Umm Kulthum The Voice of Egypt Outline of

Umm Kulthum “The Voice of Egypt”

Outline of Presentation • • Umm Kulthum’s childhood Her look and performance The man behind the lyrics Culture and society Politics Her political role as an Islamic Women Gossip Video clip

Introducing Umm Kulthum • Umm Kulthum’s artistic career began in the rural village of Tamay-al-Zahayra, Egypt where she was born • In the delta province of Daqahliyah • About 1665 people lived in her village • She grew up in a mud brick house • She was born approximately May 4 th 1904

Her Family • Father: al-Shaykh Ibrahim al Sayyid al Baltaji; he was the Imam of a local Mosque • Mother: Fatmah al-Maliji; she was a housewife • Umm Kulthum had two siblings older than her, a sister and a brother • Umm Kulthum is the youngest child in her family

Umm Kulthum’s Father

Umm Kulthum and her Brother at a young age

Education • In her village, like all the village children Umm Kulthum began attending Quran school-called ‘Kuttab’ at age 5 • It was here that she learned to recite, read and memorize the Quran • Because of the discipline involved in learning and reciting the Quran, these teachings contributed a great deal to Umm Kulthums success as a singer

How her Career Began • Because her fathers income as an Imam was not enough to cover even their humble way of life, he also chanted/sang religious songs at festivals and weddings • His son was the one to usually accompany him during these occasions • Umm Kulthum witnessed her father giving singing lessons to her brother and this is where she learned to sing

• Her father recognized the strength in her voice and she began joining her brother in singing lessons given by her father • She soon began to accompany her father and brother to the celebrations and special occasions where they would sing • Her very first performance was in her own village in the house of the “Umdah”- the village leader • But her father, for fear of the cultural stigmatization involved with girls entertaining and singing, dressed her up as a boy when they preformed. • It was not in the egyptian peasant tradition to have women or girls sing or even appear in front of strangers

Quote from Umm Kulthum • "My father was uneasy. The idea that his daughter should sing in front of men he didn't know, was difficult for him to accept, but my singing helped support the family. So he dressed me in boy's clothes, and I sang this way for several years. I realize now that he wanted to convince himself, and the audience too, that the singer was a young boy, and not a young woman. " -From Umm Kulthum, A Voice Like Egypt

Building her Career • Because of her strong voice, people began to recognize her talent and she became famous in the little villages in which they preformed • The group began to travel farther to more villages as their demand grew because of Umm Kulthum • They traveled on foot to these places in order to perform • After listening to Umm Kulthums talent many people told her father to take her to the city of Cairo- which was the main entertainment city in Egypt at that time

• However they were reluctant to go because they did not know anyone there and were so uncertain of what might happen if they went • They finally decided to take the risk and moved to Cairo in 1923 • This move greatly affected her career • Cairo was the place where her talent was discovered by the mainstream audience

Contribution of her Family • Her Father and Mother contributed a great deal to her success • If it were not for the sacrifices they made in order for her to reach the top she could not have achieved fame • Although it was unusual for a young girl of that status to be educated, her mother insisted that she remain in Kuttab with her older brother in order to become literate in Arabic • Her father allowed her to sing, even though he dressed her as a boy, this went against the cultural norms for females in Egyptian society of that time and they risked facing much criticism • The move to Cairo that essentially started her career was also a great risk for her entire family as this move was costly and the future was so uncertain • Umm Kulthum also recognized the contributions of her family, she lived with her mother until she passed away in 1947, despite her success

Cairo -in Cairo, her singing was viewed as strong but unschooled, so she enlisted the help of numerous teachers while continuing to sing with her family ensemble -following criticism of the family’s old fashioned repertory and style of performance, she hired accomplished musicians and began singing with the accompaniment of an instrumental takht -to improve her image and acquire sophistication, she studied music and poetry and copied the manners of the ladies of wealthy homes in which she was invited to sing -by the mid-1920 s, she made her first recordings

Her Look • Because she faced criticism upon arrival in Cairo, she dropped her countrified look for a more cosmopolitan image, studiously copying the dress and manners of the elegant Cairene women that she entertained • Her appearance is part of what transfixed her audience so; her tall figure was often adorned in floor length, bejeweled evening gowns, and her jet black hair and trademark silk handkerchief swayed gently as she sang

