Podcast Summary: Ripley's Believe It Or Not – Shoemaker Becomes a King

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (375) Shoemaker Becomes a King
Air Date: December 9, 2025
Host/Narrator: Unnamed narrator (Ripley's)

Episode Overview

This brief episode from "Ripley's Believe It Or Not," featured on Harold's Old Time Radio, spotlights astonishing historical oddities—focusing particularly on the implausible yet true story of a humble shoemaker who ascended to royalty in 17th-century North Africa. The episode characteristically blends dramatic historical facts with a tone of wonder, inviting listeners to question what is possible.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Architectural Feat in Syria

• Topic Introduction [00:30–00:55]

  • The narrator opens with the core Ripley's theme: “Truth is stranger than fiction.”
  • The first brief oddity details a remarkable engineering achievement from the 12th century:
    • A 130-foot-deep chasm carved from solid rock surrounding the Castle of Syoun (Syria) to thwart attackers.
    • A solitary stone tower stood in the chasm's center to support a drawbridge—an early example of advanced military fortification.

  Memorable Narration:

  • “Truth is stranger than fiction, and this is the proof.” — Narrator, [00:30]
  • "A chasm 130ft deep was carved from solid rock in the 12th century to bar access to the Castle of Syoun in Syria... Believe it or not." — Narrator, [00:42]

2. The Shoemaker Who Became King

• Main Story [01:02–01:32]

  • The spotlight of the episode falls on the tale from Algiers, North Africa (1695).
  • The ruler, Shaban, a renowned warrior, is deposed by rebels seeking new leadership.
  • In need of a replacement—and in an almost whimsical turn—they select a local cobbler, Hajj Ahmed, known for mending babushes (slippers):
    • The rebels "snatched" the old man and had him formally enthroned as king.
    • Against odds, Hajj Ahmed ruled Algeria for three years, until his death in an epidemic in July 1698.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “They noticed an ancient cobbler mending the local babushes, or slippers. His name was Hajj Ahmed.” — Narrator, [01:15]
  • "They snatched a frightened old man and had him formally enthroned. He ruled Algeria for three years until he died in an epidemic in July 1698. Believe it or not." — Narrator, [01:22]

Notable Moments

• Stark Juxtaposition:
  The pairing of a military marvel with a tale of chance monarchy highlights Ripley's unique approach to historical oddities.
• Signature Catchphrase:
  Every segment closes with the iconic, shiver-inducing “Believe it or not,” affirming the story’s place in the pantheon of the improbable. [00:55, 01:32]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction to Episode and Theme – [00:30]
• Military Oddity: The Syrian Castle – [00:42–00:55]
• Feature Story: Shoemaker Becomes King – [01:02–01:32]

Episode Tone and Language

• The narration is brisk, matter-of-fact, yet tinged with awe and playfulness—a style that encapsulates Ripley's enduring appeal.
• Quotations retain the narrator’s direct, theatrical “Believe it or not” for full effect.

Summary

In this micro-episode, "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" first marvels at ancient military engineering then delivers its headline story: the incredible rise of Hajj Ahmed, from an elderly slipper-mender in Algiers to an accidental king, reigning for three turbulent years by pure twist of fate. The show’s signature tone renders even the smallest slice of history both entertaining and jaw-dropping.

"Truth is stranger than fiction, and this is the proof." [00:30]