The Construction of Gender Discourse in the Timurid Era

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD candidate in History, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of History and Civilization of Islamic Nations,, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

3 Professor, Department History of Islamic Iran, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

10.22034/chs.2026.523747.1103
Abstract
Gender plays an effective role in redefining social distinctions, roles, and functions. In different societies, gender identity, as a social construct, operates at a level beyond biological differences. The representation of gender in traditional societies is an issue observed within historical texts. The aim of this research is to study the status of women in the political system of the Timurid era. The research findings indicate that gender and gender identity in the Timurid era were influenced by and interacted with the tribal and patriarchal system, and from the very beginning of Timur's ascendancy, women were present in the social arena amidst the thick of wars, without gender segregation; hence, their identity was formed alongside men and within the tribes. This very fact caused the function of women in political-military arenas to look more prominent. The structure of the Timurid government, which was founded upon marriage with women from important tribes, provided an opportunity for women's strategies, from warfare to politics and even intercession for the sake of peace and the well-being of the tribe and government, to be successful. Despite gender discrimination, women were able to demonstrate their power within the patriarchal society of the Timurid era and within the Timurid apparatus through feminine mechanisms and the manifestation of feminine subtlety. The present study is specifically focused on the period of Timur's rule.

Keywords


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Volume 17, Issue 65 - Serial Number 65
Autumn 2025
Autumn 2025
Pages 173-205

  • Receive Date 19 May 2025
  • Revise Date 23 February 2026
  • Accept Date 06 April 2026
  • Publish Date 22 November 2025