Pathetic Facts

Egyptian music stars who deceased at age 71

Here are 7 famous musicians from Egypt died at 71:

Salama Moussa

Salama Moussa (April 5, 1887 Zagazig-August 4, 1958 Cairo) also known as Salāmah Mūsá was an Egyptian writer.

He was a prominent advocate for social and political reform in Egypt during the first half of the 20th century. Salama Moussa was a prolific author who wrote in a wide range of genres including satire, journalism, and criticism. He was instrumental in founding and shaping the literary magazine Apollo, which became a leading platform for cultural and intellectual debates in Egypt. Salama Moussa was also an advocate for women's rights and equality, and he played a crucial role in the establishment of Egypt's first feminist organization, the Union of Educated Egyptian Women. Despite facing significant persecution for his political views and activism, Salama Moussa continued to write and contribute to Egypt's intellectual and cultural life until his death in 1958.

Salama Moussa's criticism and satire often targeted traditional and conservative social values and practices, as well as the political elite and colonial powers in Egypt. His work became increasingly popular and influential, especially among young intellectuals and progressives who shared his vision for a modern, democratic, and secular Egypt.

In addition to his literary contributions, Salama Moussa was also a prominent public figure who participated in political and social movements. He co-founded the Liberal Constitutionalist Party in 1922, which called for constitutional reform and greater representation. He also advocated for Egyptian independence and worked with other anti-colonial activists in the Middle East.

Salama Moussa's legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of Egyptian writers, intellectuals, and activists. His ideas and vision for a more just and egalitarian society remain relevant today, as Egypt continues to grapple with issues of democracy, human rights, and social justice.

Salama Moussa's literary and intellectual contributions were not limited to Egypt. He traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, where he studied and engaged with various cultural and intellectual traditions. He was fluent in several languages including Arabic, English, French, and Italian, which allowed him to access a wide range of literary and intellectual sources. This multilingual and cosmopolitan outlook informed his work, and he often drew on Western and Eastern intellectual traditions to critique and redefine Egyptian culture and society. Salama Moussa was also a prolific translator, whose translations of Western literature and philosophy into Arabic played a crucial role in introducing these ideas to Egyptian and Arab audiences.

Despite his influence and importance, Salama Moussa's name was largely forgotten in Egypt for several decades after his death. It was only in the 1990s that his work began to receive renewed attention and appreciation, with scholars and literary critics recognizing his contribution to modern Egyptian and Arab thought. Today, Salama Moussa is recognized as one of the most important and innovative writers and intellectuals of the 20th century in Egypt and the Arab world. His ideas about democracy, social justice, gender equality, and cultural reform continue to resonate with activists and intellectuals in Egypt and beyond.

Read more about Salama Moussa on Wikipedia »

Princess Farial of Egypt

Princess Farial of Egypt (November 17, 1938 Alexandria-November 29, 2009 Montreux) was an Egyptian personality.

Princess Farial was a member of Egypt's royal family, as the daughter of King Farouk I and Queen Farida. She was educated in Egypt and Switzerland, and later became a successful businesswoman and philanthropist. Princess Farial was married twice, first to Iranian businessman Ardeshir Zahedi, with whom she had two children, and later to American diplomat Richard Francis Pearson. She was known for her dedication to social causes and worked with numerous charitable organizations throughout her life. In addition to her philanthropic work, Princess Farial was also an accomplished author, publishing several books on her experiences growing up as a member of Egypt's royal family.

Despite being exiled from Egypt following the overthrow of her father's monarchy in 1952's Revolution of the Free Officers, Princess Farial remained dedicated to her homeland and heritage. She was an advocate for Egyptian culture and history, and worked to preserve and promote these aspects of her country through her philanthropic endeavors. She also represented Egypt at various international events and conferences.

In addition to her philanthropy and writing, Princess Farial was also an accomplished equestrian. She was an Olympic-level rider and competed in show jumping events both in Egypt and internationally. Her love for horses and riding continued throughout her life, and she dedicated much of her time and resources to promoting equestrian sports.

Throughout her life, Princess Farial maintained a close relationship with her family despite their forced exile from Egypt. She remained in contact with her siblings and was particularly close to her mother, Queen Farida. She was also known for her warmth and charm, and had a large circle of friends and admirers in both Egypt and abroad.

