Abdul Hamid Karami
Lebanese politician (1890–1950)
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Abdul Hamid Karami (23 October 1890 – 23 November 1950) (Arabic: عبد الحميد كرامي) was a Lebanese political and religious leader, who had nationalistic Arab inclinations.[1]
Abdul Hamid Karami | |
|---|---|
عبد الحميد كرامي | |
Karami in 1939 | |
| 2nd Prime Minister of Lebanon | |
| In office 10 January 1945 – 20 August 1945 | |
| President | Bechara El Khoury |
| Preceded by | Riad Solh |
| Succeeded by | Sami Solh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 October 1890 |
| Died | 23 November 1950 (aged 60) |
Biography
Karami descended from one of the most prominent Sunni Muslim families in Lebanon.[2] Members of his family traditionally held the position of mufti of Tripoli. Abdul Hamid Karami became mufti of Tripoli,[3] but was removed by the French authorities. He was a leader of the movement demanding Lebanon's independence, a goal which was achieved by 1943.[4] In 1944, Karami survived an assassination attempt, which was due to a local rivalry in Tripoli.[3] Karami served as prime minister and finance minister of Lebanon for a brief period from 10 January 1945 to 20 August 1945.[5] He also held the post of defense minister for that time.[6]
His sons, Rashid Karami and Omar Karami were also important Lebanese politicians who served as prime ministers.[7] Karami died on 3 November 1950.[4][8]
Controversy
In June 1935, Karami killed Abdul Majid Muqaddam, another prominent Tripoli native, since Muqaddam had beaten him with a stick and knocked off his turban.[3] However, Karami was acquitted due to his claim of self-defense.[3] Karami's lawyer was future president Bishara Khoury.[1][3]
