Analysis of Quran Manuscripts Written by Women During the Qajar Era

The role of women in the social and artistic spheres of Iran during the Qajar era has received limited scholarly attention within the broader context of contemporary Iranian history. Most historical accounts from the period tend to focus primarily on political events, royal affairs, and the lives of rulers, with only indirect or sporadic references to the social and artistic contributions of women. As a result, firsthand sources often overlook or marginalize women’s roles in the cultural landscape of the time.

This paper seeks to address this gap by examining the social conditions and experiences of women at the Qajar court, focusing specifically on their involvement in artistic practices, particularly in the realm of Quranic manuscript production. It further analyzes the stylistic and artistic characteristics of these manuscripts, offering insights into the unique contributions of women to religious and artistic traditions during this period. The study draws upon relevant images and manuscripts from prominent collections, including those housed at the Golestan Palace Museum, the National Library of Iran, Astan Quds Razavi, and Hazrat Masumeh Shrine.

The findings of this research indicate that, while there is a notable lack of written records documenting the contributions of Qajar-era women to social and artistic activities, evidence from their Quranic calligraphy reveals their significant role in religious and artistic expression. Despite the social constraints placed upon them, women at the Qajar court demonstrated considerable skill in the art of Quranic writing, producing manuscripts that showcase their remarkable artistic and intellectual abilities.

Project Duration:
Spring 2018