Djezzar Ahmed

Djezzar, Ahmed (1720-1804), an eastern ruler, born in Bosnia. He is said to have sold himself to Ali Bey in 1755, and he became successively a Mameluke, Governor of Cairo, and Governor of Beyrout in 1873. In 1875 he was Pasha of St. Jean d'Acre, and he subdued Syria in spite of the remonstrances of the Turkish Government. It was at this time that he earned his name, which means "the Butcher." In 1799 he defended St. Jean d'Acre against the French forces.