Faisal
Faisal, or Feisal, the name of two kings of Iraq.
Faisal I (1885–1933) ruled from 1921 to 1933 as the first king of Iraq (formerly Mesopotamia). He was born in the holy city of Mecca, Arabia, a member of the Hashemite dynasty and a descendant of the prophet Mohammed. During World War I Faisal commanded an Arab army that aided the British in expelling the Turks from the Near East. He was proclaimed king of Syria in 1920 but was deposed by French troops. Faisal became king of Iraq with British support in 1921. He was succeeded by his son Ghazi (1912–1939).
Faisal II (1935–1958) succeeded to the throne in 1939 but actually ruled from 1953 to 1958. He was the grandson of Faisal I. His pro-Western regime was overthrown by a military revolt in 1958; Faisal was killed, and Iraq was declared a republic.