In her later years, Princess Farial of Egypt dedicated much of her time to philanthropy and promoting cultural understanding. She founded the Princess Ferial Foundation, which aimed to improve education and healthcare in Egypt. She was also a supporter of the arts, and worked to promote Egypt's cultural heritage through various programs and initiatives. Her efforts earned her recognition from numerous organizations and governments, including the Egyptian government, the United Nations, and the International Olympic Committee.

In addition to her social and cultural work, Princess Farial was involved in politics. She maintained close ties with various political figures in Egypt and other countries, and was a vocal advocate for democracy and human rights. Her advocacy led her to become an outspoken critic of various authoritarian regimes, including her own father's monarchy, and she was vocal about her support for the 2011 Egyptian revolution.

Despite her diverse interests and accomplishments, Princess Farial was known for her modesty and humility. She once stated, "I am just a simple person, and I want to serve my country and my people to the best of my abilities." Her legacy as a philanthropist, author, equestrian, and advocate for cultural understanding and democracy continues to inspire people around the world.

She died as a result of cancer.

Rawya Ateya

Rawya Ateya (April 19, 1926 Giza Governorate-May 9, 1997) was an Egyptian journalist, politician and teacher.

She was the first female parliamentarian in Egypt and the Arab world, having been elected to the People's Assembly of Egypt in 1957. Ateya was an advocate for women's rights and fought for gender equality throughout her career, which began as a teacher before she entered the field of journalism. In addition to her political work, Ateya was also a prolific writer and published several books on women's issues, including "The Woman in Islamic Sharia" and "The Veil and the Woman in Islam." She was a pioneering figure in Egyptian history and a role model for women in the Arab world and beyond. After her death in 1997, she was honored with numerous awards and memorials, including a postage stamp issued by the Egyptian government in her honor.

Ateya was born in the city of Giza and grew up in a family that valued education. She received her Bachelor's in Arabic Language and Literature from Cairo University in 1946, and went on to teach at both primary and secondary schools. Ateya's political career began in the 1950s, during a time of social and political upheaval in Egypt, and she quickly became a prominent voice for women's rights. In addition to her work in Parliament, she was a founding member of the National Council for Women in Egypt, a government organization that promotes gender equality and works to eliminate discrimination against women.

Throughout her lifetime, Ateya faced significant opposition and criticism for her views. She was often targeted by conservative religious groups and faced harassment and even physical violence. However, she remained committed to her beliefs and continued to fight for women's rights until her death in 1997. In addition to her political work and writing, Ateya was also an accomplished public speaker and gave numerous speeches and lectures on women's issues throughout her career.

Today, Ateya is remembered as a feminist pioneer and an inspiration for women around the world. Her legacy continues through the many organizations and initiatives that she helped to establish, and her contributions to the cause of gender equality continue to be celebrated and remembered.

Ateya's impact on the world of politics in Egypt was significant beyond her role as the first female parliamentarian. She also worked to institute several key reforms, including legislation that prohibited forced labor for women and abolished the practice of polygamy. Additionally, she championed women's rights to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Ateya's efforts to improve women's lives in Egypt earned her international recognition and she was invited to speak at events and conferences around the world, sharing her message of gender equality and social justice. After her passing, several initiatives were established in her memory, including the Rawya Ateya Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships and support for women studying politics and international relations. Today, Ateya's legacy continues to inspire and empower women in Egypt and beyond, as her pioneering work continues to pave the way for future generations.

Read more about Rawya Ateya on Wikipedia »

Kamal Hassan Ali

Kamal Hassan Ali (September 18, 1921 Cairo-March 27, 1993 Cairo) was an Egyptian personality.

Kamal Hassan Ali was a prominent actor and film director who contributed significantly to Egyptian cinema. He began his career in the entertainment industry as an assistant director in the early 1940s and later made his acting debut in the film "Marzouk and His Wife" in 1950.

Kamal Hassan Ali went on to star in over 300 films and is considered one of the most accomplished actors of his time. He was also a renowned film director and produced many successful movies, including "Visitor to the City" and "Sons of the Nile."

Apart from his successful career in the entertainment industry, Kamal Hassan Ali was also known for his activism and political views. He was a member of the Communist Party and was vocal about issues related to socialism and workers' rights.

Kamal Hassan Ali passed away in Cairo in 1993, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire the generations of Egyptian actors and filmmakers to this day.

