Aisha (poet)

Aisha bint Ahmad al-Qurtubiya (d. 1010, Córdoba, Spain), sometimes spelled Aysha or al-Qurtubiyya, was a tenth-century poet who was the daughter of Ibn Hazm. Most of her work was written in Arabic.

She is regarded as both a famed poet and calligrapher of Andalusia.[1] Sometimes described as a princess of Cordova, she was known for her learning and abilities.[2] After her death, she left an extensive library.[2]

Poetry

Aisha's poetic works are included in writing on medieval Moorish women poets, noted for their surprising vitality, freshness, and aggressive boldness.[3] Her poems were often read with applause in the Royal Academy at Cordova.[4] One example of Aisha bint Ahmad al-Qurtubiya's writing is:

I am a lioness

and will never allow my body

to be anyone's resting place. But if I did,

I wouldn't yield to a dog -

and O! the lions I've turned away![3]

Legacy

Aisha is included in the list of Notable Muslims in the 2002 special edition of Saudi Aramco World.[5]

Aisha is a featured figure on Judy Chicago's installation piece The Dinner Party, being represented as one of the 999 names on the Heritage Floor.[6]

References

  1. "Notable Muslims" (PDF). Saudi Aramco World (Islam: An Introduction): 7. January–February 2002. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  2. 1 2 Woman's rights and duties considered with relation to their influence on society and on her own condition. By a Woman. London: John W. Parker. 1840. p. 145.
  3. 1 2 Kolb, Elene (9 July 1989). "When Women Finally got the Word". New York Times. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  4. Chamberlain, Alexander F. (Oct–Dec 1903). "Primitive Woman as Poet". The Journal of American Folklore. 63 16: 216.
  5. "Notable Muslims" (PDF). Saudi Aramco World (Islam: An Introduction): 7. January–February 2002. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  6. "Aisha". Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art: The Dinner Party: Heritage Floor: Aisha. Brooklyn Museum. 2007. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
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