Scholars Day: April 6, 2011

Hierarchy in the Harem: How the Structure of the Abbasid Harem Influenced Women’s Lives

The Abbasid harem of the 9th century was a complex, multi-faceted institution with its own internal organization and financial arrangements that shaped women’s social and economic lives, and was intended to limit women’s contact with men outside the caliph’s immediate family. Tenth-century Arab historians, however, show that a few women, such as Khayzuran, were able to use the harem as a base for influencing the world beyond its doors, including even playing a part in political affairs.

Presenter:	Linda Webber (Undergraduate Student)
Topic:	History
Location:	104 Edwards
Time:	9:20 am (Session I) Please note that presentation times are approximate. If you are interested in attending sessions with multiple presentations, please be in the room at the start of the session.