Ali Bey al-Kabir

Ali Bey al-Kabir (1728–1773), known in Turkish as Bulutkapan, the Cloud-Catcher, was a mamluk of Georgian origin who became shaykh al-balad, the effective strongman of Ottoman Egypt. He held the office in 1760–1766, survived exile, and returned to power in 1767.

In 1769 he openly defied Istanbul, striking coins in his own name, ending the annual tribute, and conquering the Hejaz and Syria in 1770–1771. His revolt collapsed when his trusted general Abu al-Dahab turned against him; he was defeated near Cairo and died in captivity in May 1773.