The role of Baghdad scribe women in developing Islamic sciences and culture in the fourth era of the Abbasid Caliphate (448-656 AH)

Scribe women in the Abbasid era were active in various political, social, and cultural fields. Analyzing Iraq scribe women, specifically Baghdad, in the fourth era of the Abbasid caliphate (448-656 AH), the present study seeks to answer the question of what was their roles in cultural changes and the development of Islamic sciences and culture. This study has used a historical research method based on the descriptive-analytical method. Findings indicate that scribe and calligrapher women had a special position in this period. They played a greater role in the development of Islamic sciences and culture, especially religious and narrative science such as ḥadīth, preaching, sermon, and jurisprudence (Fiqh) and many scholars and celebrities attended their classes. Scribe women let students narrate ḥadīth so that some of them became part of the Baghdad military instructors later. Some women were experts in calligraphy and trained famous students in this field. Because of their beautiful handwriting, they wrote Amali of various scholars for others and earned a living in this way. Also, scribe and calligrapher women influenced the court of the Abbasid Caliphate and wrote letters and Tawqi‘ of them. They taught calligraphy to the courts. Some of the scribe women wrote Diwan of great poets or wrote poetry themselves and in this way helped the development of Arabic poetry and literature. The importance and sanctity of the Holy Qur'an encouraged scribe women to transcribe, illuminate and interpret the Qur'an on a large scale. Some Shīʿa scribe women also played an effective role in the publication and promotion of Shiite sciences during this period.