Omar Pasha was originally an Austrian subject, born in Croatia, whose surname was Lattas. He was converted to Islam in 1830, taking the name of Omar, and went to Turkey, where he entered the regular army. He served with distinction in campaigns in Syria, Albania, Kurdistan and the Balkans, and was appointed to the command of the Turkish forces fighting on the side of the Allies in the Crimea, where this photograph was taken. The Prince of Wales, during a tour of the Near East, wrote to his mother from Constantinople on 4 April 1869 telling her that 'I made the acquaintance of Omar Pasha... & he is very agreeable to talk to - & is a very fine looking old man.' Omar Pasha died in Constantinople on 18 April 1871.