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Midnight in Cairo: The Divas of Egypt's Roaring '20s
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.
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.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2021
110 people are currently reading
4070 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 27, 2021
I will start this off by saying that this is perhaps a very niche book and others might not be fangirling over this like I was. This book made me so incredibly happy to learn about the fascinating history of the demi-monde of Cairo, and the erased contributions of female artists against the backdrop a radical pre and post war Egypt (though, let's be honest, opinions and views have not changed all that much). Centered around the music, theater, and art scene of 1920's Cairo, this book tells the stories of the fascinating, multidimensional, talented women on the fringes of society whose stories are still being praised, villainized, and mythologized. I wish this book gets the attention it deserves, and is translated into Arabic down the line. I would love to see this being read by the mainstream Egyptian population.
It makes me so sad to think of all the one-sided history I was incorrectly taught and how I grew up hearing about how these events "really happened". I hope there are more contributions by this academic and hope this prompts more research and books on the topic.
It makes me so sad to think of all the one-sided history I was incorrectly taught and how I grew up hearing about how these events "really happened". I hope there are more contributions by this academic and hope this prompts more research and books on the topic.
July 17, 2023
A very niche book but one that I loved so much! It covers a narrative that has been forgotten - perhaps on purpose from the Egyptian cultural lexicon - the rolling 20s and 30s and the colourful, countercultural, talented, eccentric, tumultuous stars of the era, with all their splendor and drama.
The book focuses on women, and does not shy away from discusses the socio political climate, with all it's sexism, misogyny, abuse, drug abuse, coercion etc. But it also tells a story of talent, women rising from the margins and escaping poverty and the aforementioned sexism. It tells of art, music, poetry, film, innovation and dance.
The characters in the book have lives worthy of such a text. Colourful, countercultural, dating and tragic. We learn of those women who pioneered gravity defying bellydances, started their own businesses - unheard of in the sexist society of the time, women who trailblazed in the area of film, and so on!
In an era of political repression and religious fundamentalism, in which being middle eastern is synonymous with being religiously and socially Conservative, it warms my heart to read such countercultural stories.
The book focuses on women, and does not shy away from discusses the socio political climate, with all it's sexism, misogyny, abuse, drug abuse, coercion etc. But it also tells a story of talent, women rising from the margins and escaping poverty and the aforementioned sexism. It tells of art, music, poetry, film, innovation and dance.
The characters in the book have lives worthy of such a text. Colourful, countercultural, dating and tragic. We learn of those women who pioneered gravity defying bellydances, started their own businesses - unheard of in the sexist society of the time, women who trailblazed in the area of film, and so on!
In an era of political repression and religious fundamentalism, in which being middle eastern is synonymous with being religiously and socially Conservative, it warms my heart to read such countercultural stories.
April 12, 2025
كتاب جميل يؤرخ لحياة الليل في مصر منذ بدايات القرن العشرين وحتى الخمسينيات والستيتنيات وأجمل ما في الكتاب هو اللهجة العلمية التي تميز سرد قصة كل فنانة بدون توجيه أي إساءة أو بحث عن فضائح شخصية أو تلك اللكنة التي يتبناها المصريون عامة من قمة عدم الاحترام عند الحديث عن الراقصات مما جعل الكتاب ممتعا ومفيدا يوضح كل دور لعبته كل فنانة في حياة الصالات والكباريهات في تلك الفترة المشحونة جدا تاريخيا أمثال منيرة المهدية وعزيزة أمير وفاطمة رشدي وأم كلثوم وبديعة مصابني وروز اليوسف وغيرهن حتى تحية كاريوكا ... قصص تتعدى الخيال رغم صدقها وتوثيقها وحياة عجيبة عاصرت فيه الفنانات حياة البذخ والشهرة والسلطة ثم النزول لأسفل السافلين ... حقيقي كتاب جميل جدا ويستحق القراءة ليس بهدف الحكم الأخلاقي بل بهدف المعرفة لجزء لا يزال موجودا في مصر فقط تغيرت العناوين الجغرافية وأسماء الأبطال لكنها موجودة ومؤثرة وتستحق القراءة عنها
January 11, 2021
A very interesting book into a time period of Egypt that I know nothing of (I’m much more familiar with the age of the pyramids and the pharaohs). It turns out that 1920s Cairo was an exciting and changing time for the arts and entertainment. Cormack traces the roots of this change to late 19th century and early 20th century to the post WWII era when Egypt shook of European imperialism and changed everything again.
