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.
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.
From 1936-47, the legendary singer acted in half a dozen Egyptian movies, which were big box-office successes, but retired just as the film industry was at its peak
The Arab musical icon is still heard across genres as today's artists weave her into their own creations, with 'Enta Omri' being one of her most sampled songs
From her tough times living in Tamay az-Zahayrah to a life of stardom, Al Majalla revisits Umm Kulthum's memoirs, as narrated to the late Egyptian writer Ali Amin
Palestinians are beginning to dribble out of the battered enclave as Israel starts implementing its "voluntary migration" plan. Gaza is being ethnically cleansed before our very eyes.
The man many think could end Erdoğan's quarter-century reign was arrested just days before he was nominated as the CHP presidential candidate. Who is he, and why is he behind bars?
The US and Israel want Tehran to completely dismantle its nuclear infrastructure, which it will not do. If they do decide to strike, Iran has limited options on how to respond.
The passion and imagination of the Uruguayan writer remain timeless, not least over Gaza. Ten years since his passing, Al Majalla revisits his works and words.