Mostafa Riyad Pasha GCMG (1835 or 1836–1911) was a Circassian-Eygptian statesman. His name can also be spelled Mostāfā Riāḍ Bāshā (). He served as Prime Minister of Egypt three times during his career. His first term was between September 21, 1879 and September 10, 1881. His second term was from June 9, 1888 to May 12, 1891. His final term lasted from January 17, 1893 to April 16, 1894.
Origin and ascension
Riyad was of a Circassian family, but was said to be of Jewish ancestry. Little is known of his early life, except that, until the accession of Isma'il Pasha to the Khedivate of Egypt in 1863, he occupied a relatively humble position.
Ismail, reportedly recognizing in this obscure individual a capacity for hard work and a strong will, made him one of his ministers. When Ismail's financial straits compelled him to agree to a commission of inquiry, Riyad was named as a vice-president of the commission. He filled this office with distinction, but not to the liking of Ismail. On the evening of 9 September 1881, after a military demonstration in Abdin Square, Riyad was dismissed; broken in health he went to Europe, remaining at Geneva until the fall of Urabi.