Ismalia: SiltaNews – Ashraf Gaber
As part of the Ismailia Capital of Culture and Arts 2025 celebrations in Egypt, the Roman Theater hosted an exceptional evening of authentic Arab music.
The audience of Ismailia gathered to relive the timeless magic of Kawkab al-Sharq (Star of the East), Umm Kulthum, through the powerful voice of singer Marwa Nagy, marking the fiftieth anniversary of her passing.
Distinguished Official and Cultural Attendance
The event was attended by Major General Pilot Akram Mohamed Galal, Governor of Ismailia, alongside Major General Mohib Habashi, Governor of Port Said, and Engineer Hazem El-Ashmony, Governor of Sharqia. The evening also welcomed senior military and security leaders, ambassadors, diplomats, and a wide array of public figures, in addition to a large turnout of Ismailia’s citizens.
Marwa Nagy Revives Umm Kulthum’s Icons
Nagy performed a selection of Umm Kulthum’s immortal masterpieces, including Enta Omri, As’al Rouhak, Lissa Faker, A’Ghadan Alqak, and Ghanili Shwayy Shwayy. Her renditions echoed across the Roman Theater, stirring waves of nostalgia and emotion among the audience, who experienced moments of pure musical enchantment as if time had turned back.
A Message of Refined Art
At the close of the evening, the Governor of Ismailia affirmed the governorate’s commitment to organizing cultural and artistic events that enrich public awareness, nurture collective sentiment, and promote refined art that elevates taste while preserving Egyptian identity.
Honoring an Arab Cultural Icon
The concert underscored Umm Kulthum’s enduring status as an Arab artistic and cultural icon whose influence transcended time and place, embodying Ismailia’s belief in the vital role of art in shaping collective memory and building the future.