The most interesting thing was the importance of women to the arts and entertainment. I tend to think of a more conservative society associated with Egypt, and while that existed, Cairo sounded with the same excitement of possibilities and change that America and parts of Europe did during the 20s. It was multinational and also reflected its own cultural traditions. Women were entertainers, singers, dancers, actresses, magazine and troupe owners. This was also a time when the fight for women’s rights began. Cormack explores the often uneasy connection between the two. Women entertainers were often the embodiment of women’s rights: working and supporting themselves, living public lives, and making their own decisions about relationships. At the same time, these women were often distanced from the movement because their lifestyles could be scandalous and sometimes were thought to be prostitutes.
While many of the names are not remembered today, they made an impact and laid the foundations for many of the women entertainers of today. They should be rediscovered as should a fascinating time.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
The most interesting thing was the importance of women to the arts and entertainment. I tend to think of a more conservative society associated with Egypt, and while that existed, Cairo sounded with the same excitement of possibilities and change that America and parts of Europe did during the 20s. It was multinational and also reflected its own cultural traditions. Women were entertainers, singers, dancers, actresses, magazine and troupe owners. This was also a time when the fight for women’s rights began. Cormack explores the often uneasy connection between the two. Women entertainers were often the embodiment of women’s rights: working and supporting themselves, living public lives, and making their own decisions about relationships. At the same time, these women were often distanced from the movement because their lifestyles could be scandalous and sometimes were thought to be prostitutes.
While many of the names are not remembered today, they made an impact and laid the foundations for many of the women entertainers of today. They should be rediscovered as should a fascinating time.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 17, 2021
مسلسى وتفصيلي، بيفتح ابواب وسكك لإعادة تاريخ مرحلة مهمة من الفن المصري وحياة ليل القاهرة
فيه مزيج زكى بين افكار كثيرة، وإعادة رد اعتبار لفنانات مصر الرائدات ودورهم التاريخ في تأسيس السينما والمسرح والموسيقي الحديثة
فيه مزيج زكى بين افكار كثيرة، وإعادة رد اعتبار لفنانات مصر الرائدات ودورهم التاريخ في تأسيس السينما والمسرح والموسيقي الحديثة
September 4, 2021
Let's be real: this book is for a niche group of people. And I loved every second of it.
October 23, 2024
* أول مرة عيني وقعت علي الكتاب ده كان أحد الأصدقاء علي Goodreads بيقرأ نسخته الإنجليزية، و من ساعتها شدني الكتاب و بدأت أدور عليه. كان فيه تخوفات كتير بخصوص الكتاب، أولها ممكن يكون صعب لغوياً، خاصةً إن لغة تأليف الكتاب مش العربية و لكن الكاتب هينقل من مصادر عربية أو ناقلة عن العربية لأنه بيتكلم عن مصر، وده هيخلي الأسماء والأماكن بالرغم من وجودها في مصر إلا إنها ممكن تبقي مبهمة و غيرواضحة حتي لواحد مصري بسبب اللغة. علشان كده صدور الكتاب مترجم للعربية يعتبر شيء عظيم بالنسبة لي.
* تعالوا بقي نتكلم عن الكتاب شوية، أولاً الكتاب بيقدم نسخة مختلفة من تاريخ القاهرة في فترة مهمة و مشحونة جداً، احنا بنتكلم عن الحربين العالميتين الأولي و الثانية علي المستوي العالمي، وبنتكلم عن نهاية الدولة العثمانية و الملكية المصرية و محاولات الاستقلال الوطنية علي المستوي المحلي. تاريخ القاهرة في هذه الفترة موجود من أوجه مختلفة، من وجه نظر السلطة ومن وجهة نظر المقاومة ومن وجهة نظر الاحتلال، وحتي من وجهة نظر الناس العادية ( لو اعتبرنا إن الروايات قدرت تقدم ده) و لكن هذه المرة الكتاب بيقدم نسخة الحياة الليلة م القاهرة، ومش بس الحياة الليلة ولكن كمان أغلب الأصوات اللي بتحكي هذه النسخة من التاريخ هي أصوات نسائية؛ فنقدر نقول إن دي نسخة من تاريخ القاهرة الليلية النسائية. وده في حد ذاته شيء مختلف.
