Omar Pacha (1806–71) was born to Syrian Christian parents and served in the Austrian army. He was accused of embezzlement and in order to avoid charges, he fled to the Ottoman Empire. He subsequently converted to Islam, and had a highly successful military career, becoming Governor of Baghdad (1858–9) and, finally, Minister of War. He was a popular figure in Britain during the Crimean War, with engravings depicting him sold and published in the press.