Performance • She was famous for creating an environment of tarab, harnessing her listener’s energy and continuously interacting with her audience • A slight nod of the head or a shake of her shoulders could bring the audience to laughter or tears • The audience shouted requests at her to repeat certain lines or words in her songs, allowing her to singe a single song for hours, repeating and altering her lyrics, never singing them the same way twice – she once sang a single line 52 different ways • Her clear, powerful, emotive, passionate voice was sometimes filled with nostalgia and yearning; at times it was husky and strained or leaping with pangs of love; other times her alto voice could stretch to soprano or tenor and was punctuated, decorated, and echoed by her orchestra; but at all times, she was able to hit impossible tones

• She fused classical Arab poetry with innovative composition, singing in colloquial dialect and was accompanied by a small traditional orchestra • The emotional experience of her music was intertwined with the politically charged atmosphere of the time • Her repertoire ranged from love songs to political ballads to adaptations of Muslim poetry to sentimental and nationalistic songs In the 1940 s and 1950 s, she departed from modernist romantic songs and performed in a style considered more indigenously Egyptian • • She often sang in support of Egyptian independence, and in the 1950 s, she sang in support of Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser (one of her songs associated with Nasser was adopted as the Egyptian national anthem from 1960 -1979)

• Because her songs were about pining away for the past, languid love, injured pride, and memories of lost passion, she was able to break down Egyptian social boundaries and fuse the Arab world into an emotional whole • She performed on the first Thursday of every month, drawing in people from north Africa and the middle east to attend her concerts • Most fans heard her concerts over the radio • Taxi cabs and shops in Cairo still play her music today, and she is just as captivating now as she was then

Her Death • Her Death as a Performance -her funeral drew 4 million mourners, rivaling that of her good friend President Nasser’s funeral 5 years earlier -fans carried her body through the streets to a mosque said to be one of her favorites Closing Statement -there is an old Egyptian saying that goes: “there are two things that never change – the Pyramids and the voice of Umm Kulthum”

The Man Behind the Lyrics Ahmed Rami, the author of most of Umm Kulthum's lyrics. - Born in Cairo, August 9 th, 1892. - he was educated as a teacher, and became familiar with Arabic, English, and French poetry and Literature while working at a Teachers Library. - He made his way to Paris in 1924, where he continued to educate himself in Persian. One of his great accomplishments was translating Omar Khayyam (one of Iran's most famous poets) Quatrain from Persian into Arabic. He also translated some of Shakespeare's plays into Arabic as well.

- He wrote 3 types of literature: love, emotional, and patriotic poetry. - He is most famous for writing the lyrics to Umm Khulthums's songs. His most famous was the song "Enta Omri", which was set to music by Muhammad Abdel Wahab. - He passed away on June 4 th, 1981.

What was it about Umm Kulthum that allowed her to become a symbol of the nation to the people of Egypt?

Egypt Society-early 20 th C national consciousness • Suez canal-sparked international interest • Foreign debt led to British control by protectorate 1914 • Dinshawai Incident • WW 1 – British troops – Inflation – Restriction of the cotton industry

• 1922 -official independence from British Protectorate, but Egypt was unhappy with the extent of control that this actually gave them • British still controlled defense and foreign affairs

All of these led to a desire across Egypt to keep up with other nations of the world in modernism and technology without losing heritage and national identity reflected in literature and theater

• • Beginnings in Cairo (1920’s) Elite homes Musical theatre both were important sources of political discussion – antiimperialistic/nationalistic • rejection of anything Western • importance of music that could be described as both modern and authentically Egyptian • “the popular became difficult to distinguish from what, in another time and place, would be called ‘art’, ‘classical’, ‘folk’, or ‘religious’ (Danielson, pg. 46)

Social Stratification • Began with Muhammad Ali-ruling class • Wealthy purchased more land-royal land which was sold to pay debt • Little education opportunities under British • Heavy taxation • Expropriation of land • Control of crop prices

Umm Kulthum’s Image • Umm Kulthum was allowed into elite society as an artist but maintained her association with village and country life. • Maintained modest dress and lifestyle • Traveled to rural areas for concerts • Referred to herself as fallah (peasant)

