Daughter of the Sultan

From Huffington Post:

In Arabic pop culture, a Sultana is the object of desire in an old Egyptian folk song, "Bint el Sultan," which literally translates to "Daughter of the Sultan." It represents a familiar reference for those with a particular affinity for Arabic music. In fact, one only needs to peruse the internet to find that a spicier version of the original tune, the lyrics of which revolve around a stunningly beautiful Sultana whom the singer lusts, may be heard at Arabic dance parties, clubs and concerts.

There is, however, a lesser known historical account of the Sultana which has been frequently dismissed or in the alternative, overlooked. Nevertheless, she remains an inextricable part of Islamic history.

She is the female Muslim ruler.

And, her story exemplifies the flexible environment Islam has traditionally provided for women to flourish not only spiritually, but even, politically.

Arab Women Protestors - Figureheads & Mascots

From The Guardian:

A common theme since the Arab uprisings started has been the celebration of the role of women in the protests. Some have even gone so far as to say that the "stereotype of the submissive, repressed victim has been shattered by female protesters in Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen". I am not sure that women on the ground in these countries feel the same way, or feel that their participation in the protests is unprecedented.

While the prominence of women in the revolutions has been moving, there is a psychology behind celebrating and glorifying women's political activity when it is part of a popular push. In these times women are almost tokenised by men as the ultimate downtrodden victims, the sign that things are desperate, that even members of the fairer sex are leaving their hearths and taking to the streets. The perception isn't that women are fighting for their own rights, but merely that they are underwriting the revolution by bringing their matronly dignity to the crowd like some mascot.

Iran: Arrested For Suntan

From IB Times:

On Thursday, Tehran police chief Brig. Gen. Hossien Sajedinia has warned that all women sporting a tan will be arrested and imprisoned because this violates the "spirit of Islamic law." Thus, any woman that looked like a "walking mannequin" will be punished.

He said that the Iranian public expects the police to act firmly and swiftly to any social misbehavior caused by women, and men, particularly those who defy the Islamic values. He cited some areas in northern Tehran where suntanned women and young girls look like walking mannequins.

"We are not going to tolerate this situation and will first warn those found in this manner and then arrest and imprison them," Sajedinia said.

The Abbasid Huram

Girls of the huram came from many lands and cultures outside of the empire as Islamic law forbade the enslavement of a Muslim.

The girls were often captured as part of booty from raids into the territories who refused Muslim overlordship – including Bahtariya, a concubine of Mahdi and mother of Mansur. Also Mancla, mother of caliph Mu’tasim, who came from Soghdia in central Asia and was brought up in Kufa in Iraq. The mother of Caliph Ma’mum was the daughter of a noble from Badhgtris in modern western Afghanistan, who was taken into the huram of Harun after the suicide of her father.

Berber slaves from North Africa were highly valued, however, Greek girls were favoured from 9th & 10th centuries:
- Qaratis – mother of Caliph Wathiq
- Habshiya – mother of Caliph Muntasir
- Qurb – mother of Caliph Muhtadi
- Divar – mother of Caliph Mu’tadid


Also girls from Slavic countries:
- Mukhariq – mother of Caliph Musta’in


Some entered the huram due to their talents:
- 8th & 9th centuries were the heyday of the singing girls; many were highly trained, skilled and witty; they were the main bearers of court culture; they were sexually available to both owner and customers. Medina was the centre for the education and training of singing girls. Sometimes, large sums of money were involved in the trade.
- Maknuna – mother of Princess Ulayya, was brought by the Caliph Mahdi for 100000 silver dirhams
- Basbas – cost the royal treasury 17000 gold dinars


Till the reign of Caliph Harun, the princesses were married off to members of the ruling family, including the Caliphs. The last recorded marriage was between the daughters of Harun:
- Fatima and Hamduna to the sons of his brother Hadi – Isma’il and Ja’far.
- Ma’mum married to Umm Isa (p.809)
- Ma’mum had two children – Muhammed and Ubayd Allah – and used his daughters to forge dynastic links with the Family of Ali – Umm Habib married Ali Rida, and Umm Fadl married another family member; Umm Fadl’s marriage was consummated; Ali Rida died in mysterious circumstances soon after.

Many women of the huram remained anonymous forever.