KK Kaasu Kurippu

  Giant Eland The Giant Eland's unique features include its immense size as the largest antelope species, massive spiralling horns on both sexes, and distinctive markings like vertical white stripes and a prominent black dewlap on males. It also possesses longer legs than other elands, which contribute to its surprising speed of up to km/h, and a dense growth of dark facial fur that signals dominance. 

  Laughing Gull The laughing gull ( Leucophaeus atricilla ) is a medium-sized gull native to coastal regions of North and South America, breeding mainly along the Atlantic coast, the Caribbean, and northern South America, with northern populations migrating south in winter. Occasionally it appears as a vagrant in western Europe, notably in a large influx to the UK in 2005. Named for its laughing call, the species is easily recognized by its white body, dark grey wings, black summer hood, and red bill. It takes three years to attain adult plumage, with immature birds darker than most similar gulls except Franklin’s gull. Laughing gulls nest in large coastal colonies, laying three to four eggs on ground nests, and feed opportunistically on a wide range of food. Formerly classified in Larus , it is now placed in Leucophaeus by the American Ornithologists’ Union.

  Kangaroo Kangaroos are large marsupials of the family Macropodidae, chiefly the big Macropus species, and are native to Australia, with tree-kangaroos also found in Papua New Guinea. They have powerful hind legs, large feet for hopping, a balancing tail, and females carry young in a pouch. While large kangaroos have thrived amid human-driven landscape changes, many smaller macropods are now rare or endangered. As iconic national symbols, kangaroos appear on Australia’s coat of arms, currency, and organisational logos. Wild kangaroos are commercially harvested for meat and hides, a practice seen as both controversial and environmentally beneficial for controlling overgrazing.

  Emus Emus have several unique features, including their flightless status, powerful legs for running, and distinct double-feathered quill. They are also the second-largest living bird globally, have unique two-part eyelids for eye protection, and the father is the sole caregiver for the chicks after the mother lays the eggs. Their bodies are adapted for speed, and their strong legs serve as both a defensive weapon and a means of defense Kangaroo Kangaroos have several special features, including their unique hopping locomotion, a powerful tail used for balance and as a "fifth leg," and a pouch for carrying and nursing their young (joeys). They are also one of the few large animals that can move backward, and their hind limbs are far stronger than their forelimbs.  

  Platypus The Platypus is an egg-laying, semiaquatic mammal native to eastern Australia and the only living member of its genus and family. Alongside echidnas, it is one of the five extant monotremes and uses electrolocation to hunt underwater. Males possess venomous spurs. Its unusual features once puzzled early European naturalists, but it is now an important species for evolutionary study and a cultural symbol for Aboriginal peoples and Australia. Formerly hunted for its fur, the platypus is now protected, though it remains vulnerable to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, and is considered near threatened.

  Male Superb Lyrebirds Lyrebirds are two Australian ground-dwelling species in the family Menuridae, famed for their remarkable ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds and for the male’s ornate, lyre-shaped tail used in courtship displays. Once mistakenly grouped with pheasants, they were later recognised as passerines and placed in the genus Menura . They are considered closely related to scrub-birds, though links to bowerbirds are disputed. Fossils show lyrebirds have ancient origins in Australia, dating back around 15 million years.

  Echidnas Echidnas are egg-laying mammals (monotremes) of the family Tachyglossidae, comprising four living species found in Australia and New Guinea. Along with the platypus, they are the only extant mammals that lay eggs. They eat ants and termites but are unrelated to true anteaters. Evolving 20–50 million years ago from an aquatic, platypus-like ancestor, echidnas are now fully terrestrial. Their name comes from a mythological creature combining traits of mammals and reptiles.

Frilled Neck Lizard The frilled-neck lizard ( Chlamydosaurus kingii ) is a large, primarily arboreal species native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Named for the foldable frill around its neck, it feeds on insects and small vertebrates and is the sole member of its genus. Reaching about 85 cm in length, it is also kept as an exotic pet.

  Feathertail glider  The feathertail glider ( Acrobates pygmaeus ) is the world’s smallest gliding possum, a tiny Australian marsupial able to glide up to 25 m using a small membrane between its limbs. Named for its distinctive feather-shaped, prehensile tail—used for gripping and steering—it has a mid-grey coat with dark facial patches and lives along Australia’s eastern seaboard from Queensland to Victoria. Its diet consists of nectar, pollen, and arthropods. The New Zoo in Poznań successfully reintroduced European captive breeding, with current zoo populations descending from its animals.   

  Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) (1882–1945)   He was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. A Democrat, he was elected four times and led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. Domestically, he implemented the New Deal, a series of programs that redefined American liberalism and built a lasting Democratic coalition. In foreign policy, FDR initially supported Allies through diplomacy and Lend-Lease aid while remaining neutral. After Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he led the U.S. into World War II, supervising the military strategy that defeated the Axis Powers and oversaw the development of the first atomic bomb. FDR reshaped American politics, creating the Fifth Party System, and influenced postwar institutions like the United Nations and Bretton Woods. He is widely regarded as one of the top three U.S. presidents, alongside Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

  Kenneth David Kaunda  He was the first President of Zambia, serving from 1964 to 1991. The youngest of eight children of a Church of Scotland missionary and teacher, Kaunda followed his father into teaching before becoming a key figure in Zambia’s independence movement. He founded the Zambian African National Congress and later led the United National Independence Party (UNIP), becoming Zambia’s first president. During his presidency, Kaunda implemented one-party rule from 1968 and oversaw the Zambianisation of foreign-owned companies. Economic challenges, including the 1973 oil crisis, strained the country, eventually leading to multi-party elections in 1991, when he was defeated by Frederick Chiluba. After leaving office, Kaunda remained active in charitable causes, particularly HIV/AIDS awareness, following the loss of one of his children to the disease. He also served as African President-in-Residence at Boston University (2002–2004) and has acted as a roving ambassa...

  Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938)  He was a Turkish army officer, reformist statesman, and the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. He earned the surname Atatürk, meaning “Father of the Turks,” in 1934. After serving in World War I, Atatürk led the Turkish National Movement in the War of Independence, establishing a provisional government in Ankara and defeating Allied forces. Following this, he implemented extensive political, economic, and cultural reforms to modernize Turkey. His reforms—known as Kemalism —included secularization, modernization of education, equal civil and political rights for women, tax reductions for peasants, and the adoption of Western legal and institutional models. Atatürk’s leadership transformed Turkish society from a Muslim Ottoman identity into a secular, democratic, and modern nation-state, laying the foundations for the Republic of Turkey.  

  King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)   Rama IX born 5 December 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, was the ninth monarch of Thailand’s Chakri Dynasty. The youngest son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and Mom Sangwan (later Princess Srinagarindra) , he was initially listed as “Baby Songkla” on his U.S. birth certificate. His name, Bhumibol Adulyadej , means “Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power.” He ascended the throne on 9 June 1946 after the mysterious death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, and was crowned on 5 May 1950 in Bangkok. He pledged to reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Thai people. King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit had four children. On 9 June 2006 , he marked his 60th anniversary as king, becoming Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch , highly respected and revered by his people.

  Ali Hassan Mwinyi (born May 8, 1925, Kivure, Pwani Region, Tanzania) is a Tanzanian politician who served as the second President of the United Republic of Tanzania from 1985 to 1995. Before the presidency, he held positions as Interior Minister and Vice President, and later chaired the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), from 1990 to 1996. During his presidency, Mwinyi began reversing the socialist policies of Julius Nyerere, relaxing import restrictions, promoting private enterprise, and introducing multi-party politics under pressure from foreign donors. Known as Mzee Rukhsa (“Everything goes”), he advocated for liberalization in both the economy and personal freedoms, emphasizing tolerance and individual rights. His tenure marked Tanzania’s transition from struggling socialism toward economic liberalization and short-term growth. Mwinyi married Siti in 1960 and has six sons and six daughters. In retirement, he lives quietly in Dar es Salaam.

  Gustaf VI Adolf (1882–1973) King of Sweden: 29 October 1950 – 15 September 1973. Eldest son of King Gustaf V and Victoria of Baden. Crown Prince for 43 years before ascending the throne at age 67, making him the world’s oldest heir apparent at the time. Lifelong amateur archaeologist with a focus on Ancient Italian cultures. Advocated civil rights; met Martin Luther King, Jr. in Stockholm. Motto: Plikten framför allt ("Duty before all"). Known for modesty, avoidance of pomp, and popularity among Swedes. Oversaw early stages of constitutional reforms; monarchy’s powers were later reduced after his death (1975 Instrument of Government). Died shortly before his 91st birthday; buried in Haga Royal Cemetery instead of the traditional Riddarholmskyrkan. Succeeded by his grandson, Carl XVI Gustaf.