Kulthum’s Voice in Politics • 1940 – elected head of Musicians Union and head of the Listening Committee of Egyptian Radio • 1950’s – concerts also serving as political platforms • 1952 – Egyptian revolution- Umm supported new leader- Nasser • 1967 -71 – gave a series of concerts across the Middle East to boost national pride

1948 The Israeli War of Independence Egypt suffered in the war due to corrupt arms dealing by the government however: General Gamel Abd al-Nasser’s troops held out at al-Faluia and won Symbolizing to Nasser Egypt’s resolve to be free of foreign and internal oppression

1948 Umm Kulthum entertains the troops that Fought at al-Faluria Nasser and Kulthum meet for the first time

1949 The Free Officers- a secret group in the army is formed by Nasser They plan to overthrow the government and gain independence from Britain and corrupt government officials

1952 BLACK SATURDAY- January 26 th The Free Officers and a well organized Egyptian mob storm Cairo and destroy British interests- BOAC offices, British Turf Club, Hotels etc. Marks the start of the second Egyptian Revolution

Kulthum had sung for King Faruk When he was sent into exile after the revolution the musicians guild banished Kulthum from the radio because of her interaction with the King Nasser demanded she be put back on the airways And expanded the broadcasting of her music to other Arab states

Kulthum’s Influence Umm Kulthum supported the revolution and Nasser’s ideas of Arab Nationalism- leading to their joint popularity in many Arab nations

In 1952 Ahamid Rami wrote for Kulthum a national song “Egypt, Which is in My Mind and My Blood” Along with songs about the Suez Canal, the High Dam and several to support General Nasser

Her concerts drew in over 2500 people and millions of Arabs over the radio Taxi cabs stopped on side streets to let people hear her lyrics that praised the history and greatness of Egypt, love and the revolution Nasser used Kulthum’s popularity and had his speeches and government announcements broadcast immediately after Kulthum’s monthly radio concerts to capitalize on her ability to captivate Egypt

1956 The end of the revolution. Kulthum played benefit concerts for Egypt Started becoming more open to her modest upbringing to bring hope to Egyptian people

Nasser and Kulthum Their popularity was joint Nasser had been influential in Kulthum’s reacceptance into the musicians guild as she was his favorite artist and his greatest resource for motivating the people of Egypt In 1960 Kulthum was invited to dinner at Nasser’s house along with Abd al-Wahhab. A popular recording and film star she had collaborated with

1967 The SIX DAYS’ WAR Israel vs. Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Egypt Nasser sought the destruction of Israel, making an alliance with Jordan, Syria and Iraq Nasser wanted victory without war But used Arab nationalism and Arab’s “desire” to fight as an excuse to enter the war

Egypt lost 80% of its military equipment 10, 000 soldiers and 1, 500 officers were killed 5, 000 soldiers and 500 officers were captured 20, 000 were wounded

So…. . Kulthum between 1967 to 1971 she traveled in Egypt to ten Muslim countries and to Paris, performing benefit concerts She would ask poets for lyrics about each country and meet with political leaders- she had diplomatic passport status

Political relations were damaged as people and politicians lost faith in Nasser after the Six Days War In Tunisia after a concert Kulthum talked with President Bourguiba and managed to restore relations between Tunisia and Cairo/ Nasser.

By 1971 she’d raised $2 million dollars in gold and hard currency for the Egyptian Government and the morale for millions of Arabs

Nasser passed away in 1970 and Kulthum soon followed in 1975 they had together united Egypt through Kulthum’s ability to captivate her Arab audience and through Nasser’s political power Nasser’s success in holding his presidency for 16 years is undeniably linked to Kulthum’s support

Umm Kulthum as a Woman in Islam • When her father had her first sing, she was dressed as a boy to make her presentation acceptable • Because of Umm Kulthum’s talent and influence she was able to act distinctly from the majority of Muslim women at that time • During the 1930’s she became very financially stable, which allowed her a great deal of independence in a largely patriarchal society

• Umm Kulthum was extraordinary in that she was able to take on a role comparable to a Western celebrity and as important as that of any man and yet not lose her sincerity about being Muslim, to not lose sight of being emblematic of that • Her recognition was for merit of her ability but that was accepted for her being both credibly and admirably Muslim • In this she achieved something quite rare, being both an independent woman and celebrity who was widely accepted and admired by the public

