Female Heroes of Medieval Persia

This chapter presents a parade of female rulers, intellectuals, artists, and spiritual leaders during medieval times. It examines the cults of sainted women such as Fatima Masuma, or the influence of female scholars, artists, or public intellectuals such as Shayka Shada or Mahsati GanjaviGanjavi, Mahsati. It summarizes the political careers of nine female rulers of Persian domains, from Turkan KhatanTurkan Khatan in the 1090s to GoharshadGoharshad in the 1440s. It relates the deeds of female military leaders or troops, such as the Zand dynasty’s famed female sharpshooters. Finally, the chapter examines the career of Tahereh Qorrat al-AynTahereh, Qorrat al-Ayn, the Babist movement’s most charismatic leader.