* صحيح إن هذه النسخة من تاريخ القاهرة موجودة والكاتب لم يخترعها بس للأسف ماكنتش متجمعة كده مع بعضها، ولكنها و بناءً علي كلام الكاتب نفسه كانت منثورة في عدة مصادر ما بين أرشيف الصحف اللي كانت بتصدر في هذه الفترة، وما بين المذكرات و السير الذاتية للفنانين و الفنانات و الشخصيات االمشهورة اللي عاشوا في هذه الفترة. و اللي عشان توصل للنسخة دي من تاريخ القاهرة محتاج تقعد تدور فيهم كلهم و تجمع قطع الأحجية لغاية ما تكون الصورة كلها. و طبعاً هذه المذكرات و الكتابات الذاتية لا تخلو من المبالغات الهوي، وبالتالي تحتاج الكثير من التدقيق علشان تقدر تكون صورة شبه حقيقية عن هذه النسخة من الحياة في القاهرة.
* بالرغم من إن الكاتب مستهدف في العنوان العشرينات والثلاثينات من القرن العشرين إلا إن الكتاب بدأ رحلته من أواخر القرن التاسع عشر، و مش بس رجع للفترة دي علشان يشوف نشأة نجمات العشرينات و الثلاثينات و لكن في الوقت نفسه قدم نجوم هذه الفترات اللي يعتبروا النواة الأولي و اللي مهدوا الطريق لهؤلاء النجمات علشان يكونوا رمز الحياة الليلة للقاهرة في هذه الفترة.
* بالرغم من إن كاتب هذه العمل ذكر و بالرغم من إن هو شخصياً بيقول إنه خايف إنه مايكونش الصوت المناسب للتعبير عن النساء و معاناتهم و كفاحهم في هذه النسخة من تاريخ القاهرة، إلا لإن الكتاب ده يطلق عليه كتاب نسوي بإمتياز، وده بردو مع إن الكاتب بيقول إن هو مش كاتب الكتاب من منظور نسوي علي الإطلاق، و ده يمكن يكون أكتر شيء خلي الكتاب نسوي بجد من غير مغالاة.
* من أبرز ما لفت انتباهي في الكتاب إنك هتقدر تشوف إن اللبنة الأولي لحرية المرأة ما بدأتش من طبقة المثقفين و المظاهرات النسائية في سنة 1919 و لكن البداية كانت مع كل السيدات من فنانات لمغنيات لراقصات في حياة القاهرة الليلية و اللي قدروا يصنعوا لنفسهم اسم و مكان و مكانة في هذا العالم قبل التحرر النسوي في مصر.
* من النقاط المهمة – علي الأقل بالنسبة لي – اللي الكتاب طرحها كانت ظهور أم كلثوم و موقعها من منظور الحرية و التحرر في المشهد الليلي للقاهرة. في الوقت اللي كل الناس بتشوف أم كلثوم هي صوت الشرق و رمزه، و بتعتبر ظهورها لحظة رقي في تاريخ الغناء المصري والعربي، الكاتب بيقول إن ظهور أم كلثوم و اتجاهها الغنائي من حيث الأسلوب و الاختيارات يعتبر انتظار للتحفظ و الاتجاه المحافظ في الفن. صحيح هو ما بينكرش تأثرها و ارتفاعها بالمستوي الفني للغناء في مصر، و لكنه في الوقت نفسه بيشوف إن أسلوب أم كلثوم المتحفظ، ماكنش المعبر الحقيقي عن المشهد الغنائي في مصر في وقت ظهورها، و اللي كان أكثر تحرراً علي الأقل في الكلمات والمعاني مما قدمته أم كلثوم.
* الكتاب طويل شوية بس ممتع، قد يعيبه إن فيه بعض التكرار للمعلومات في بعض الفصول و لكن ده في الوقت نفسه وفر للقارئ فرصة إنه لو حابب يقرأ فصل معين أو يرجع له مرة أخري، هيلاقي تقريباً كل المعلومات الخاصة بالفصل ده متوفرة في الفصل نفسه من غير ما يحتاج يرجع لأي معلومات في فصول أخري.
September 27, 2021
2.5 stars
It was an interesting look at the history of entertainment in Egypt, focusing on the nightlife of the 1920 & 30's. But it was more about the underground women's movement thru examples of the famous/infamous women in the entertainment industry of the time. I didn't know anything about the subject.
The negative is like many other non-fic histories, there were a lot of names/dates to keep track of as well as info on the productions so after a while, it became information overload.
My guess is this was a PhD thesis that was ultimately turned into a book without becoming a dry/clinical read.
The author writes in the conclusion chapter:
"I have tried to tell the history of Cairo's nightlife through the eyes of the women who made it what it was-the first generation of modern Egyptian celebrities who lived through a legendary period"
I believe he achieved that goal.
I'd recommend this to those who are interested in Cairo history, women's movement's history in other countries, foreign history of entertainment.
Overall, it was ok. I learned about a subject that I knew nothing about and that's always a plus.