• To quote Michael Sells “ The relation of the Qur’an to popular culture also is exemplified by Umm Kulthum, an Arab singer who was one of the most important cultural figures in Islamic societies in the modern age. Her singing permeated the Arabic world… Umm Kulthum was also believed to be an accomplished Qur’an reciter herself. In buses, cafes, and taxis throughout the Arabic speaking world, cassettes of the songs of Umm Kulthum are almost as popular as cassettes of the Qur’an. ”

Umm Kulthum’s political role as a Muslim Woman • She performed benefit concerts to support poor students who otherwise couldn’t afford to to attend the University of Cairo • She rallied people to demonstrate against the British occupation of Egypt • Her devastation at Egypt’s loss to Israel in 1948 prompted her to begin charity work for in support of the Egyptian Government • Umm Kulthum strongly supported Gamal Abdel Nasser’s idea’s about Egyptian and Arab Nationalism • By placing her monthly concert before Nasser’s speeches, she increased the number of people who would listen to his work

• In a patriarchal society, her political involvement through signs of support were nearly unprecedented • Islam itself has several texts that dissuade women from interfering in politics, one of the Hadiths, which is said to be linked to the Profit’s wife Aishah’s role in the battle of Camel where she fought and was defeated says as follows “a people who place women in charge of their affairs, will never prosper” (Bukhari, Fitan) • Nevertheless there a number of women who have played significant and vital political roles in Islamic society, and this number seems to continue to increase into the 21 st century • Relative to other women in Umm Kulthum’s time, she was very influential and politically active

Umm Kulthum’s marriages and divorce • • She agreed to marry fellow musician and president of the musicians union, Muhmud Sharif This Marriage only lasted a matter of days and was regarded by both parties as a mistake Divorce in Arab Islamic culture is seen as acceptable under certain circumstances, but is not nearly as widespread and prevalent as it is in Western societies One Hadith states ‘Of all things permitted, divorce is in the eyes of God most detested’ (Abu Dawud, Talaq) Though ‘quick divorces’ have recently made it’s way into common law These divorces differ from the classical Islamic divorce that is considered more religiously correct and are retractable within three of a woman’s’ menses In 1954 Umm Kulthum married Dr. Hasan al-Hifraui at the approximate age of fifty years, which would have been considered relatively old compared to the cultural norm of the time

Umm Kalthoum Ibrahim Al. Sayyid Al-Baltaji • The spelling of her name varies in English but does not in Arabic; in Arabic, pronunciation varies based on the dialect – ex. Umm Kalthoum or Umm Kalsoum • Umm Kalthoum was named after one of the four daughters of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW/PBU): – Zainab, Ruqayya, Umm Kalthoum, Fatima – The Prophet’s daughter is mostly remembered for her marriage. Both Ruqayya and Umm Kalthoum were married to Uthman at separate times; Uthman was one of the early converts to Islam and a friend of the Prophet. He was an influential figure in the beginning of Islam because of his wealth

• As mentioned before she grew up in Tamay Al-Zahayra which has been described as a ‘humble’ village, however, she lived in Cairo throughout her singing career – Some accounts state that the village still remains very poor and that the people have expressed disappointment to the fact that she had not contributed enough to improve their situation • Her Father, Ibrahim Al-Sayyid Al-Baltaji, was a Sheikh and an Imam at the mosque in the village she grew up in • Began her career at a time when female performers were thought inappropriate; Umm Kalthoum maintained a strong devotion to her religion and her extraordinary talents convinced her family that therefore it was her destiny as chosen by Allah

• Her efforts to inspire people to improve their dedication to Islam, have been widely acknowledged – “The relation of the Qur'an to popular culture also is exemplified by Umm Kulthum, an Arab singer who was one of the most important cultural figures in Islamic societies in the modern age. Her singing permeated the Arabic world. Her funeral was the largest public event in Egypt's modern history. Umm Kulthum's lyrics combined the tradition of Arabic love poetry, contemporary forms of music, and a cadence she learned as the daughter of a rural Qur'an reciter. Umm Kulthum was also believed to have been an accomplished Qur'an reciter herself. In buses, cafes, and taxis throughout the Arabic-speaking world, cassettes of the songs of Umm Kulthum are almost as popular as cassettes of the Qur'an. ” (From Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations. © 1999. White Cloud Press. ) • Umm Kalthoum was a very devout Muslim and retained an “image of Islamic modesty” throughout her career – Her choice of songs was deemed appropriate at the time – Appeared on stage in a very respectable manner in which Muslims could find little fault in or reason to discredit her talents

