Abd Al-Rahman Al-Gillani

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Abd Al-Rahman Al-Gillani (1841–1927) was the first Prime Minister of Iraq. He was born on 11 January 1841 in Baghdad into a respected Sufi family and traced his lineage to Abdul Qadir Gilani. He served as a leader of the Banu Hashim in Baghdad and studied under Ottoman rulers, gaining support from Sultan Abdul Hamid II.

In 1920, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Al-Gillani was chosen to head the Iraqi government. He had good relations with the British and was even considered a candidate for the throne, but he declined the kingship and became prime minister. He tried to block Faisal I’s appointment as king and eventually resigned when his efforts failed; Faisal later reappointed him to help manage opposition. His powers were limited as the king and the British took more control over government.

In 1922, Al-Gillani helped negotiate the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty, which gave Iraq nominal independence but left Britain in charge of military and foreign affairs, effectively creating a British mandate. He resigned soon after and spent the rest of his life in seclusion.

He died on 13 June 1927 in Baghdad at age 86. His funeral was attended by many Iraqi leaders, and he was buried at the Mausoleum of Abdul-Qadir Gillani near the shrine of Abdul Qadir Gilani. One of his sons was Syed Mahmood Hussamuddin al-Gillani. He is sometimes referenced in Iraqi culture, such as in the TV drama Sarah Khatoon.