Sher Ali Khan

Sher Ali Khan was the Emir of Afghanistan from 1863 to 1866 and from 1868 until his death in 1879. Born into a Pashtun Barakzai family, he initially seized power when his father died, but was quickly ousted by his older brother, Mohammad Afzal Khan. After a series of internal conflicts, Sher Ali Khan defeated his brother and regained the title of Emir. His reign is noted for attempts at reforming the rule in Afghanistan, including the creation of governmental posts, military reform, and promoting the Pashto language. Despite facing pressure from both the British Empire and the Russian Empire, he tried to maintain Afghanistan's neutrality during their conflicts.