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  • Arabic music

Cover of the book "Umm Kulthum and the Turks"

New book captures Turkish adoration of Umm Kulthum

The legendary Egyptian singer's voice soared over the airwaves at a time when Atatürk was trying to ban Eastern music in favour of Western imports. The love was long-lasting, as a new book explains.

Abdul Rahman Mazhar Halloush 02 April 2025
Lina Jaradat

How Umm Kulthum changed the landscape of Arabic music

The Egyptian diva's collaboration with Mohamed el-Qasabgi was a game-changer. Between them, they gently rewrote the rules around structure and performance, paving the way for the next generation.

Fadi El-Abdallah 03 February 2025
Iraqi composer and oud player Naseer Shamma AFP

Naseer Shamma: The oud is a mirror that reflects the player's emotions

The Iraqi composer and musician is known for his mastery of the oud and the schools he has set up around the Middle East to pass on his knowledge and love of the instrument.

Lorca Sbeity 30 June 2024
September 15 marks the centenary of the death of the legendary Egyptian musician Sayed Darwish, who revolutionised Arab music. Al Majalla explores his time in Aleppo and how it shaped his music. Eduardo Ramon

How Aleppo's music scene influenced Sayed Darwish

September 15 marks the centenary of the death of the legendary Egyptian musician Sayed Darwish, who revolutionised Arab music. Al Majalla explores his time in Aleppo and how it shaped his music.

Taissier Khalaf 15 September 2023
Assi al-Rahbani changed the face of Lebanese and Arab music with his brother Mansour and the legendary singer Fairuz. On what would have been his 100th birthday, Al Majalla looks at their life stories. Andrei Cojocaru

Centennial of Assi al-Rahbani shines light on his cherished musical legacy

Assi al-Rahbani changed the face of Arab music along with his brother Mansour and the legendary singer Fairuz. On what would have been his 100th birthday, Al Majalla looks at their life stories

Mohamed abi Samra 04 May 2023
Egyptian Jazz Projekt band performing at the American University in Cairo’s Cultural Center.  Credit: Salwa Samir

Band Revives 1950s Egyptian Songs in Jazzy Way

The London-based Egyptian Jazz Projekt band founded by Ahmed Harfoush has recently held a concert in downtown Cairo. Majalla attended the event and interviewed Harfoush about his band’s mission. …

Salwa Samir 02 September 2022
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Business & Economy

As the US and Iran spar over Hormuz deal, the world waits with bated breath

12 August 2026

Any agreement that restores traffic through the strait will bring immediate relief, but repairing the damage wrought by war—and restoring confidence—will take far longer

Abdel-Rahman Ayas
Al Majalla
Politics

Is multipolarity helping or hindering Iran?

12 August 2026

A bit of both. It enabled its rise as a regional power, then helped weaken it, and may now help prevent its complete defeat.

Christopher Phillips
Opinion

Mecca diplomacy and the New Middle East

12 August 2026

Riyadh has made clear its vision for the future of a "new Middle East"—and it is one based on mutual respect, unity, peace and prosperity

Zaid bin Ali al-Fadhil
Al Majalla
Science & Technology

How AI is rewriting the rules of war and peace

10 August 2026

As states race to embed algorithms in systems of reconnaissance, targeting, air defence, and military decision-making, a new layer of risk is taking shape

Mohammed Mansour
Nesma Moharam
Culture & Social Affairs

The art of Taqāsīm: dividing time and charging silence

11 August 2026

Al Majalla traces the evolution of the solo improvisation musical form indigenous to the Middle East region

Fadi El-Abdallah

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OPINIONS

Trump's Gaza peace plan appears to be dead on arrival

Con Coughlin
Con Coughlin

Trump and Mojtaba: the Hormuz negotiations

Al Majalla - London
Al Majalla - London

Washington's war, Tehran's waiting game

Alex Vatanka
Alex Vatanka

As the US and Iran spar over Hormuz deal, the world waits with bated breath

Abdel-Rahman Ayas
Abdel-Rahman Ayas
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