This publication presents a collection of satirical and critical songs that emerged in Bilad al-Sham during the French and British mandates—a period of profound political and social change. Through rare archival recordings, it reveals how these songs transcended colonial boundaries, blending humor and sharp critique to address themes of identity, resistance, and everyday life. By fusing local traditions with modern influences, they reflected the shifting dynamics of society at the time. Today, these recordings stand as invaluable historical archives, offering insight into the challenges of that era. Preserving and sharing them is crucial not only to safeguarding this heritage from fading but also to affirming its place within the region’s collective memory—especially in the face of systematic erasure and efforts to obscure its history and identity.

Content: 5 Cds – 116 pages booklet in English, French and Arabic

Price: $35

This publication has been produced with the support of the Norwegian Embassy in Beirut and AFAC – Arab Fund for Arts and Culture.

To order your copy please send an email to info@amar-foundation.org or contact us via the contact page

Songs and Documents to download:

Use the Password inside the Leporello included in the CD-Pack to open the downloaded ZIP files

> Songs of Satire Booklet in 3 languages

> CD1 – 17 Songs – Living Reality Songs

> CD2 – 18 Songs – Songs of Struggle and Identities

> CD3 – 16 Songs – Cultural Influences and Urbanization

> CD4 – 16 Songs – Songs of Love and Family

> CD5 – 11 Songs – Satirical Songs and Women