It was an interesting look at the history of entertainment in Egypt, focusing on the nightlife of the 1920 & 30's. But it was more about the underground women's movement thru examples of the famous/infamous women in the entertainment industry of the time. I didn't know anything about the subject.
The negative is like many other non-fic histories, there were a lot of names/dates to keep track of as well as info on the productions so after a while, it became information overload.
My guess is this was a PhD thesis that was ultimately turned into a book without becoming a dry/clinical read.
The author writes in the conclusion chapter:
"I have tried to tell the history of Cairo's nightlife through the eyes of the women who made it what it was-the first generation of modern Egyptian celebrities who lived through a legendary period"
I believe he achieved that goal.
I'd recommend this to those who are interested in Cairo history, women's movement's history in other countries, foreign history of entertainment.
Overall, it was ok. I learned about a subject that I knew nothing about and that's always a plus.
February 2, 2021
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting read.
It's well researched and dives into the history of plays and public performances in Cairo. We learn about the women who lit up the stage and follow their careers throughout the twenties. There are some beautiful pictures and some detailed anecdotes that give us an idea of life in Egypt at the time. I would have liked to hear from more Egyptians and seen more pictures, but it is an informative read.
Overall a good find!
This was an interesting read.
It's well researched and dives into the history of plays and public performances in Cairo. We learn about the women who lit up the stage and follow their careers throughout the twenties. There are some beautiful pictures and some detailed anecdotes that give us an idea of life in Egypt at the time. I would have liked to hear from more Egyptians and seen more pictures, but it is an informative read.
Overall a good find!
January 9, 2022
The book is an entertaining read, but it is difficult to separate history from conjecture. I did learn a bit about several of the key figures of the Egyptian stage in the twenties. And the historical colonial setting did make it a good topic for a book.
It looks as if the goal was to write a series of Semi-Biographies. In the process it becomes quite fragmented. The last chapter is perhaps the most impactful.
I read this in a hardback copy.
It looks as if the goal was to write a series of Semi-Biographies. In the process it becomes quite fragmented. The last chapter is perhaps the most impactful.
I read this in a hardback copy.
December 5, 2020
Read if you: Want a dazzling and unique read about Egyptian female performers during the 20-50s.
Librarians/booksellers: This is a fascinating read! A great addition to your Middle East history section.
Many thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Librarians/booksellers: This is a fascinating read! A great addition to your Middle East history section.
Many thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2025
4.5/5
This is a book for a very specific person..and that person is me! As an Egyptian, I had of course learned about the 1920s in history class, but they never taught us about the fun (and cunty) parts, so this was fascinating for me personally.
Prior to reading this, I had only heard of two of the women featured, so I found this really informative and insightful. Honestly, I don't even know how Cormack managed to find, much less get his hands on the archival material he needed to write this book. He even talks about how certain things he mentioned cannot be substantiated outside of their mention in news articles at the time because they were just not documented/preserved, and I believe that. Aside from Umm Kulthum and Taheyya Karioka, no one in Egypt today talks about any of these women, or what Azbakeya was like in the 1920s, or how multicultural and big our theatre/entertainment scene was at the time. I was also really surprised by how interconnected a lot of the figures were; like, I didn't know that Edward Said saw Taheyya Karioka perform and interviewed her! That's so interesting!
This was also generally so well written and managed to keep me engaged for its entirety, which is not something that often happens to me with non-fiction. I flew through this and enjoyed every minute, tbh. I don't know what made Cormack develop an interest in 1920s Egypt, but I hope he keeps writing about this period because I would read more of this.
Speaking of Cormack, I was a bit apprehensive when I picked this up cause I generally don't like picking up books on the Middle East by non-Middle Eastern people; I find they can get a bit ✨orientalist✨ but Cormack was actually very aware of his perspective as a white man, and I think he covered the lives of these women in a respectful and honouring way.
My only complaint is that I wish he included more photos of the women, as well as the places he was talking about. I'm sure he didn't because he likely couldn't find many, but I think the book would've benefited from more visuals.
In conclusion, this won't be for everyone, but it's for me:)
This is a book for a very specific person..and that person is me! As an Egyptian, I had of course learned about the 1920s in history class, but they never taught us about the fun (and cunty) parts, so this was fascinating for me personally.
