About the Project

The purpose of this site is to guide users in exploring the life of Umm Kulthum and the Arab World she enchanted. Her life story, from rural village to international star, spans the era of technological innovations, the political upheaval of the Egyptian Revolution and provides an entry point for developing deeper historical and cultural understandings of the region.

This curriculum unit was a collaborative effort by the following people:

Educator Sarah Burgess designed and wrote the overall curriculum.

Eric Lundblade, educator and Education Coordinator with Al-Bustan, and Laura McAdams, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education student, edited the lesson plans and prepared content for the interactive website.

Educator Diana Misdary prepared the summary biography of Umm Kulthum.

Designer Ayman Alalao designed the graphics, website, and multi-media content.

Hazami Sayed, Executive Director of Al-Bustan, directed the conception and implementation of this project.

This project was supported through grant funds from Qatar Foundation International.