The Mothers of Modern Iran

This chapter highlights the decisive roles of female leaders in forming a politically active public. It examines the expanding networks of literate women and the political or social activism of Qajar court women such as Ashraf Al-Saltaneh. It evaluates Persia’s first bestselling feminist book by Bibi Khanom AstarabadiBibi Khanom AstarabadiAstarabadi, Bibi Khanom (The Vices of Men, in 1895) and the nationwide firestorm of debate it generated. Last, the chapter examines the central role played by women in the Tobacco Revolt of 1891–1892, which forced the government to cancel a corrupt agreement with Britain, and did so through the power of nationwide non-violent defiance.