Alf Leila wa Leila

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Alf Leïla wa Leïla (Arabic: ألف ليلة وليلة, lit. 'A Thousand and One Nights')^[1] is a classic Arabic song performed by the Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. First performed in 1969,^[2] this song remains one of the most celebrated and iconic pieces in Umm Kulthum's extensive repertoire. Known for its intricate musical composition and evocative lyrics, Alf Leila wa Leila captivated audiences across the Arab world and solidified Umm Kulthum's legacy as "the Star of the Orient" (Arabic: كوكب الشرق, romanized: Kawkab Al Sharq). The song was written by poet Morsi Jamil Aziz and composed by Baligh Hamdi, who had a long-standing relationship with Umm Kulthum. Together, they produced some of the most memorable music in the history of Arabic song. This song is the third song sung by Umm Kulthum with lyrics by Morsi Gamil Aziz, after the songs “Seret El Hob” (1964), and “Fat El Ma'ad” (1967), which was her last meeting with him, and the three songs were composed by Baligh Hamdi.^[2]

Umm Kulthum, one of the most beloved and influential singers in the Arab world, released Alf Leila wa Leila during the peak of her career. By this time, she had already established herself as a powerhouse in Arabic music with a career that spanned decades.^[3]

The song's title, Alf Leila wa Leila, translates to A Thousand and One Nights—a direct reference to the famous collection of Middle Eastern folk tales One Thousand and One Nights, which had a profound influence on Arabic literature and culture. The themes of love, fantasy, and storytelling that are woven into the original tales are mirrored in the song's lyrics and structure.^[3]