  Prince Makhosetive was crowned King Mswati III of Swaziland on 25 April 1986. Shortly after, he dissolved the Liqoqo, consolidating his power and reorganizing the government. In May 1987, twelve individuals were accused of sedition and treason linked to the 1983 overthrow of Queen Regent Dzeliwe. King Mswati established a special tribunal to try these cases, which denied defendants legal representation. The tribunal prosecuted them in March 1988, though they were released by July. Prior to this, between 1981 and 1985, Queen Dzeliwe had served as Joint President of the National Congress.    Inkhosikati LaShongwe (1927–2003), born Dzeliwe Shongwe, was a wife of King Sobhuza II of Swaziland and mother to Prince Khuzulwandle Dlamini. After Sobhuza II’s death in August 1982, she was appointed Queen Regent (21 September 1982 – 9 August 1983) to rule until Prince Makhosetive, the king’s designated successor, came of age. Initially supported by the Liqoqo council, her regen...

  Francisco Franco Bahamonde (1892–1975) was the dictator of Spain from 1939 until his death. Rising rapidly through the military ranks, he became Europe’s youngest general in the 1920s. Franco opposed the 1931 establishment of the Spanish Republic, and the leftist Popular Front’s victory in 1936, which pursued anti-religious and radical reforms, spurred a conservative backlash. Franco led a military coup in 1936, triggering the Spanish Civil War. He consolidated power after the deaths of other generals and received support from local right-wing groups, Nazi Germany, and Fascist Italy. The war left around half a million dead, and Franco emerged victorious in 1939. He established an autocratic, one-party state, Francoist Spain , marked by repression, concentration camps, forced labor, and executions of political opponents, causing an estimated 200,000–400,000 deaths. Franco ruled for nearly 40 years, restored the monarchy, and designated King Juan Carlos I as his successor, wh...

  Jan van Riebeeck (1619–1677) Dutch colonial administrator, born in Culemborg, Netherlands. Married Maria de la Quellerie; their son Abraham later became Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. Joined the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1639; served in Batavia, Vietnam, and Japan. Founded the Dutch settlement at the Cape in 1652, landing with three ships at Table Bay to establish a supply station for VOC fleets. Commander of the Cape (1652–1662): built Fort de Goede Hoop, introduced crops (grapes, citrus, potatoes, cereals), and acquired livestock from Khoi people. Kept detailed diaries documenting the region’s environment and indigenous knowledge. Died in Batavia (Jakarta) in 1677.

  Charles Brooke (1829–1917) Birth & Family: Born at Berrow Vicarage, Burnham, Somerset, England, to Rev. Francis Charles Johnson and Emma Frances Johnson (née Brooke), sister of James Brooke, the first Rajah of Sarawak. He had ten siblings. Education & Career: Educated at Crewkerne Grammar School; joined the Royal Navy. In 1852, he entered the service of his uncle James Brooke as Resident at Lundu. Named successor by James in 1865. Marriage & Children: Married Margaret Alice Lili de Windt on 28 October 1869, who became Ranee of Sarawak. They had six children, with three surviving infancy: Vyner Brooke (1874–1963) Bertram Brooke, Tuan Muda (1876–1965) Henry Keppel Brooke, Tuan Bongsu (1879–1926) Other Children: Possibly had another son, Esca Brooke, with a native Malay woman; Esca was later adopted and moved to Canada. Reign & Achievements: Continued James Brooke’s work suppres...

  Lapu-Lapu  He was a ruler of Mactan in the Visayas, Philippines, known as the first native to resist Spanish colonization and the killer of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. He is considered the first Filipino hero. Other names include Çilapulapu, Si Lapulapu, Salip Pulaka, Cali Pulaco, and Lapulapu Dimantag. Before the Spanish arrival, Lapu-Lapu was recorded in pre-colonial chronicles written in Aginid, Bayok sa Atong Tawarik (1952) by Jovito Abellana. The chronicles trace the Rajahnate of Cebu to Sri Lumay, a prince from the Hindu Chola dynasty of Sumatra. His sons ruled nearby communities, and the region was known as Pulua Kang Dayang . Sri Lumay defended the area from Moro raiders, giving rise to the name Sugbo ("scorched earth"). Sri Lumay’s son, Sri Bantug , succeeded him but died of an epidemic, and his son Rajah Humabon became ruler. Cebu evolved into a major trading center, its harbors called sinibuayng hingpit , later shortened to Cebu . Lapu-Lapu ...

  Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948) ,  Mahomedali Jinnahbhai, born in Karachi, was a lawyer, politician, and the founder of Pakistan. Trained as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn, London, he initially rose to prominence in the Indian National Congress, advocating Hindu–Muslim unity and helping shape the 1916 Lucknow Pact. He proposed a fourteen-point plan to protect Muslim political rights but resigned from Congress in 1920 over its adoption of Gandhi’s non-violent resistance. By 1940, Jinnah championed a separate Muslim state, leading the Muslim League to pass the Lahore Resolution. Following World War II, the League secured the majority of Muslim seats in elections, and India was partitioned, creating Pakistan. As Pakistan’s first Governor-General, Jinnah established government institutions and supervised refugee relief efforts after partition. He died in September 1948 at age 71. Revered in Pakistan as Quaid-i-Azam (Great Leader) and Baba-i-Qaum (Father of the Nation), he is...

  King Herald V Crown Prince Harald of Norway, born February 21, 1937, fled Norway with his family during the German invasion in 1940, eventually spending the war years in the United States. Returning home in 1945, he lived as a “man of the people,” attending state schools and later Norway’s military academy, graduating in 1959. He also studied political science, history, and economics at Oxford. Harald became Crown Prince in 1957 and ascended to the throne as King Harald V on January 17, 1991. His engagement in 1968 to Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner and Oslo University graduate, was unprecedented and controversial, requiring consultation with King Olav and the government. The couple has two children: Princess Märtha Louise (born 1971) and Crown Prince Haakon Magnus (born 1973).

  Olayinka Herbert Samuel Heelas Badmus Macaulay (1864–1946)  Badmus Macaulay was a Nigerian nationalist, politician, engineer, and journalist, regarded as the founder of Nigerian nationalism. Born in Lagos to Sierra Leone Creole parents, he was the grandson of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and son of the founder of CMS Grammar School. Macaulay studied engineering in England, worked as a land inspector, and became a vocal critic of British colonial rule, exposing corruption and defending chiefs’ land rights. In 1923, he founded Nigeria’s first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP). Later, he co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 with Nnamdi Azikiwe. He died in 1946, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian nationalism.

  Queen Juliana of the Netherlands (1909–2004) Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina, born April 30, 1909, in The Hague, was queen of the Netherlands from 1948 to 1980. The only child of Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, she studied law at the University of Leiden and became involved in social welfare initiatives during the economic depression. She married Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld in 1937 and had four daughters: Beatrix, Irene, Margriet, and Christina. During World War II, Juliana lived in exile in Ottawa while her husband stayed with the Dutch government in London. She returned in 1945 and served as regent during her mother’s illness before becoming queen on September 6, 1948. She oversaw Indonesia’s independence in 1949. Juliana faced public controversies, including the employment of a faith healer for her blind daughter Christina, Princess Irene’s politically sensitive marriage, Princess Beatrix’s marriage, and Prince Bernhard’s involveme...

  King Hassan II  King Hassan II of Morocco (1929–1999) was educated at the Imperial College in Rabat and earned a law degree from the University of Bordeaux. Exiled with his father, Sultan Mohammed V, in 1953, he acted as his political advisor until their return in 1955. He played a key role in Morocco’s independence, becoming Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces and later Crown Prince, ascending the throne in 1961. Hassan survived two assassination attempts in the 1970s, aligned Morocco with the West during the Cold War, and mediated in Arab-Israeli relations. His reign included regaining Ifni, the 1975 Green March, and promoting economic development through agriculture, tourism, and phosphates. However, the period from the 1960s to 1980s saw severe repression known as the “Years of Lead.” In the 1990s, he implemented political reforms, released prisoners, expanded parliamentary roles, and created the Royal Council for Human Rights. Hassan II died of natural causes in 19...

  Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla   Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753–1811) was a Mexican priest who launched the Mexican War of Independence. Troubled by the poverty in his parish, he sought reforms and opposed colonial restrictions. On 16 September 1810, he issued the “Grito de Dolores,” calling people to revolt against Spanish rule. He led a large but poorly trained insurgent army that was defeated at the Battle of Calderón Bridge. Captured soon after, Hidalgo was executed in 1811, but he is remembered as the father of Mexican independence.

  Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (1900–1985) , known as Chacha Ramgoolam , was a Mauritian politician, statesman, and philanthropist who led the country’s independence movement. He served as Mauritius’ first Chief Minister, first Prime Minister, and later its sixth Governor General. As leader of the Labour Party, he championed workers’ rights and guided the nation to independence in 1968. Ramgoolam helped shape modern Mauritius by establishing free universal education, free healthcare, and old-age pensions. He also chaired the Organisation of African Unity (1976–1977). Celebrated as the “Father of the Nation,” he laid the foundations of Mauritius’ political and social development. His son, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, later served two terms as Prime Minister.

  King George VI The Malayan dollar was issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya, except during the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. In 1952 the issuing authority was renamed the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo, and its notes carried the portrait of King George VI. George VI (1895–1952) reigned from 1936 until his death. Initially the second son of George V and not expected to become king, he ascended the throne after the abdication of his elder brother, Edward VIII, who chose to marry Wallis Simpson. George VI had served in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force during World War I and married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923, with whom he had two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. His reign saw profound constitutional and geopolitical change. The British Empire rapidly evolved into the Commonwealth, particularly after World War II, during which George VI provided a stabilizing presence. India and Pakistan gained independence in ...

Mzee Jomo Kenyatta Jomo Kenyatta (1894–1978) was Kenya’s founding leader, guiding the country from independence in 1963 until his death. He served as Prime Minister (1963–64) and then President (1964–78). An influential intellectual and Pan-Africanist, he authored several books and played a central role in shaping modern Kenya. He was also the father of Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s fourth president. Kenyatta’s legacy is widely memorialised: major landmarks, institutions, streets, and statues across Kenya bear his name, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kenyatta University. His image long appeared on Kenyan currency, and Kenyatta Day (20 October) was observed as a national holiday until it became Mashujaa Day under the 2010 constitution, which also banned portraits of individuals on currency.

  King of Jordan King Hussein bin Talal (1935–1999) was the King of Jordan from 1952 until his death, guiding the country for nearly five decades through the Cold War and the Arab–Israeli conflicts. A member of the Hashemite family, he claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad. Born in Amman, he became Crown Prince in 1951 and ascended the throne in 1952 after his father, King Talal, abdicated due to illness; he was formally enthroned in 1953 at age 17. Hussein played a central role in regional politics and signed a historic peace treaty with Israel in 1994, becoming the second Arab leader to do so. He died in 1999 from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was then one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state.

  Paul Bogle Paul Bogle (c. 1820–1865) was a Jamaican Baptist deacon and a National Hero of Jamaica. A close ally of politician George William Gordon, he became deacon of Stony Gut Baptist Church in 1864 and advocated for justice for Jamaica’s poor. After authorities refused to hear local grievances, Bogle led the 1865 Morant Bay Protest, which escalated into a rebellion. He was captured and executed by British authorities on 24 October 1865. Honoured in 1969 as a National Hero, Bogle appears on Jamaica’s 10-cent coin and formerly on the two-dollar bill. Schools and institutions, including Paul Bogle High School and Britain's Bogle–L’Ouverture publishing company, also bear his name.  

  Minerva (Etruscan Menrva )  Minerva (Etruscan Menrva ) was the Roman goddess of wisdom, arts, strategy, medicine, and crafts, often shown with her sacred owl. Originating from an Italic moon goddess, her name passed through Etruscan into Latin, later associated with mens (“mind”), reinforcing her intellectual nature. Like the Greek Athena—whom she was equated with—Minerva was a virgin goddess born fully armed from Jupiter’s head. She belonged to the Capitoline Triad with Jupiter and Juno and held roles such as Minerva Medica (medicine) and Minerva Achaea (worshipped at Luceria). Ovid called her the “goddess of a thousand works”, reflecting her domains in weaving, music, poetry, commerce, and magic. Though linked to war through Athena, her martial side was less emphasized in Rome. Worship of Minerva spread across the empire, including in Britain where she merged with Sulis. Major Roman sites included the Capitoline Hill, the Temple of Minerva Medica, and Pompey’s Delubr...

