Asmahan: The Druze Diva

Albert Camus was a literary giant of the 20th century, known for his philosophy of absurdity in the human quest for the meaning of life.  His personal life and North African roots helped shape his writing.  In philosophy circles, many called him a prominent voice of existentialism, but Camus distanced himself from the movement. In hindsight, was he a brave man of unwavering principle or a man whose principles lacked adequate bravery.Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

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/

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 simply ride its wave?Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

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 without the fairy tale ending.      Support the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

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

Raya and Sakina endured the daily grind of poverty, personal tragedy and societal prejudice in early 20th century Egypt, only to be embroiled in a series of unspeakable crimes. Their names conjure up the same kind of horror and fascination in Egypt as Jack the Ripper in England, or Jeffrey Dahmer in the United States.  But in hindsight, do the sisters deserve the same notoriety?  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookSupport the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

Actor Charles Dance returns to narrate season 7 of Hindsight. Listen to hear the remarkable lives of some of the Arab world's greatest figures. From Saladin to Faisal I of Iraq and Asmahan to Albert Camus. And infamously, Egypt's most famous sister serial killers. Raya and Sakina begin series 7 of Hindsight on Wednesday, May 7th.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

When Truganini died, she was mistakenly declared the last Tasmanian Aboriginal. Though some say she sold out her people, in hindsight, Truganini’s survival allowed future generations to learn about the near annihilation of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookSupport the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

Frida Kahlo was a master of self portraits. Her uncompromising oil paintings, always deeply personal, dealt with identity, the human body and death. It wasn’t until after her own death that she was regarded as a revolutionary artist. In hindsight, it’s easy to see how The Two Fridas can be reconciled into one extraordinary woman. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookSupport the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/

Eva Perón was a woman who beat the odds to become an inspiration to the people of Argentina. While powerful and popular, in hindsight, she was also complicated and controversial. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookSupport the show: https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/hindsight/