Standing tall like a cedar, Fairuz is as much of a symbol of Lebanon as the evergreen conifers covering the country's hills and adorning its national flag.

Born in 1935 as Nouhad Wadie' Haddad, she is one of the most renowned and admired singers in the Arab world. In her home country, still reeling from a vicious 15-year civil war, her voice is a unifying force, transcending all sectarian and political lines that divide the small Mediterranean nation.

Walking down any street early in the day, it's not unusual to hear Fairuz's voice blasting from the radio of passing cars, or seeing people having their wake-up coffee as they sing her songs. Mornings in Lebanon are never complete without a bit of Fairuz.

The 84-year-old singer is one of the best-selling singers in history, with more than 150 million records sold globally.

Because of her angelic voice and the popularity she enjoys, Fairuz was given many titles by the public, including "Ambassador to the Stars," "Ambassador of the Arabs," "Neighbor to the Moon," "Jewel of Lebanon," and even "The Soul of Lebanon."

Fame never really appealed to the singer despite being an idol for generations of Lebanese and Arabs.

The star, who's been under the spotlight for decades, is rarely seen in public and keeps to herself. Her concerts are far and few in between, but when she does go on stage, she commands a record-shattering audience. 

Fairuz has made a clear stance to sing for the public not for individuals. In 1969, she refused to perform privately in honor of then Algerian President Houari Boumedienne, and was banned in radios for half a year as a result.

During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), she also refused to sing for any individual party.

What are the cultural elements that best represent Asia? Follow up the "Know Asia Better" series. It will offer you a glimpse of 47 Asian countries, through architecture, art or cultural figures to show you a diversified Asia that you may never have noticed before. Themed in the exchanges and mutual learning among Asian civilizations and building a community with a share future for mankind, the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations will be held in Beijing in May.

(Cover designed by Fan Chenxiao)