Samia Gamal

سامية جمال (Known as "Zainab Mahfouz")

Oriental Dance Virtuoso, Golden Age Film Star, 'The Barefoot Dancer'

Born Mar 05, 1924

Beni Suef, Egypt

Passed Away Dec 01, 1994 Cairo, Egypt

Lifespan 70 years old

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Notice / Correction

"When I dance barefoot, the earth of Egypt flows through my veins."

Archival Overview

World-renowned Oriental dancer and Golden Age actress who fused traditional Egyptian baladi with classical European ballet, famously dancing barefoot and starring alongside Farid al-Atrash.

Biographical Record

Born Zainab Ibrahim Mahfouz in Upper Egypt, she escaped poverty to join Badia Masabni's troupe, where she adopted the stage name Samia Gamal. Under ballet instructor Ibrahim Akef, she created a revolutionized modern style dancing barefoot with silk veils.

Her on-screen romantic partnership with Syrian-Egyptian composer Farid al-Atrash produced beloved musicals like Afrita Hanem (Little Miss Devil). In the 1950s, she starred in international Hollywood and French films including Valley of the Kings and Ali Baba.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Sayyida Nafisa Cemetery
Cairo, Egypt

                         GPS: 30.0217, 31.2528                    

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