Midnight In Cairo : The Divas Of Egypt’s Roaring ’20s

Name: Midnight In Cairo : The Divas Of Egypt's Roaring '20s
SKU: 9781324021933
Availability: InStock

EGP1,175.00

A vibrant portrait of the talented and entrepreneurial women who defined an era in Cairo.

One of the world’s most multicultural cities, twentieth-century Cairo was a magnet for the ambitious and talented. During the 1920s and ’30s, a vibrant music, theater, film, and cabaret scene flourished, defining what it meant to be a “modern” Egyptian. Women came to dominate the Egyptian entertainment industry―as stars of the stage and screen but also as impresarias, entrepreneurs, owners, and promoters of a new and strikingly modern entertainment industry.

Raphael Cormack unveils the rich histories of independent, enterprising women like vaudeville star Rose al-Youssef (who launched one of Cairo’s most important newspapers); nightclub singer Mounira al-Mahdiyya (the first woman to lead an Egyptian theater company) and her great rival, Oum Kalthoum (still venerated for her soulful lyrics); and other fabulous female stars of the interwar period, a time marked by excess and unheard-of freedom of expression. Buffeted by crosswinds of colonialism and nationalism, conservatism and liberalism, “religious” and “secular” values, patriarchy and feminism, this new generation of celebrities offered a new vision for women in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.

25 illustrations

SKU: 9781324021933 Categories: Books, Egypt Essential, English Books

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Midnight In Cairo : The Divas Of Egypt’s Roaring ’20s

Midnight In Cairo : The Divas Of Egypt’s Roaring ’20s Book Description

Midnight In Cairo : The Divas Of Egypt’s Roaring ’20s invites readers into the glittering world of Cairo’s 1920s and 1930s entertainment scene. This engaging English title, available at Kalimat Bookstore Online, showcases how talented women reshaped a multicultural metropolis. The narrative captures their daring spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and lasting influence on modern Egyptian culture.

During the interwar years, Cairo blossomed into a hub of music, theater, film, and cabaret. Women not only starred on stage and screen, they also became impresarias, owners, and promoters of a vibrant new industry. The book highlights how these pioneers defined what it meant to be “modern” in Egypt, balancing tradition with bold innovation.

Author Raphael Cormack uncovers the stories of iconic figures such as Rose al‑Youssef, the vaudeville star who founded a leading newspaper; Mounira al‑Mahdiyya, the first woman to head an Egyptian theater company; and the legendary Oum Kalthoum, whose soulful lyrics still echo today. Their rivalries and collaborations fueled a cultural renaissance that celebrated excess, freedom, and artistic expression.

Against a backdrop of colonial tension, rising nationalism, and shifting social values, these divas offered a fresh vision for women across the Middle East. Their achievements challenged patriarchy, blended religious and secular ideas, and inspired future generations to pursue creative and entrepreneurial paths.

Key Features of Midnight In Cairo : The Divas Of Egypt’s Roaring ’20s

Twenty‑five vivid illustrations bring the era’s glamour to life, allowing readers to visualize lavish nightclubs and bustling theaters. The book blends scholarly research with a lively storytelling tone, making complex history accessible to a broad audience. Each chapter focuses on a different heroine, providing clear, bite‑size narratives that are easy to follow.

Additionally, the text includes anecdotes about lesser‑known performers, revealing how an entire community of women contributed to Cairo’s cultural boom. Furthermore, Cormack connects historical events to present‑day discussions about gender and media, showing why the story remains relevant.

Why Read This Book?

Readers will discover a seldom‑told chapter of Middle Eastern history that celebrates female empowerment. The book offers an inspiring portrait of resilience and creativity, encouraging modern audiences to appreciate the power of artistic entrepreneurship. Moreover, fans of biography, cultural history, or music will find rich detail and engaging prose.

Meanwhile, the narrative’s concise style ensures that each page delivers fresh insight without overwhelming the reader. Because the story is told in an active, vivid voice, it invites you to experience the excitement of Cairo’s roaring ‘20s as if you were backstage.