Prior to reading this, I had only heard of two of the women featured, so I found this really informative and insightful. Honestly, I don't even know how Cormack managed to find, much less get his hands on the archival material he needed to write this book. He even talks about how certain things he mentioned cannot be substantiated outside of their mention in news articles at the time because they were just not documented/preserved, and I believe that. Aside from Umm Kulthum and Taheyya Karioka, no one in Egypt today talks about any of these women, or what Azbakeya was like in the 1920s, or how multicultural and big our theatre/entertainment scene was at the time. I was also really surprised by how interconnected a lot of the figures were; like, I didn't know that Edward Said saw Taheyya Karioka perform and interviewed her! That's so interesting!
This was also generally so well written and managed to keep me engaged for its entirety, which is not something that often happens to me with non-fiction. I flew through this and enjoyed every minute, tbh. I don't know what made Cormack develop an interest in 1920s Egypt, but I hope he keeps writing about this period because I would read more of this.
Speaking of Cormack, I was a bit apprehensive when I picked this up cause I generally don't like picking up books on the Middle East by non-Middle Eastern people; I find they can get a bit ✨orientalist✨ but Cormack was actually very aware of his perspective as a white man, and I think he covered the lives of these women in a respectful and honouring way.
My only complaint is that I wish he included more photos of the women, as well as the places he was talking about. I'm sure he didn't because he likely couldn't find many, but I think the book would've benefited from more visuals.
In conclusion, this won't be for everyone, but it's for me:)
Want to read
April 24, 2021Found out about this book via vintage_egyptologist (Dr. Colleen Darnell).
March 9, 2021
Raphael Cormack is an expert on Arabic culture, and his enthusiasm for this subject is as apparent as the quality of his research. I've vacationed in Egypt, and this title and cover art appealed to me, but I'm afraid I don't have the background or depth of knowledge to relate to the topic in a meaningful way. On our 2019 family vacation in Cairo and Luxor with 12 year old twins, we weren't checking out Ezbekiyya, or any other redlight districts.
In reading Midnight in Cairo I learned a lot about many of the entertainers featured, the history of Cairene theater, dance halls and cabarets, and an exotic mix of cultures. I enjoyed learning random tidbits for example of Mohammed Ali's 1805 massacre "of hundreds of the most powerful Mamluks who he'd invited to a party in Cairo's citadel"; and that belly dancing is "in some ways an American and European invention" (like fortune cookies!). Basically I found this chaotic history of segregated, cross-dressing, debauched, transgendered, disenfranchised, morally criticized, women to be interesting, yet hardly uplifting.
In reading Midnight in Cairo I learned a lot about many of the entertainers featured, the history of Cairene theater, dance halls and cabarets, and an exotic mix of cultures. I enjoyed learning random tidbits for example of Mohammed Ali's 1805 massacre "of hundreds of the most powerful Mamluks who he'd invited to a party in Cairo's citadel"; and that belly dancing is "in some ways an American and European invention" (like fortune cookies!). Basically I found this chaotic history of segregated, cross-dressing, debauched, transgendered, disenfranchised, morally criticized, women to be interesting, yet hardly uplifting.
September 8, 2025
المقدمة كانت مملة بس قولت اكمل طالما ناس كتير بتشكر ف الكتاب
جيدًا جدًا ومحتواه مش تقليدي حتى لما اتكلم ع أم كلثوم اللي حياتها اتهرت ف الكتب مبقاش ف حاجه جديدة تتقال عنها . الكاتب اتكلم عنها من جزء جديد شويه
الغلاف مش احسن حاجه من حيث التصميم
النهاية كانت ضعيفة وحسيت الكتاب خلص فجأة
جيدًا جدًا ومحتواه مش تقليدي حتى لما اتكلم ع أم كلثوم اللي حياتها اتهرت ف الكتب مبقاش ف حاجه جديدة تتقال عنها . الكاتب اتكلم عنها من جزء جديد شويه
الغلاف مش احسن حاجه من حيث التصميم
النهاية كانت ضعيفة وحسيت الكتاب خلص فجأة
July 2, 2021
This book was a dream and an honor to read. From these pages familiar names, characters, shows, dance styles, all came up on the trilling sound of zills from my memory. Confession - I trained, professionally performed, and taught as a belly dancer from 1999-2011 with some of the best teachers in the region. Let me stop your assumptions immediately - I did not just learn to wear shiny costumes, and paint kohl on my blue-green eyes, only to dance to Shakira. Ok...I DID dance to Shakira for fun, but I also learned the rhythms of the beledi, how to toss my hair in the ghawazi style, to correctly zaghareet, and absorbed the intricate differences between Raqs Sharqi, American Tribal Style, Shaabi, and Rakass. I even co-founded a Middle Eastern Alliance at my high school in the height of post 9/11 Islamophobia. We put on haflas (think potlucks with better food and lots of dancing) and helped bridge knowledge gaps in our conservative and deeply Republican community. I loved my years as a dancer before my knees decided to do me dirty. Reading 'Midnight in Cairo' gave me a hefty dose of the academic study of Eastern dance that I love so much and brought bakc wonderful memeories. Well done, Raphael Cormack. I am eternally grateful.
