Umm Kulthum and the Years of the War Effort

"Umm Kulthum and the Years of the War Effort" by the music historian Karim Gamal is a highly significant historical, artistic, and social document. The book dives deep into a critical and pivotal period in Arab history (between the 1967 defeat and the 1973 victory) to shed light on another side of the "Star of the East"—not just as a brilliant artist, but as a patriotic leader and a diplomat who dedicated her voice entirely to her country. Backed by precise archival research, rare photographs, and press clippings, the author chronicles Umm Kulthum’s historic tours across Arab and European capitals (including Paris, Tunis, Rabat, Kuwait, and Beirut) to raise funds for rebuilding the Egyptian army. This distinguished edition is published by Qantara.

Readers will pick up this book to discover the hidden political and patriotic side of the legendary singer Umm Kulthum, and to understand the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the 1960s and 1970s in the Arab world. It demonstrates how art masterfully intertwined with politics to ignite hope and resilience through a compelling documentary narrative.

This book is intended for admirers of Umm Kulthum and classical Arabic music, historians interested in the contemporary political and social history of the Middle East, and any reader looking for inspiring, true accounts that showcase the formidable power of soft diplomacy and art during times of war.