Part 4/7:
While savoring the flavors of Om Ali, it’s essential to explore the captivating story that binds this dish to its name. The year is 1239 in Egypt, and a young woman named Shajar al-Durr transforms from a concubine into the powerful sultan following a series of dramatic events. When her husband, Sultan Al-Salih Ayyub, unexpectedly dies, she cleverly deceives others into believing he is still alive, wielding power in his stead.
However, her ascent to power is fraught with conflict. Following the defeat of a Crusader army led by King Louis IX, the tumultuous transition to her stepson Turanshah as sultan reveals a dark power struggle. Amidst threats and betrayal, Shajar orchestrates Turanshah’s assassination with the aid of military generals, subsequently becoming sultan herself.