'Midnight in Cairo' is a thorough study of the rise of Egyptian nationalism through the mediums of dance, theater, and music. It begins with an examination of the beginnings of the pre-WWI cabaret scene in Cairo on the edge of the colonialism of the past and the future of the Near East on the horizon. It follows the lives of famous female performers through the late nineteenth and into the twentieth century. Telling their stories alongside the global movements of women's liberation, the rise of jazz, moving pictures, and recorded sound. It's a sweeping history carefully told.
If you are at all interested in de-centering the western narrative of historical movements, the history of belly dance, reading about badass ladies, or taking a look at the rise of the modern Near East through the lens of the performing arts - I highly recommend you read this book.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
'Midnight in Cairo' is a thorough study of the rise of Egyptian nationalism through the mediums of dance, theater, and music. It begins with an examination of the beginnings of the pre-WWI cabaret scene in Cairo on the edge of the colonialism of the past and the future of the Near East on the horizon. It follows the lives of famous female performers through the late nineteenth and into the twentieth century. Telling their stories alongside the global movements of women's liberation, the rise of jazz, moving pictures, and recorded sound. It's a sweeping history carefully told.
If you are at all interested in de-centering the western narrative of historical movements, the history of belly dance, reading about badass ladies, or taking a look at the rise of the modern Near East through the lens of the performing arts - I highly recommend you read this book.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2024
كتاب ساحر عرض فيه الكاتب والباحث الإنجليزي، المتخصص في تاريخ المسرح المصري، رفائيل كورماك لنشأة صناعة الترفيه في الأزبكية وشارع عماد الدين منذ نشأتها في النصف الثاني للقرن التاسع عشر وتطورها على يد نجمات فترة العشرينات والثلاثينات من القرن العشرين.
ركز الكاتب على التراث الفني لكل من الراقصة شفيقة القبطية والمطربة والممثلة والمؤدية منيرة المهدية والممثلة ثم الصحفية روز اليوسف والممثلة فاطمة رشدي والمطربة فاطمة سري (ومعركتها القضائية ضد ابن القيادية النسائية هدى شعراوي لإثبات نسب ابنتها ليلى إليه) وكوكب الشرق أم كلثوم والراقصة والمغنية بديعة مصابني وأخيرا الراقصة والممثلة تحية كاريوكا.
الكاتب وإن ركز بشكل أساسي على مشاركة النساء في صناعة الترفيه إلا أنه لم يغفل الحديث عن نجيب الريحاني ويوسف وهبي وعلى الكسار وفرقهم المسرحية العظيمة وأيضا الرائدين زكي طليمات وعزيز عيد الذين كانت مساهماتهم في جعل صناعة الترفيه في مصر لا يمكن إنكارها وجعلتها أكثر زخما وثراء.
عرض الكاتب أيضا كخلفية لأحداثه عرضاً موجزاً للتطورات السياسية والاجتماعية والاقتصادية في المجتمع المصري منذ نهايات القرن التاسع عشر وصولا إلى ثورة ١٩٥٢م وأثرها على مراكز الترفيه في الأزبكية وشارع عماد الدين.
استمتعت بكل لحظة قضيتها في قراءة هذا الكتاب، وبالأخص بسبب موضوعية وحيادية الكاتب، وأرشحه بشدة للقراءة.
الصورة قمت بتركيبها لغلاف الكتاب على صورة نادرة لبديعة مصابني تتوسط تحية كاريوكا وسامية جمال.
#Midnight_In_Cairo_The_Divas_of_Egypt_Roaring_20s
#Raphael_Cormack
ركز الكاتب على التراث الفني لكل من الراقصة شفيقة القبطية والمطربة والممثلة والمؤدية منيرة المهدية والممثلة ثم الصحفية روز اليوسف والممثلة فاطمة رشدي والمطربة فاطمة سري (ومعركتها القضائية ضد ابن القيادية النسائية هدى شعراوي لإثبات نسب ابنتها ليلى إليه) وكوكب الشرق أم كلثوم والراقصة والمغنية بديعة مصابني وأخيرا الراقصة والممثلة تحية كاريوكا.