  Pangeran Diponegoro Diponegoro (1785–1855) was a Javanese prince from Yogyakarta who led the Java War (1825–1830) against Dutch colonial rule. As the eldest son of Sultan Hamengkubuwono III, he expected a role in the succession, but was twice passed over in favor of younger relatives supported by the Dutch. His disappointment was intensified by the court’s pro-Dutch stance and declining religious observance, which troubled him as a devout Muslim. Political tensions worsened after famine and plague struck Java in 1821 and a succession crisis erupted. Many Javanese nobles and farmers, already resentful of heavy taxes, land-leasing restrictions, and economic hardship under Dutch rule, rallied behind Diponegoro—some believing he was the prophesied Ratu Adil, the “Just Ruler.” Diponegoro launched a widespread rebellion using guerrilla tactics, initially inflicting major losses on Dutch forces. In response, General De Kock implemented a strategy of fortified posts and mobile units ...

  Elizabeth II Elizabeth II (born 21 April 1926) became Queen in 1952 and has reigned over multiple Commonwealth realms as they evolved through decolonization and independence. She is the longest-lived and, after Victoria, the second longest-reigning British monarch. Educated at home, she served during WWII and married Prince Philip in 1947, with whom she has four children. Her reign has included major constitutional changes—such as UK devolution, Canadian patriation, and the independence of African nations—as well as many notable state visits and meetings. She has celebrated major milestones like her Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees, while also facing personal and royal family challenges, including the deaths of close relatives and public criticism. Despite occasional republican sentiment, her popularity has remained consistently high.

  Georgios Karaiskakis Georgios Karaiskakis (1780/1782–1827) was a prominent Greek klepht, armatolos, and military leader of the Greek War of Independence. Born Georgios Iskos, likely near either Mavrommati (Agrafa) or Skoulikaria (Arta), he was of Sarakatsani descent and known as “The Nun’s Son.” He became a klepht at a young age under Katsantonis, rose quickly for his bravery, and was later captured and released by Ali Pasha, who recognized his talent. Karaiskakis played key roles in the Missolonghi sieges, and his most famous success was the victory at Arachova, where he crushed a major Ottoman-Albanian force. In 1827, while helping the effort to lift the siege of Athens, he was fatally wounded on 23 April. According to his wishes, he was buried on Salamis.  

  Konrad Hermann Joseph Adenauer Konrad Hermann Joseph Adenauer (5 January 1876 – 19 April 1967) was the first post-war Chancellor of West Germany, serving from 1949 to 1963. He led the country from the devastation of World War II to stability, democracy, and rapid economic growth—the Wirtschaftswunder . Under his leadership, West Germany built strong ties with France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, joined NATO, and became a key Western ally. He also oversaw the creation of the Bundeswehr in 1955. Adenauer was a devout Roman Catholic and previously served as Mayor of Cologne (1917–1933) and President of the Prussian State Council during the Weimar Republic. He died in 1967 in Rhöndorf, where he is buried. His state funeral in Cologne Cathedral was attended by many world leaders, including U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. The 1968–69 academic year at the College of Europe was named in his honour.

  King Farouk I of Egypt  Farouk I of Egypt (1920–1965) was the penultimate King of Egypt and Sudan and a member of the Muhammad Ali dynasty. He succeeded his father, King Fuad I, in 1936 and held titles including Sovereign of Nubia, Kordofan, and Darfur. Born in Alexandria, he had Albanian, French, and Turkish ancestry through his mother, Queen Nazli. He was educated at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, England. Farouk’s reign ended when the Free Officers, led by Muhammad Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser, launched the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. Forced to abdicate in favor of his infant son Fuad II, Farouk went into exile in Monaco and Italy, where he died in 1965. The monarchy was abolished in 1953, ending the Muhammad Ali dynasty’s 150-year rule. His sister, Princess Fawzia, became Queen Consort of Iran as the first wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II (born 21 April 1926) became monarch in 1952 and has reigned over multiple Commonwealth realms as they evolved through decolonization and constitutional change. Initially queen of seven countries, she later served as monarch of many more, including Jamaica, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. She is the longest-lived and second longest-reigning British monarch. Born in London, Elizabeth became heir presumptive when her father, George VI, took the throne in 1936. During World War II she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. In 1947 she married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and they had four children. Her reign has included significant events such as devolution in the UK, Canadian patriation, and major world conflicts. She has undertaken historic state visits and maintained a high level of public popularity despite periods of criticism and personal challenges, including family tragedies and public scrutiny. Her major jubilees—Silver (19...