Sayedat Al-Kasr - La Dame du palais

Nazira Joumblat (1889-1951) is nothing like the flattered oriental woman deprived of any rights. In a male-oriented, religious and conservative society, this woman presided over the political majaliss of her country, playing a crucial role in the history of Lebanon. During the transition years between the end of the French mandate (the 20s) and the independence of Lebanon in the early 40s, she exerted power over the entire Druze community in Lebanon, whose fate she attempted to preserve. Hailing from a large tribal family rooted in Lebanese political life, Nazira Joumblat was also the mother and teacher of the Lebanese party leader Kamal Joumblat, who played a central role in the political history of Lebanon and the Arab world between 1943 and 1977, when he was assassinated. During this period of Nazira Joumblat's leadership, the Mukhtara Palace was the center of Druze political power. It occupied, and continues to occupy, pride of place within the National Lebanese Movement.