Abdul Hamid Karami

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	(1890-10-23)23 October 1890 Tripoli, Ottoman Empire
Died	23 November 1950(1950-11-23) (aged 60) Lebanon
Nationality	Lebanese

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]