The first one hundred years of Abbasid rule was filled with violence and various bloody sectarian uprisings. Studying the members of this dynasty and getting more familiar with details of their political life helps scholars better understand the events of the Abbasid Period. Taking note that women have had their own special place and position throughout history, this article takes up the role and position of one of the best-known women of this period, Zubaidah Khatun. She played an active role, behind the scenes, in many political developments of her period. The study of her social, cultural, scholarly and literary life also helps us understand her character, thoughts and position at the Abbasid court. Information about Zubaidah is scattered in numerous history texts. Biographical and encyclopedic texts are not of great aid in complete understanding of Zubaidah's life and works either. This article tries to investigate various aspects of Zubaidah's life and present as comprehensive a biography of her as possible.
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