In 1840, a powerful emir surrendered to end a decades-long reign over Mount Lebanon

Bashir Shihab II was a master of political survival who managed to rule Mount Lebanon for fifty-two years. In 1840, his long reign came to an abrupt end when he surrendered to the Ottoman Empire following an imperial decree by Sultan Abdulmecid I. His downfall was triggered by his alliance with Egypt, which put him at odds with the British and Ottoman forces who eventually bombarded his strongholds.