Moreover, Ismail Pasha proved to be utterly incompetent in managing the army. He was inexperienced, indecisive, stubborn and un-charismatic. His father was constantly urging him to seek the advice of older men in his company. Ismail, however, did not listen to his father's advice and eventually lost the confidence of his own men. An alarming number of his artillerymen deserted him at a time when he most needed them. Furthermore, the whole province of Sinnār broke out in revolt as a result of the new taxes he was levying and the manner by which he was collecting them. His brutality, rashness, and impetuous nature ultimately cost him his own life in a tragic incident: he was burnt alive during a banquet that Nemr, the King of Shindī, ostensibly held in his honor. This was in revenge for Ismail having previously humiliated him by slapping him on the face.

Builds on: "Muhammad Ali invaded Sudan chiefly to capture conscripts, not wealth."

Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed…, loc. 440