David Sassoon (treasurer)
Baghdadi Jewish merchant and philanthropist who founded a major trading dynasty.
Chronology: 1792 – 1864-11-07
Origins & Early Life
David Sassoon (October 1792 – 7 November 1864) was a Baghdadi Jewish merchant and philanthropist in Ottoman Iraq. David Sassoon served as the treasurer of Baghdad between 1817 and 1829. Fleeing persecution, Sassoon and his family emigrated to Bombay, British India. He became the leader of the Jewish community in Mumbai after the Baghdadi Jews emigrated to the city.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Sassoon was the founder of the Sassoon family and the founder of David Sassoon and Sons, which later became David Sassoon & Co., a trading company owned by his family. Sassoon's success as a merchant, in which opium played a key role, made him known as the "Merchant Prince of Bombay". Sassoon also used his wealth for various philanthropic and architectural projects. == Early life and career == David Sassoon was born in 1792 in Baghdad, Ottoman Empire. His father, Sheikh Sassoon ben Saleh (1750–1830), was a wealthy businessman, who had also served as the chief treasurer to the pashas (the governors of Baghdad), and served as the president (Nasi) of the city's Jewish community.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
His father also held the honorific title of Sheikh. His mother was Amam Gabbai and Sassoon was one of seven children. Sassoon and his family have Iraqi...
Source: Wikipedia