Fame • Umm Kalthoum remains a legend far beyond Egypt and throughout the vast majority of the Middle East – Arabs often proudly refer to her as ‘Kawkab al Sharq’ which means star of the Middle East • Although Umm Kalthoum’s largest fan base is among Arabs, people from around the world can attest to know something about her; her abilities have set the standard for musicians of all languages and genres – Bob Dylan, Diamanda Galas, Michael Doucet are a few of the famous musicians who have openly stated their admiration for her – One of her most famous songs – Inta Omri, has been reinterpreted several times – Arab singers sometimes perform her songs but it is usually with hesitation because of the pressure to perform to her standard • Like many celebrities her life has been greatly sensationalized by her admirers. There has been much gossip about her private life, especially the romantic aspect

Opinions • Abdul Hafiz Saj (Lebanese) – What is your general opinion of Umm Kalthoum? • No one can deny the greatness of her voice; there will never be another singer like her. • She also had a strong personality and was a person who naturally commanded respect – How much would you say you enjoy her music? • I just don’t have time to listen to her as much anymore and in Canada she is not as recognized, I can no longer turn on my radio on my way to work and listen to her music like I used to • Wadie Al. Safie’s music is more convenient for me now, he used to also sing very long songs but because of current trends he has shortened them down dramatically; as well he is from the same town I came from, so I have to show my support for him too. In all honesty though, although in my eyes he is also one of the greats, I don’t think his musical talent is quite as great as that of Umm Kalthoum – Do you have a favorite song by Umm Kalthoum? • My favorite songs are Darit Al Ayam (The Day’s Gone), Robaeyat Al Khyaam (The Quarter of the Tents) – they remind me of my childhood

– How were you introduced to Umm Kalthoum? • She is part of middle eastern culture, it would have been impossible for me not to have known about her music • My family and friends admire her greatly and I developed my own interest in her music because of their influence • When I was young my dad told me that before she was born, her dad had a dream that he would have a daughter who would be unique and who would become hugely successful. I’m not sure if this story is true but even at a young age I was made aware of the almost impossible greatness of this woman. I feel Allah meant for this to happen, and all the people in my childhood agreed, it was never questioned that she was a corrupt Muslim – What do you think of Arabic music today? • There’s much to be said about this but in short, I feel that today’s Arabic music is too fast and has no deep meaning, it is made for the younger generation who want something to dance in the clubs to – To what extent do you think she was involved in politics at the time? • She was a friend with King Farouk and then with Gamal Abd Al Nasser but I never really felt that she was very involved in politics. She had nationalistic views and even sang some nationalistic songs but that is to be expected because their was conflict in Egypt throughout her time

• Soraya Hafez (Egyptian) – What is your general opinion of Umm Kalthoum? • I don’t think there will ever be anyone quite like Umm Kalthoum again – How much would you say you enjoy her music? • I love to listen to her at night, her music is beautiful and a wonderful way to relax at the end of along day – I love it! • When I was younger I didn’t like to listen to her, I didn’t have the patience to sit down for several hours. As well I think her songs are far too completed for a young person to fully appreciate – Do you have a favorite song? • My favorite song if I had to choose would be “Huwa Sahih, Al Howa Gilab” (It Is True, Love Overcomes) • It’s in an old style that I prefer. As well, it reminds me of a beautiful love, it makes you feel like you want to be in love! • I was in a taxi cab in Egypt once Umm Kalthoum and the driver was playing Umm Kalthoum’s music and I was so disappointed when the ride was over – I didn’t want to leave. I think this proves how powerful her music is in affecting people

