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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