الكاتب وإن ركز بشكل أساسي على مشاركة النساء في صناعة الترفيه إلا أنه لم يغفل الحديث عن نجيب الريحاني ويوسف وهبي وعلى الكسار وفرقهم المسرحية العظيمة وأيضا الرائدين زكي طليمات وعزيز عيد الذين كانت مساهماتهم في جعل صناعة الترفيه في مصر لا يمكن إنكارها وجعلتها أكثر زخما وثراء.
عرض الكاتب أيضا كخلفية لأحداثه عرضاً موجزاً للتطورات السياسية والاجتماعية والاقتصادية في المجتمع المصري منذ نهايات القرن التاسع عشر وصولا إلى ثورة ١٩٥٢م وأثرها على مراكز الترفيه في الأزبكية وشارع عماد الدين.
استمتعت بكل لحظة قضيتها في قراءة هذا الكتاب، وبالأخص بسبب موضوعية وحيادية الكاتب، وأرشحه بشدة للقراءة.
الصورة قمت بتركيبها لغلاف الكتاب على صورة نادرة لبديعة مصابني تتوسط تحية كاريوكا وسامية جمال.
#Midnight_In_Cairo_The_Divas_of_Egypt_Roaring_20s
#Raphael_Cormack
April 1, 2022
Not a big fan. The author speaks from a very Eurocentric point of view, which I guess I should have expected. Isn’t it possible to recognize the beauty of Egyptian culture and history without having to compare it to that of France or England? Not sure I trust a white guy whose first visit to Egypt was in 2009 to write on the topic anyway. I also listened to this on audiobook, and the reader’s Egyptian Arabic pronunciation was almost as abysmal as her French accent. Not sure what qualified her for the job but clearly a few of us lied on our résumés.
That being said I do appreciate the inside look into a little-known part of Cairo’s history, at least from the West’s point of view. Unfortunately I have not yet found much Egyptian literature with the same emphasis on female empowerment. Recommendations appreciated.
That being said I do appreciate the inside look into a little-known part of Cairo’s history, at least from the West’s point of view. Unfortunately I have not yet found much Egyptian literature with the same emphasis on female empowerment. Recommendations appreciated.
December 27, 2020
Midnight in Cairo is a text well worth reading. Historical, well-researched, and a fascinating entry on the role of women over time.
January 27, 2022
If life had taught her anything, it was that nothing lasts forever
كتاب بديع، ينصح قرائته بشدة
كتاب بديع، ينصح قرائته بشدة
June 30, 2022
What a frustrating read. For a book proportedly about the women of Egyptian entertainment in the interwar period, we spend an awful lot of time in the company of men, and even segue into thoughts on queer history. I think it is difficult for a man to write the history or stories of women because they will always be looking at it through the lens of the male gaze, with an unconscious bias that Others women (and gives equal space to other marginalized groups in a story about women, because all Others are equal, I guess).
Speaking of unconscious bias, all of the women chronicled in this book (save one) met tragic ends in some form or fashion. From the summit of their stardom in the 1910s-1930s, they all came crashing down, and I felt like the author passed judgment, even though he spends the final chapter (aptly titled "How to end a story") trying very hard to do the opposite. There is a dearth of primary sources and a lot of the recontruction of their lives is based in speculation and conjecture. These women wrote their own memoirs; who are we to doubt them??
This just did not work for me. It was a random find at my local library, and usually these turn out to be gems. Unfortunately, this was not one of them.
Speaking of unconscious bias, all of the women chronicled in this book (save one) met tragic ends in some form or fashion. From the summit of their stardom in the 1910s-1930s, they all came crashing down, and I felt like the author passed judgment, even though he spends the final chapter (aptly titled "How to end a story") trying very hard to do the opposite. There is a dearth of primary sources and a lot of the recontruction of their lives is based in speculation and conjecture. These women wrote their own memoirs; who are we to doubt them??
This just did not work for me. It was a random find at my local library, and usually these turn out to be gems. Unfortunately, this was not one of them.
July 16, 2021
Absolutely stunning book. I found it by chance at my local library and picked it up once I realized it was about women in Egypt during the 1920s. I was even more thrilled as I started realizing that it covered topics about art as a form of cultural resistance, specifically by pioneering women facing a masculine world that's set up against them. A lot of the women discussed in the book, faced sexism and misogyny, backlash from their own families, and were wildly successful during the time (although many, as mentioned, died penniless). If you're into theatre history, gender studies, Egyptian history, or even the 1920s as a whole global sociocultural movement, then this definitely is a book for you. The writing also didn't feel stiff or boring, as seen in some other historical books, so I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 19, 2023
I don't expect a British narrator of an English language book to pronounce all non-English words perfectly, but I expect her to make at least some effort towards not getting it AS WRONG AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE.
