# Mohamed Hussein Tantawi > Egyptian Field marshal and former statesman (1935–2021) **Wikidata**: [Q45917](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45917) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Hussein_Tantawy) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mohamed-hussein-tantawi ## Summary Mohamed Hussein Tantawi was an Egyptian Field Marshal and statesman who served as the de facto leader of Egypt following the 2011 revolution that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. He was a key military figure, holding high-ranking positions in the Egyptian Armed Forces, and played a significant role in Egypt's political and military landscape during critical periods, including the Suez Crisis, Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, and Gulf War. ## Biography - **Born:** October 31, 1935 - **Died:** September 21, 2021 - **Nationality:** Egyptian - **Education:** Egyptian Military College (graduated 1956) - **Known for:** Serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Minister of Defense and Military Production, and leading Egypt during the transitional period after the 2011 revolution. - **Employer(s):** Egyptian Armed Forces, Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) - **Field(s):** Military, Politics ## Contributions Mohamed Hussein Tantawi had a long and distinguished military career, contributing significantly to Egypt's defense and political stability. He served in multiple conflicts, including the Suez Crisis (1956), the Six-Day War (1967), the War of Attrition (1967–1970), the Yom Kippur War (1973), and the Gulf War (1990–1991). His leadership during these conflicts earned him numerous awards, including the Order of the Nile, Kuwait Liberation Medal (from both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), and the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, Tantawi played a pivotal role in shaping Egypt's military strategy and maintaining its regional influence. After the 2011 Egyptian revolution, he led the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which assumed control of the country following the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak. During this transitional period, Tantawi oversaw the country's political and security affairs, ensuring a stable transition of power. ## FAQs **What were Mohamed Hussein Tantawi's key military roles?** Mohamed Hussein Tantawi served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Minister of Defense and Military Production. He was a high-ranking military officer who played crucial roles in several major conflicts, including the Suez Crisis, Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, and Gulf War. **What awards did Mohamed Hussein Tantawi receive?** Tantawi received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Order of the Nile, the Kuwait Liberation Medal (from both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), and the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. These awards reflect his significant contributions to Egypt's military and political landscape. **What was Mohamed Hussein Tantawi's role during the 2011 Egyptian revolution?** Following the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, Tantawi led the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which assumed control of Egypt. He oversaw the country's political and security affairs during the transitional period, ensuring stability and a smooth transfer of power. **Where did Mohamed Hussein Tantawi receive his education?** Tantawi graduated from the Egyptian Military College in 1956, which marked the beginning of his distinguished military career. **What conflicts did Mohamed Hussein Tantawi participate in?** Tantawi participated in several major conflicts, including the Suez Crisis (1956), the Six-Day War (1967), the War of Attrition (1967–1970), the Yom Kippur War (1973), and the Gulf War (1990–1991). His involvement in these conflicts earned him recognition and numerous awards. ## Why They Matter Mohamed Hussein Tantawi's leadership and military expertise were instrumental in shaping Egypt's defense strategy and maintaining its regional influence. His role during the 2011 Egyptian revolution was crucial in ensuring a stable transition of power, which had significant implications for Egypt's political future. Tantawi's contributions to Egypt's military and political landscape have left a lasting impact, influencing the country's security and governance structures. ## Notable For - Serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Minister of Defense and Military Production. - Leading the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) during the transitional period after the 2011 Egyptian revolution. - Participating in major conflicts, including the Suez Crisis, Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, and Gulf War. - Receiving numerous awards, including the Order of the Nile, Kuwait Liberation Medal (from both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), and the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. - Graduating from the Egyptian Military College in 1956 and having a long and distinguished military career. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Mohamed Hussein Tantawi was born on October 31, 1935. He graduated from the Egyptian Military College in 1956, marking the beginning of his military career. The Egyptian Military College, established in 1811, is a prestigious institution that has produced many of Egypt's top military leaders. ### Military Career Tantawi's military career spanned several decades, during which he participated in multiple conflicts. He served in the Suez Crisis (1956), the Six-Day War (1967), the War of Attrition (1967–1970), the Yom Kippur War (1973), and the Gulf War (1990–1991). His involvement in these conflicts earned him numerous awards and recognition, including the Order of the Nile, the Kuwait Liberation Medal (from both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), and the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. ### Political Role Following the 2011 Egyptian revolution, Tantawi played a crucial role in the country's political transition. After the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, Tantawi led the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which assumed control of Egypt. During this period, he oversaw the country's political and security affairs, ensuring stability and a smooth transfer of power. ### Awards and Recognition Throughout his career, Tantawi received numerous awards for his military and political contributions. These include the Order of the Nile, the Kuwait Liberation Medal (from both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), and the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. These awards reflect his significant contributions to Egypt's military and political landscape. ### Legacy Mohamed Hussein Tantawi's leadership and military expertise have left a lasting impact on Egypt's defense strategy and political stability. His role during the 2011 Egyptian revolution was crucial in ensuring a stable transition of power, which had significant implications for Egypt's political future. Tantawi's contributions to Egypt's military and political landscape continue to influence the country's security and governance structures. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Munzinger Personen 3. [Former Egyptian defense minister Mohamed Hussein Tantawi dies at 85. Arab News. 2021](https://www.arabnews.com/node/1932671/middle-east) 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. BBC Things 6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File