This lecture was given in French by Dr. Azza Heikal at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina on 28 December 2004 on Chagarat el Durr : the only female sultan of Egypt and the Arab world. Dr. Heikel, who is the author of a book on the subject, explained how, upon the death of Sultan Saleh Ayoub, a unique event took place: the princes nominated a woman to be head of the Islamic Empire. Contemporary historians agree that the female sultan of Egypt was a prudent woman, and one of great beauty with a man’s strength of character. These were the qualities which earned her the title “Chagarat el Durr” or Tree of Pearls. Her elevation to the throne angered many in the Orient as shown by ensuing events which Dr. Heikal described in her lecture.