She can, I don't know, ask someone? Or even go on Wikipedia and copy down the phonetic info next to the names.
Fuck it, anything would be better than this. And the book author obviously made such efforts and did a lot of research to account for the fact that he's a westerner writing about a cultural issue and the end product was very well-written and respectful. So then they get a narrator whose pronunciation and whole tone of voice personifies Orientalism itself.
She can, I don't know, ask someone? Or even go on Wikipedia and copy down the phonetic info next to the names.
Fuck it, anything would be better than this. And the book author obviously made such efforts and did a lot of research to account for the fact that he's a westerner writing about a cultural issue and the end product was very well-written and respectful. So then they get a narrator whose pronunciation and whole tone of voice personifies Orientalism itself.
September 18, 2024
This was a book selected by my book club in Cairo. Downtown Cairo is one of my favorite parts of the city, and I'm so happy to give a new life to the buildings and streets that I frequent.
Freedom and power of women have, throughout the years, signified a period of renaissance in the world. And this was Cairo for a short while. Although the women were objectified and prejudiced against, the women who were highlighted in the book were those who had power and freedom. And that meant a lot.
Today, we are lucky to have reached a point in time when we're able to reflect on the lives of people who might have only held a mythological hold back in the day.
A nice read for those of you who are interested in an interesting and adventurous past of Cairo.
Freedom and power of women have, throughout the years, signified a period of renaissance in the world. And this was Cairo for a short while. Although the women were objectified and prejudiced against, the women who were highlighted in the book were those who had power and freedom. And that meant a lot.
Today, we are lucky to have reached a point in time when we're able to reflect on the lives of people who might have only held a mythological hold back in the day.
A nice read for those of you who are interested in an interesting and adventurous past of Cairo.
January 22, 2025
Umm Kulthum and your hundreds of hour-long songs--I love you!!!
Also fun to learn about the other divas of the 20s, but she is my favorite forever. Such an emotive and powerful voice, and it's amazing to be able to get to hear the crowd responses on her live song tapes.
I learned a lot of new info about her here, and I did really enjoy the narrative style, super engaging! :)
Also fun to learn about the other divas of the 20s, but she is my favorite forever. Such an emotive and powerful voice, and it's amazing to be able to get to hear the crowd responses on her live song tapes.
I learned a lot of new info about her here, and I did really enjoy the narrative style, super engaging! :)
May 21, 2023
This book is super informative and super accessible to someone who doesn't know a lot (or anything) about this period in Egyptian history! Highly recommend!
January 5, 2025
This book was so well written and easily absorbable. I knew nothing about the entertainment world of early twentieth century Cairo, and I learned so much from Cormack-- so much juicy, interesting stuff about the incredibly complex and vibrant women who shaped Ezbekkiya. I enjoyed how Cormack loosely structured the narrative as showing the torch being passed down from one diva of Cairene entertainment to the next.
April 26, 2021
'Divas,' Roaring 20's, and Egypt, all in the same sentence? This book hits a home run with this subject, the author's research and the sheer talent of these women. Rose al-Youseff alone is worth the read! Amazing story. Publisher sent me the book and I interviewed the author, Raph Cormack. Great book and author.
January 1, 2022
I'm so happy to find this book since it ties together so many little threads of things I learned in college. I did not think of the actresses Cairo's golden stage era as feminists, and perhaps they did not think of themselves that way either. But of course it had to be difficult in that society to act, write, compose music, and sing without being rejected as a prostitute, or worse. There are great scenes where these formidable women challenge their hecklers, their spoiled or violent husbands, and their families. It is a world few living today can imagine in the wealthy West. These women were the parallel world to the wealthy Cairenes and other Arab women forging women's rights along with the human rights also denied to all in the European colonies. It is true that in Islam women could always own property, and often owned businesses, but there were still strictures. For example I do not think it's accidental that nearly all the best-known stars (Umm Kulthoum being the notable exception) have murky origins. They often dissembled about this since breaking free of whatever little place and family they came from was a necessary part of their chosen path to fame. They were brave, and often exceptionally talented, against all the odds. There are other parts interesting to me: That Ezbekiya was originally a lake, ex-slave jazz musicians who washed up in Cairo, the playing of male roles by these stars in a reversal of the tradition in the rest of the world of men playing women's parts, a connection between the American civil war and the development of the Egyptian theater district, a whole chapter on zar, and a surprising cameo of Edward Said. Cormack did a great job recommending additional reading and summing up the real meaning of that heady time.
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