Sitt al-Mulk: juggling troops, traps and throne at the Fāṭimid Court

Conference paper

Cortese, D. 2012. Sitt al-Mulk: juggling troops, traps and throne at the Fāṭimid Court. Guerre et Paix dans le Proche-Orient Médiéval. Cairo, Egypt 15 - 18 Dec 2011
TypeConference paper
TitleSitt al-Mulk: juggling troops, traps and throne at the Fāṭimid Court
AuthorsCortese, D.
Abstract

In this paper I will contextually analyse the multiple levels of engagement that occurred between the princess Sitt al-Mulk and the army with a view to raise questions regarding the nature of authority that might have enabled Sitt al-Mulk to establish herself as a credible female leader in a men’s world, ‘a patron of men’. In attempting to answer these questions I will examine Sitt al-Mulk’s influence over members of the military apparatus in light of the reciprocal adherence to formal and informal rules of loyalty and obligation that prevailed in pre-modern Islamic courts, determined by the need to shape dynastic politics to mutual advantage.

Research GroupPerspectives in Religion group
Interpreting and Translation group
ConferenceGuerre et Paix dans le Proche-Orient Médiéval
Publication process dates
Deposited13 Nov 2013
Output statusPublished
LanguageEnglish
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