He received numerous awards and recognition throughout his career, including the Order of Merit for Culture from the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt in 1976. In addition to acting and directing, Kamal Hassan Ali was also a writer and wrote several scripts for his own films as well as for other filmmakers. He was married to the Egyptian actress, Naglaa Fathi, and they had one son together, Mohsen Kamal. Kamal Hassan Ali's contributions to Egyptian cinema and his dedication to social causes have made him a revered figure in the country's cultural history.

Kamal Hassan Ali was born to an Egyptian family of mixed Turkish and Circassian descent. He was the youngest of three siblings and grew up in a household that valued education and culture. In his youth, Kamal Hassan Ali attended the prestigious Al-Azhar University and earned a degree in Arabic literature. He was also bilingual, speaking both Arabic and Turkish fluently.

During his long career in the Egyptian film industry, Kamal Hassan Ali worked with many legendary actors and actresses, including Faten Hamama, Omar Sharif, and Soad Hosni. He was also known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic to dramatic roles. His work as a director was equally impressive, with many of his films earning critical acclaim and awards at international film festivals.

Despite his fame and success as a filmmaker, Kamal Hassan Ali remained committed to his political beliefs and was never afraid to speak his mind. He was a supporter of the Palestinian cause and was involved in several protests against the Israeli occupation of Palestine. He also actively supported workers' rights and was a key figure in the Egyptian labor movement.

In addition to his artistic and political pursuits, Kamal Hassan Ali was also a devoted family man. He and his wife Naglaa Fathi were regarded as one of the most prominent couples in the Egyptian film industry, and their son Mohsen Kamal followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a successful actor and filmmaker in his own right.

Kamal Hassan Ali's contributions to Egyptian cultural and political life continue to be remembered and celebrated today. His legacy as an actor, director, and activist is a testament to his courage, dedication, and passion for his craft and his country.

Read more about Kamal Hassan Ali on Wikipedia »

Narriman Sadek

Narriman Sadek (October 31, 1933 Cairo-February 16, 2005 Cairo) was an Egyptian personality. She had one child, Fuad II of Egypt.

Narriman Sadek was the last Queen of Egypt, crowned as the wife of King Farouk on May 31, 1951. She was born to an Egyptian father and a Turkish mother and was raised in Cairo. After the overthrow of her husband during the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, Narriman went into exile with him in Europe, where they lived for several years before returning to Egypt.

Narriman was known for her beauty and elegance, and her marriage to King Farouk was seen as a romantic fairytale by many Egyptians. However, the couple's relationship was strained, and they separated in 1953. Narriman briefly remarried in the 1960s before divorcing and returning to Egypt.

After the death of King Farouk in 1965, Narriman largely withdrew from public life, devoting herself to charitable and humanitarian causes. She died in 2005 at the age of 71. Today, she is remembered as an icon of Egyptian royalty and as a symbol of a bygone era of glamour and elegance.

Narriman Sadek was also known for her fashion sense, often wearing stunning gowns and jewelry. She was a trendsetter in the fashion world, with her style influencing women's clothing in Egypt and beyond. Additionally, Narriman was highly educated, speaking several languages fluently, including English, French, and Italian. She was also a skilled musician and played the violin. Despite her privileged position as Queen, Narriman was known for her compassion and dedication to helping others. She was involved with several charitable organizations and was especially passionate about supporting children's education and health. Narriman's legacy continues to inspire admiration and respect in Egypt and beyond.

In addition to her work with charitable organizations, Narriman Sadek also had a keen interest in art and literature. She was an accomplished painter and writer, and her works have been exhibited in galleries and published in literary journals. Her artistic pursuits reflected her love for Egypt's rich cultural heritage and her belief in the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Despite her struggles in her personal life, Narriman remained a beloved figure in Egypt, revered for her beauty, elegance, and kindness. She was often described as a "queen of the people," as she was known to be approachable and down-to-earth. Even after her death, Narriman's memory continues to be celebrated in books, films, and documentaries.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Narriman's life and legacy, with many Egyptians looking to her as a source of inspiration and pride. Her story serves as a reminder of the glamour and tumult of Egypt's past, as well as the enduring strength and resilience of its people.

Read more about Narriman Sadek on Wikipedia »

Rifa'a al-Tahtawi

Rifa'a al-Tahtawi (October 15, 1801 Tahta-May 27, 1873) also known as Rifa'a Rafe' al-Tahtawi was an Egyptian writer, teacher and translator.

