Faruk << fah ROOK >> I (1920-1965), also spelled Farouk, was the last king of Egypt. He became king in 1936, succeeding his father, Fuad I. Faruk enjoyed great popularity at the beginning of his reign. However, he symbolized traditions that had been discredited by British occupation of Egypt. A group of rebels, directed by General Muhammad Naguib, forced Faruk to give up his throne in July 1952. The group charged there was corruption in the government. Faruk went into exile in Europe. He was born on Feb. 11, 1920, in Cairo. He died on March 18, 1965. See also Egypt (History); Nasser, Gamal Abdel.
