logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2
43m 28s

Asmahan: The Druze Diva

Al Jazeera
About this episode

Asmahan was a rebel in a world of expectations. From a Druze Princess to exalted singer in 1930s and 40s Egypt – she lived in extremes and did exactly what she wanted. Asmahan also moonlighted as a messenger during the Second World War and when she was killed under mysterious circumstances, not even the benefit of hindsight would definitively clear things up. 

Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

Up next
Jun 18
Faisal I of Iraq: The Making of a King
King Faisal I of Iraq was born in the age of the Ottoman Empire. A key figure in the Arab revolt, his patience, curiosity and diplomacy endeared him to many, including the man who would come to be known as Lawrence of Arabia. But in hindsight, did Faisal drive Arab nationalism or ... Show More
36m 32s
Jun 4
Shajarat al Durr: From Slave to Sultana of Egypt
Shajarat al Durr was born in the golden age of Islam. Despite her beginnings as a child slave, she went on to become the first woman to sit on the throne of Egypt since Cleopatra nearly 13-hundred years before. But in hindsight, Shajarat al Durr’s life is a Cinderella story witho ... Show More
44m 34s
May 21
Saladin: The Righteousness of the Faith
Saladin, one of the best known generals of the Middle Ages, led the Muslim military’s campaign during the Third Crusade. And won. In hindsight, he was renowned in both the Muslim and Christian worlds, he was a fierce protector of Islam who helped shape the modern Middle East. Sup ... Show More
39m 25s
Recommended Episodes
May 2010
Nefertiti and the Heretic Pharaoh
Today historians know very little about Nefertiti, but during her time as Egypt's queen she was revered as a goddess. In this episode, Sarah and Katie explore the reign of Nefertiti, and why her controversial husband Akhenaton was considered a heretic. Learn more about your ad-ch ... Show More
16m 6s
Jun 2023
History of Everything: The Mad Queen of Madagascar
In 1828, after the death of her husband, Queen Ranavalona I. came into power by killing all other potential regents (wives, sons, mothers). At that time, she was between 30 and 40 years old. Ranavalona I. went down in history rather ingloriously and bears the surname “the cruel”. ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 2024
Nefertiti: The Greatest Ancient Egyptian Queen?
Ancient Egyptian rulers, incest, the Nazis and female empowerment, all in one episode! 'But how?' You say. 'What story could possibly bring all of these things together?' This is the story of Queen Nefertiti and her bust. Kate is joined by Joyce Tyldesley and Monica Hanna to find ... Show More
1 h
May 2024
11. Women in War with Donia Ashour
The death and destruction, wrought by Israel's bloody war in Gaza has been highly publicised and discussed, rightly so. But what about the day to day lives of those who survive? How do women manage menstrual cycles when fleeing bombardment and living in refugee camps with tens of ... Show More
37m 35s
Apr 2018
Episode #63- What Should We Believe About Cleopatra? (Part II)
Ancient authors would have us believe that the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra, used an intoxicating blend of sexuality and extravagant living to manipulate powerful men. In fact some have gone so far as to lay every bad decision made by her lovers at her feet. Julius Caesar was obviou ... Show More
57m 6s
Aug 2024
The Real Cleopatra
Cleopatra. One of the most famous people from history, and remembered for her beauty, power and scandalous love affairs. But how accurate is her legacy? Did you know she married not one, but two of her brothers? Or that she could speak eight languages? Or that she lived closer to ... Show More
45m 34s
Jul 2024
Ottoman Harems Were Disturbing and Ridiculous, Part Two: A Real-life Game of Thrones
Behind the heavily-guarded walls of the palace, the Ottoman Empire's harem was a world all its own. In the second part of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max delve into the dangerous world of deceit, espionage and intrigue that defined the lives of people from across ... Show More
34m 18s
Apr 25
Sanaa's Odyssey Episode 5: Exile
This is episode five of Sanaa's Odyssey, a special series from The New Arab. For the final episode of Sanaa's Odyssey, we travelled to Cairo, to meet with Sanaa in person. When we spoke, a ceasefire had been agreed between Israel and Hamas, although, there was little hope that it ... Show More
43m 17s
May 2024
Cleopatra | The Last Pharaoh of Egypt | 4
From Shakespeare to Netflix, Cleopatra's life and death has been told and retold. Siren seducer, serious scholar, powerful African queen - or all of the above? Untangling the real Cleopatra reveals as much about our own identities as hers.Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wh ... Show More
45m 31s
Jul 2024
SPECIAL! Gender Rebels of Greek Mythology: Heracles x Omphale by Ancient History Fangirl
Liv shares an episode of Ancient History Fangirl, Genn and Jenny have a story to share... That time Heracles, the strong man, son of Zeus and noted impenetrable penetrator, lived as a woman. Yes, you read that right. And not only did he live as a woman, he was the submissive to a ... Show More
1h 7m