Nasser, Gamal Abdel (1918–1970)

Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in January 1918. He descended from a middle-class family that lived in the village of Bani Murr, in Asyut governorate. He completed his education while his family was moving between Cairo and Alexandria. His passion for historical leaders and events was evident.

Upon his graduation from the Military Academy, Nasser served in Asyut and Sudan, then was appointed as an instructor in the Military Academy. Taking part in the 1948 war, he witnessed the detrimental consequences of corruption, incompetence, and treason, which resulted in losing the war against the Jewish legions and guerilla fighters. Consequently, he formed with others the secret military organization to be known as the “Free Officers Movement.” The relationship between this military organization ...