Murad Bey (c. 1750 – 22 April 1801) was an Egyptian Mamluk chieftain (Bey) and joint ruler of Egypt with Ibrahim Bey. While he is often remembered as a cruel and extortionate ruler, he was also known for his courage and prowess as a fighter. The title "Bey" denotes an aristocratic status, reflective of the cultural norms of the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the Egyptian province. There is debate about Murad Bey's origin, with some claiming he was of Georgian descent and others suggesting he was Circassian.Following the death of his master, Murad Bey assumed command of the Mamluk army, while Ibrahim Bey took charge of administrative duties in Egypt. Together, they resisted numerous attempts by the Ottoman Empire to overthrow the Mamluk regime and held de facto power for decades. Despite being driven out by the Ottoman forces, they returned to Cairo and regained control. Murad Bey played a crucial role in the Battle of Shubra Khit and the Battle of the Pyramids, where he commanded the Mamluk cavalry against the French army led by Napoleon.In his later years, Murad Bey sought alliances with foreign powers, offering to ally himself with the British Empire and collecting taxes on behalf of the French First Republic. He ultimately died en route to assist the French governor in defending the capital, succumbing to the bubonic plague.Murad Bey's story is intertwined with the history of

Murad Wilfried Hofmann (1931 – 13 January 2020) was a German diplomat, author, and prominent figure in the Islamic community. Having converted to Islam in 1980, his deep understanding and advocacy of the religion led him to write several influential books, such as "Journey to Makkah" and "Islam: The Alternative," which focused on Islam's place in the Western world, particularly after the events of 11 September. Throughout his career, Hofmann served in various diplomatic roles, including as an ambassador to Algeria and Morocco, and as an advisor to the Central Council of Muslims in Germany. His notable commendations include the Federal Cross of Merit in Germany and the Commander of the Order of Merit in Italy. With a background in international relations and a passion for Islamic art, Hofmann's conversion to Islam was a result of his experiences in the Algerian War of Independence and his perception of contradictions in Christian doctrine. His work has left a lasting impact on the discourse surrounding Islam in the West and East.