Born in 1830, Ismail became Governor and then Khedive of Egypt from January 19, 1863 to  June 26, 1879.  .  When his predecessor Saiid died, Ismail was the eldest male in the family and accordingly Egypt’s rule passed to him.  He displayed some of his grandfather’s, Mohammad Ali, enthusiasm for modernization. Ismail's ambitions extended to seeking independence from the Ottoman administration. Through bribing those of influence; he was able to obtain the Sultan's approval to restrict ruling succession in his own descendants and gained the title of Khedive in 1867.

Ismail strove against slave trade in Sudan, expanded Egypt’s properties in Africa, and inaugurated the Suez Canal for international navigation. However, during his reign, Egypt’s debts grew largley which allowed England and France a chance to interfere in Egypt’s internal affairs under the allegation of  protecting their interests.

Pressured by   England and France, Sultan Abd El-Hamid II isolated Ismail’due to his poor financial policy in 1879. His son Tawfik Pasha succeeded him as the Khedive of Egypt.  Ismail died in 1895 and was buried in Cairo