# Mohammed Daoud Khan

> politician, first President of Afghanistan (1973-1978)

**Wikidata**: [Q310247](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310247)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Daoud_Khan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mohammed-daoud-khan

## Summary
Mohammed Daoud Khan was an Afghan politician who served as the first President of Afghanistan from 1973 to 1978. He led the overthrow of the Kingdom of Afghanistan and established the Republic of Afghanistan, fundamentally transforming the country's political structure from a monarchy to a republic.

## Biography
- Born: +1909-07-18T00:00:00Z
- Nationality: Afghanistan
- Known for: Serving as the first President of Afghanistan (1973-1978)
- Occupation: Politician, diplomat
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Afghanistan, Republic of Afghanistan, Afghanistan
- Field: Politics, Government
- Died: +1978-04-28T00:00:00Z
- Aliases: Sardar Mohammed Daoud Khan, سردار محمد داود خان

## Contributions
Mohammed Daoud Khan's most significant contribution was leading the establishment of the Republic of Afghanistan in July 1973, ending the Kingdom of Afghanistan that had existed since 1926. As the first President of Afghanistan, he transformed the country's political system from a monarchy to a republic, serving from 1973 to 1978. His presidency marked a pivotal transition in Afghan history, establishing a new governmental structure that lasted until the Saur Revolution in April 1978. During his tenure, he led the National Revolutionary Party of Afghanistan, which was founded in 1975, and maintained Afghanistan's membership in the United Nations.

## FAQs
**What was Mohammed Daoud Khan's primary role in Afghan history?**
Mohammed Daoud Khan was the first President of Afghanistan, serving from 1973 to 1978. He led the transformation of the country from the Kingdom of Afghanistan to the Republic of Afghanistan, fundamentally changing its political structure.

**When did Mohammed Daoud Khan serve as President?**
Mohammed Daoud Khan served as President of Afghanistan from 1973 to 1978, beginning when he established the Republic of Afghanistan in July 1973 until his death during the Saur Revolution in April 1978.

**How did Mohammed Daoud Khan come to power?**
Mohammed Daoud Khan came to power by overthrowing the Kingdom of Afghanistan in July 1973, establishing the Republic of Afghanistan and becoming its first President, ending the monarchy that had existed since 1926.

**What happened to Mohammed Daoud Khan at the end of his presidency?**
Mohammed Daoud Khan died on April 28, 1978, during the Saur Revolution, which marked the end of the Republic of Afghanistan and led to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.

**What political party was associated with Mohammed Daoud Khan?**
Mohammed Daoud Khan was associated with the National Revolutionary Party of Afghanistan, which was founded in 1975 during his presidency and was headquartered in Kabul.

## Why They Matter
Mohammed Daoud Khan matters as a pivotal figure who fundamentally altered Afghanistan's political trajectory by ending centuries of monarchical rule and establishing the first republic in the country's history. His actions in 1973 marked a decisive break from traditional governance structures, introducing republican ideals and institutions to Afghanistan for the first time. His presidency represented a crucial transitional period that bridged the gap between the old monarchical system and the subsequent communist and revolutionary movements that would define Afghanistan's modern history. Without his leadership in establishing the Republic of Afghanistan, the country's political evolution would have followed a dramatically different path, potentially affecting the entire regional geopolitical landscape of Central and South Asia.

## Notable For
- First President of Afghanistan, serving from 1973 to 1978
- Overthrew the Kingdom of Afghanistan in July 1973, ending monarchical rule
- Established the Republic of Afghanistan, transforming the country's political system
- Led the National Revolutionary Party of Afghanistan, founded in 1975
- Maintained Afghanistan's membership in the United Nations during his presidency
- Served as a diplomat representing Afghanistan's interests internationally
- Was the cousin and brother-in-law of King Mohammad Zahir Shah
- His presidency lasted exactly five years until the Saur Revolution in April 1978
- Played a crucial role in Afghanistan's transition from monarchy to republic

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Mohammed Daoud Khan was born on July 18, 1909, making him a significant political figure during a transformative period in Afghan history. As a member of the royal family, he was the cousin and brother-in-law of King Mohammad Zahir Shah, which positioned him well for political advancement. His background as both a politician and diplomat prepared him for his eventual role as the leader who would transform Afghanistan's governmental structure.

### Rise to Power and Political Transformation
In July 1973, Mohammed Daoud Khan orchestrated the overthrow of the Kingdom of Afghanistan, which had existed since 1926. This marked the end of the monarchy and the establishment of the Republic of Afghanistan, with Daoud Khan becoming its first President. His ascension to power represented a fundamental shift in Afghan governance, moving from monarchical rule to a republican system. The Republic of Afghanistan covered a geographical area of 647,500.0 square units with coordinates located at latitude 33 and longitude 65, maintaining Kabul as its capital.

### Presidential Tenure and Governance
During his presidency from 1973 to 1978, Mohammed Daoud Khan led the newly formed Republic of Afghanistan with Kabul as the capital. The official languages of the republic were Pashto and Dari, and the currency was the afghani. The state utilized a specific flag, known as the Flag of Afghanistan (1974–1978).svg, to represent the nation during his tenure. As head of state, Daoud Khan navigated the complex political landscape of Cold War-era Afghanistan while attempting to modernize and secularize the government.

### Political Parties and Organizations
Mohammed Daoud Khan was instrumental in the founding of the National Revolutionary Party of Afghanistan in 1975, which became a significant political force during his presidency. The party was headquartered in Kabul and represented his vision for Afghanistan's political future. Additionally, during his presidency, the Afghan Women's Council operated as an organization under the government, indicating his support for women's participation in public life.

### International Relations and Diplomacy
As President, Mohammed Daoud Khan maintained Afghanistan's membership in the United Nations, ensuring the country's continued presence in the international community. The Republic of Afghanistan under his leadership was recognized as a sovereign state and maintained diplomatic relations with various countries. His background as a diplomat informed his approach to international affairs during a period of significant geopolitical tension in the region.

### End of Presidency and Death
Mohammed Daoud Khan's presidency came to an abrupt end during the Saur Revolution in April 1978. The revolution, which took place within the country, led to the dissolution of the Republic of Afghanistan and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. Daoud Khan died on April 28, 1978, during these revolutionary events, marking the end of his five-year presidency and the republican experiment he had initiated. His death signaled the beginning of a new political epoch in Afghanistan's history, one that would be dominated by communist and revolutionary movements.

## References

1. [Source](http://en.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/32887)
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/world/asia/18afghan.html)
4. Find a Grave
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. [An Afghan Secret Revealed Brings End of an Era. 2009](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/world/asia/01afghan.html)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013