Ali Pasha, wali of Egypt between 1805-1849.

Life
Not as well known as Muhammad Ali's son Ibrahim Pasha, Tusun Pasha did nevertheless attain some historical significance in the Ottoman–Saudi War, having led in 1811 the successful military campaign of the Egyptian army in the Arabian Peninsula. It was taken up in order to subdue unrest created in that region by Wahabbi forces.

It appears from historical records, that as the elder son, Tusun was destined by Muhammad Ali to carry on his legacy. This aspiration however, was not to materialize, as Tusun died in 1816 - possibly of disease. His brother Ibrahim succeeded him in the role of chief military commander.

Legacy
Decades later, in 1848, Tusun's son, Abbas I, inherited the role of Pasha directly from his grandfather Muhammad Ali, and served in this position for six years, before being murdered in 1854.

The Alabaster Mosque (Mosque of Muhammad Ali) was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha in memory of his son Tusun Pasha. It is in the Citadel of Cairo in Egypt, with construction commissioned between 1830 and 1848.

Media
A famous movie has been made in Turkey about Tusun Pasha, starring Turkish film legend Kemal Sunal. The 'too early departed' son of Muhammed Ali story involves a plot device of his identity being taken by one of the fictional characters.