– How did your family and friends contribute to your love of her music? • When I was a child, Umm Kalthoum had a concert the first Thursday of every month, my father would sit and listen to her for hours, so she was very admired by all the adults I knew. I often heard talk about her style and skills, particularly about her ability to improvise and the effect of the repetition of certain verses – What do you know about her personal life? • Everyone knew Ahmad Rami loved her, and I believe she had loved him too but it was said that she refused his marriage proposal because he would lose his flame and therefore she would lose him as a poet. – Is there anything you have been told about her that you found surprising? • I just recently found out that both her brother and father also had singing abilities – How do you think she compares to today’s famous Middle Eastern musicians? • She’s totally different, there’s no comparison at all. Umm Kalthoum sang the whole time, and most importantly songs with deep meanings, as well, on stage her outfits were respectful and she did not dance. Her performances were quality art, art that you respect, something very rare today – Have you seen any of her movies? • I have and she certainly is not an actress! I have seen “Fatima, ” and although her acting was not great, her songs in the movie were beautiful and to her typical standard • I have also seen the TV show which I found entertaining well done

Characteristics/Personality • Often described as one of the people; she remained humble even after her tremendous success – “The people give me, more than I can ever give them” (film) – Called her Al-Sitt, form of endearment • Made significant contributions to charity • She is often characterized as having been immensely strong willed and proud • She has been characterized as frugal by some but many disagree with this • She meticulously tried to control her public image and was successful at doing so. Her stage presence is often recalled as sophisticated, dignified, and respectable • Expressed some feminist beliefs – supported aspiring female singers • Was careful to avoid identifying herself with any specific political views but was a well known friend of Gamal Abd Al-Nasser

Romance • • Was suspected of having a romantic relationship with poet Ahmad Rami during the 1920 s Also said to have had affections for one of her cousins – Sabr. Also linked to an oud player who is said to have left her because he was intimidated by her success King Faruq's uncle, Sharif Sabri Pasha, proposed to marry her around 1946. She briefly married Mahmoud Sharif Eventually married one of her doctors and fans Hasan al-Hifnawi in 1954, at the age of 50. There were many speculations as to why she was not married; it was typical at the time to marry young. The many rumors about her love life therefore may not be completely accurate but rather an attempt by her fans to justify her single status Eventually died of a recurring kidney condition, sometimes stated that it was a gall bladder and liver condition. Her funeral became a huge event, and is said to have been second only to that of Gamel Abd Al Nasser, her fans carried her casket to the burial site. In Islam the deceased must be buried as quickly as possible and it is preferred that only men attend the funeral. These rules were broken in the case of Umm Kalthoum but like many people of her fame this is typically seen as acceptable by Muslims

Comparison • Nancy Ajram’s Version of “Alf Leyla Wa Leyla” – One Thousand One Nights – Not sure of the relationship to the book – http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=i. Co. XIZB 4 Jr. M • El-Atlal – http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Gt. Wvm. D 9 A 2 RA – Things to notice: • Stood far away from the microphone – her voice was extremely powerful and some exaggerate that she did not even need one • Holding her signature scarf – some say to dry the sweat off her face and her hands when they became clammy during her performances • Eye glasses were another signature of hers, and was seen wearing them more often during her later years because of her worsening eye health • What differences can be seen between the two performances? Which performance/performer do you prefer?

• General Middle Eastern Opinion: • The older generation look back with nostalgia at the days when quality was preferred and think that today’s younger Arab generation want only music to dance in the clubs to. They feel that today’s popular Arab musicians don’t quite live up to the standards of Umm Kalthoum • The younger generation, however, feel that Umm Kalthoum does not fit the current fast paced times when convenience is highly valued- spending an hour listening to her song seems simple time consuming. As well, her music tends to be too ‘depressing’ and ‘complicated’

Conclusion Transliteration of Islamic Nasheed (http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=O 8 Z_EZPw 3 y. I) Tala'al-Badru 'alayna, min thaniyyatil-Wada' wajaba al-shukru 'alayna, ma da'a lillahi da' (bis) Tala'al-Badru 'alayna, min thaniyyatil-Wada' wajaba al-shukru 'alayna, ma da'a lillahi da' Ayyuha al-mab'uthu fina ji'ta bi-al-amri al-muta' Ji'ta sharrafta al-Madinah marhaban ya khayra da' (x 3) Tala'al-Badru 'alayna, min thaniyyatil-Wada' wajaba al-shukru 'alayna, ma da'a lillahi da O the White Moon rose over us From the Valley of Wada' And we owe it to show gratefulness Where the call is to Allah O you who were raised amongst us coming with a work to be obeyed You have brought to this city nobleness Welcome! best call to Allah's way

