Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index


  • Record Number: 18758
  • Author(s)/Creator(s): Al-Heitty , Abd Al-Kareem.
  • Contributor(s):
  • Title: The Contrasting Spheres of Free Women and Jawari in the Literary Life of the Early Abbasid Caliphate [Women, both bond and free, contributed much to Arabic literary life in the courts of the Abbasid caliphs. The poetry of women poets illustrates the overlapping social spheres occupied by free noble women and jawari (female slaves or prisoners of war) in early Abbasid times. Women of the courts could play active roles in governance and education and also played a crucial role in majalis (courtly social gatherings) by composing and performing poetry or facilitating more serious assemblies for intellectual discussion. However, as the luxury of the court increased and the number of jawari in the court grew, noble born upper class women began to be subjected to more circumscribed social roles and strict moral codes. Title note supplied by Feminae.].
  • Source: Al-Masåq 3, ( 1990): Pages 31 - 51.
  • Description:
  • Article Type: Journal Article
  • Subject (See Also): Courtly Behavior Courtly Customs Courtly Literature Courts- Literary Activity Islam Literature- Verse Muslims Noble Women Slave Trade Slaves Social Class Social Groups Social History Women Authors Women in Active Roles Women in Literature Women's Status
  • Award Note:
  • Geographic Area: Eastern Mediterranean
  • Century: 8-9
  • Primary Evidence:
  • Illustrations:
  • Table:
  • Abstract:
  • Related Resources:
  • Author's Affiliation:
  • Conference Info: - , -
  • Year of Publication: 1990.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN/ISBN: 09503110