He was born in the town of Tahta in Upper Egypt and was educated in the Islamic sciences at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. At the age of 26, he was chosen to be a member of the first Egyptian educational mission to France, where he studied at the Collège de France and other institutions.

Al-Tahtawi was an expert in Arabic and French and is credited with introducing new ideas and Western knowledge to the Islamic world during the 19th century. One of his most important works is the two-volume book titled "Takhlis al-Ibriz fi Talkhis Bariz" which is considered to be the first modern Arabic encyclopedia.

He also worked as a translator and translated many important French works into Arabic, including Montesquieu's "The Spirit of the Laws" and Voltaire's "Zadig". Al-Tahtawi was a reformist who believed in the modernization of Egypt and the adoption of Western ideas and institutions.

Upon his return to Egypt in 1831, he was appointed as a teacher at Al-Azhar University and later became the director of the school of languages. He was also a supporter of the modernization efforts of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt at the time.

Overall, Rifa'a al-Tahtawi was a significant figure in Islamic intellectual history and played an important role in bridging the gap between the Islamic world and the West.

In addition to his writings, al-Tahtawi was also a prolific traveler and visited various European countries, such as Italy and England, where he studied their education and political systems. During his travels, he became convinced of the need for modernization in Egypt and other Islamic countries. Al-Tahtawi's ideas greatly influenced the intellectuals of his time and contributed to the intellectual awakening in the Arab world known as the Nahda, or the Arab Renaissance. Some of his notable students include prominent figures such as Muhammad Abduh and Jamal al-Din al-Afghani. Al-Tahtawi's life and legacy continue to be celebrated in Egypt, with several schools and institutions named after him.

He also wrote a number of other works, including a book on Arabic grammar called "Al-Murshid al-Mu'een," which became a standard textbook in many schools in Egypt. Al-Tahtawi was not only an intellectual and scholar, but also a reformer who believed in the importance of education and the need for social and political change in Egypt. He advocated for the abolition of slavery and the adoption of democratic principles, and his ideas on modernization and reform had a significant impact on the development of Egyptian society in the 19th century. Al-Tahtawi was a pioneer in the field of translation, and his work helped to bring new ideas and knowledge from the West to the Islamic world, paving the way for a new era of intellectual and cultural exchange. His legacy continues to inspire scholars and thinkers in Egypt and the wider Islamic world to this day.

Read more about Rifa'a al-Tahtawi on Wikipedia »

Hasan Tawfiq

Hasan Tawfiq (August 31, 1943 Cairo-April 5, 2015) was an Egyptian personality.

He was a well-known radio and television host, as well as a journalist and writer. Tawfiq started his career as a news presenter on the Egyptian Radio and Television Union in the 1960s, and quickly became one of the most popular hosts in the country. He hosted numerous popular TV shows, including the game show "The Generation Game" and the talk show "The Night of Love".

In addition to his work in the media, Tawfiq was also a prolific writer, having authored several books on a variety of topics, including love, relationships, and psychology. He was highly respected in Egypt for his contributions to the field of media and his commitment to promoting a positive image of Egypt both locally and internationally.

Tawfiq's passing in 2015 was mourned by many in Egypt, with fans and colleagues remembering him as a beloved and talented personality who had left an indelible mark on Egyptian culture and entertainment.

Throughout his career, Tawfiq received numerous awards and accolades, including the Egyptian Radio and Television Union's Best Host award, and he was considered one of the most influential and prominent personalities in the Egyptian media industry. He was also known for his philanthropic work and he was involved in several charitable organizations, including the Egyptian Cancer Society.Tawfiq's legacy as a media personality and writer continues to be celebrated by many in Egypt, and his contributions to the field remain an important part of the country's cultural history. His shows are still watched and enjoyed by audiences today, and his books are considered classics in the field of psychology and relationships.

Furthermore, Tawfiq was also known for his distinctive voice and his ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. He had a unique talent for engaging with his guests and viewers, and his shows were known for their entertainment value as well as their informative content. In addition to his work in Egypt, Tawfiq was also well-known internationally, having been invited to host and speak at various events and conferences around the world.In his personal life, Tawfiq was married and had two children. Despite his success and fame, he was known for his humility and kindness, and was respected by colleagues and fans alike for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. His passing was a great loss to the media industry in Egypt and beyond, and he will always be remembered as a beloved and influential figure in the world of Egyptian entertainment.

Read more about Hasan Tawfiq on Wikipedia »