Afghanistan: 'H.H. Amir Shere Ali Khan', photograph by John Burke (1843-1900), 1869

Sher Ali Khan (c. 1825-1879) was the third son of Dost Mohammed Khan, founder of the Barakzai Dynasty in Afghanistan, and served as Amir of Afghanistan from 1863 to 1866. He had seized power after his father's death, but was soon ousted from the throne by his older brother, Mohammad Afzhal Khan. Sher Ali waged a civil war against his brother, and defeated him to return to power in 1868, regaining the title of Amir.

Under Sher Ali Khan's rule, Afghanistan faced constant pressure from both Britain and Russia, who were waging the Great Game for influence over the region. Sher Ali's attempts to remain neutral fell apart when the British invaded during the Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1878. Sher Ali fled from Kabul to try and seek political asylum in Russia, and died a year later in Mazar-e Sharif.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

John Burke (1843-1900)

Credit:

Pictures From History