The historical figure shown is Ömer Fahreddin Pasha (also known as Fakhri Pasha), a distinguished Ottoman military commander and governor, famously known as the "Defender of Medina" and the "Tiger of the Desert."

1. Defended Medina for Nearly 2.5 Years

In 1916, Fahreddin Pasha took command of the Ottoman forces in the Hejaz and defended Medina against British-backed Sharifian Arab forces for two years and seven months. Even after the Ottoman Empire signed the Armistice of Mudros in October 1918, he refused to surrender and continued resisting for another 72 days. He was eventually arrested by his own officers in January 1919 as the situation became increasingly desperate.

2. Ordered His Soldiers to Eat Grasshoppers

As the siege continued, supply routes, including the Hejaz Railway, were cut off, causing severe food shortages. In June 1918, Fahreddin Pasha issued an unusual order encouraging his starving soldiers to eat locusts. He even highlighted their nutritional value and shared ways to prepare them as a means of survival.

3. Safeguarded Precious Islamic Relics

Fearing that Medina's sacred treasures could fall into enemy hands, Fahreddin Pasha arranged for more than 30 chests containing Islamic relics, rare manuscripts, and historical artifacts to be transported safely to Istanbul by train. Many of these priceless items remain preserved at the Topkapı Palace Museum in Istanbul.