“The saying in Egypt that two things never change 'the Pyramids and the voice of Umm Kalthum' are perhaps more true today than when this nightingale of the Arabs walked the earth. ” – Appeared in Al Jadid magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1 (November 1995) Copyright © 1995 by Al Jadid "She is a memory that renews itself endlessly…She is a fragrant memory that never loses its perfume. " – Ni'maat Ahmed Fouad (Umm Kulthoum's foremost biographer)

Umm Kulthum-A Voice Like Egypt Narrated by Omar Sharif

MEAS 200 group one presentation: Umm Kulthum Nov. 23 rd • • • Works Cited Books: Danielson, Virginia. The Voice Of Egypt. University of Chicago Press, 1997. Chicago. Internet Resources: Ahmed Rami. 11 November 2006. <http: //culture. infomideast. com/rami. html> • • • Al-Ahram weekly. February 9 th 2000. Umm Kulthum. Issue N. 467. <http: //weekly. ahram. org. eg/2000/467/umm. htm Al-Jundi, Zein. “Umm Kulthoum. ” World Music and Dance Productions. 11 November 2006. <http: //www. wmdproductions. com/Umm. Kulthoum. Bio. htm> • • • ALShindagah. (2002). Umm Kulthum. Issue 44. 16 November 2006. <http: //www. alshindagah. com/janfeb 2002/woman_of_distinction. html> ARTISTdirect. INC. (1997 -2006). Umm Kulthum. 14 November 2006. <http: //www. artistdirect. com/nad/music/artist/listenwatch/0, , 455324, 00. html#artist_na me>

• • • Danielson, Virgina L. “Umm Kulthum. ” Encyclopedia Britannica. 11 November 2006. <http: //search. eb. com/women/print? article. Id=390998&full. Article=true&toc. Id=24 8900> “Funeral for a Nightingale. ” Time Magazine. February 17, 1975. 11 November 2006. <http: //www. time. com/time/magazine/article/0, 9171, 912870, 00. html> “Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), Innovation and Sustainable Development” 26 – 28 June, Egypt. <www. iprsonline. org/unctadictsd/docs/Madian_Arab. RD_music. pdf> • “Intre Omri”. (2002). Cartouche INC. 11 November 2006. <http: //www. shira. net/inteomri. htm> • • • Nickson, C. (2006). Umm Kulthum. 15 November 2006. <http: //www. globalrhythm. net/World. Music. Legends/Umm. Kulthum-1_1. cfm> Mohammed Abdel Wahab. (2006). Wikipedia. 20 November 2006. <http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Mohammed_Abdel_Wahab>

• • • Paroles de Tala'a al-Badru 'Alayna. 15 November 2006. <http: //mamansmusulmanes. free. fr/badr. htm> Salloum Habeeb. Umm Kalthum- Legendary Songstress of the Arabs. June 1996. 11 November 2006. <http: //almashriq. hiof. no. egypt/700/780/um. Koulthoum/aljadid-uk. html> Slud, Martha. The International Magazine on Arab Affairs. 11 November 2006. <http: //www. arabies. com/Special%20 Report/Umm%20 Kulthum. htm> Stupplebeen, D. Umm Kutlhum. 11 Novemeber 2006. <http: //www. womeninworldhistory. com/imow-Kulthum. pdf> • • Umm Kulthum, A Voice Like Egypt. (2006). 11 November 2006. <http: //www. aff. org/archive/1997/films/umm. html> • Umm Kulthum: The Star of the East The Diva of Arabic Song. 14 November 2006. <http: //almashriq. hiof. no/egypt/700/780/um. Koulthoum/> • • 6 rb Arabic Lyrics Oum Kalthoum Alf Laila w Laila. (2006). 14 November 2006. <http: //www. 6 rb. name/6 rb-arabic-lyrics/6 b-arabic-lyrics-oum-kalthoum-alf-laila-w-laila. htm> •

Group one presentation brought to you by… Joanna Wooldridge Franz/ Ben Wiez Mary Eman Saj Jessica Jones Aubri Trithardt Krista Wilson Dina Ghani