Mus 011: Egypt and the Middle East

Key features of Egyptian nationalism

Localism, pride in Egyptianness as the antithesis of “foreignness”, Pan-Arabism, identification with other Arabic-speaking peoples and with Arab-Islamic history and culture, and Islamism, principal identification with the Muslim religion, and more specifically with Islam as practiced in the Arab world.

Nahawand

It is a specific maqam, or modal system, used in Middle Eastern music, built on a tetrachord (a set of four notes). It is significant in Arabic musical traditions, serving as a foundational mode in compositions and performances.

Rai

Algerian Folk music, and singers are called Cheb or Cheba

Bhangra

non-traditional punjabi music/pop (ie, Kudi kudi)

Takht

A traditional Arabic chamber music ensemble. Includes ʿUd, Qanun, Nay, Violin, and riqq. 

Three Types of Egyptian Women’s dance

Raqs Baladi, Raqs Shaqi, and Bellydance

Ayyub or zar rhythm

Duple meter rhythm pattern that can be heard in Arabic music.  (Dum, tek, dum, tek, dum)

Ghawazi

They’re professional, public female dancers in Egypt. Originally, they were part of hereditary dance families, carrying traditions and performances through generations, but now it broadly applies to all professional female dancers in Egypt and throughout the Middle East. Their performances were viewed at times as counter to certain nationalist ideals, and they experienced periods of social and governmental disapproval and displacement.

Sayed Darwish

He pioneered a novel type of Egyptian music that became closely identified with Egyptian nationalism. He combined Asil (traditional, authentic elements) and Hadith (modern, new influences).

Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab

Singer, film actor, composer and producer. Considered the “greatest Arab modernist of the twentieth century in the area of music”. 

Zeina

Written for the 1950 Egyptian film Zannouba, composed by Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab, and danced by Samia Gamal, a key innovator in Raqs Sharqi (oriental dance). It's based on Maqam Hijaz, a modal system typical of Arabic music. Fusion of traditional and modern style, Western harmonies and instrumentation (e.g., accordion, strings, exotic percussion), and rhythms inspired by Latin American and Western popular music.

Umm Kulthūm

She’s often considered the greatest Arab singer in the 20th century. Her songs followed the maqam system, exploring the intricate modal and melodic possibilities of Arabic music. Worked with Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab, who composed “Inta Omri” (Enta Omri)—one of her most iconic pieces.

Badia Masabni

A dancer, choreographer, and producer. Helped transform Raqs sharqi (oriental dance) from a folk or social form into theatrical performance art.

Samia Gamal

A film dancer who starred in many Egyptian films during the golden age of Egyptian cinema. Raqs sharqi innovator.

Farida Fahmy

Dancer who became a symbol of Egyptian nationalism and modern womanhood. She’s part of the state’s project of cultural nationalism, alongside Umm Kulthūm.