Origins & Early Life

Yahya Muhammad Hamid ed-Din (18 June 1869 – 17 February 1948) (or Imam Yahya) was the first king of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen from 1918 until his assassination in 1948. He became Imam of the Zaydis, a branch of Shia Islam, in 1904 after the death of his father, Muhammad Al-Mansur, and Imam of Yemen in 1918. His name and title in full was "His Majesty Amir al-Mu'mimin al-Mutawakkil 'Ala Allah Rab ul-Alamin Imam Yahya bin al-Mansur Bi'llah Muhammad Hamidaddin, Imam and Commander of the Faithful" (the Prince of the Believers, He who Relies on God, the Lord of the Universe). Yahya Muhammad Hamid ed-Din was born on Friday 18 June 1869 in Sanaa into the Hamidaddin branch of the al-Qasimi dynasty who ruled most of Yemen proper and the southern region of present-day Saudi Arabia for over 900 years.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

When Yahya became Imam, he effectively ruled over the mountainous areas of what will be North Yemen. However, the Ottomans who made claims in the area did not recognize the rule of the Imams of Yemen since their entry into the region. He spent the early years of his reign attempting to expel the Ottoman presence, who withdrew only after their defeat in World War I. A staunch isolationist...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• André Gide — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Pioneering French author, Nobel laureate known for exploring selfhood and transgression.
• Booth Tarkington — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Pioneering American novelist celebrated for capturing the spirit of the Midwest.
• C. T. R. Wilson — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Pioneering meteorologist and physicist known for the invention of the cloud chamber.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Contemporary (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Abdulrazak Gurnah — Contemporary (Born in 1948) (1948): Acclaimed Tanzanian novelist and Nobel laureate exploring themes of colonialism and refuge.
• Akira Mutō — Contemporary (Died in 1948) (1948): Imperial Japanese Army General implicated in war crimes during WWII.
• Alan Davis — Shared historical date (06-18 · Born) (1956): English comic book writer and artist known for Captain Britain and X-Men work.
• Ali Akbar Khan — Shared historical date (06-18 · Died) (2009): Master sarod virtuoso who popularized Hindustani classical music in the West.
• AB de Villiers — Shared historical date (02-17 · Born) (1984): Legendary South African cricketer, celebrated for his all-around batting genius.
• Adolphe Quetelet — Shared historical date (02-17 · Died) (1874): Pioneering Belgian statistician, founder of anthropometry, and social scientist.
• 1869 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1869
• June 18 (06-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 18
• 1948 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1948
• February 17 (02-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 17