The Unforgettable Queens of Islam

'Most women rulers in Islamic states succeeded their fathers or husbands, and Shahla Haeri shows that they cultivated an image as tolerant and caring 'mothers' of their nations. Her fascinating and original study concludes that an emerging generation of female politicians may represent a more democratic and inclusive force in Muslim societies, precisely because their very identity is a challenge to military and theocratic establishments.' Adam Kuper, British Academy

'Haeri harvests decades of work on women political leaders in the Islamic world, from the Queen of Sheba in the 10th century B.C.E. to the contemporary Pakistani Benazir Bhutto and Indonesian Megawati Sukarnoputri. By performing fine-tuned ethnographic and historical research, Haeri brilliantly answers the question of why only in modern times have religious/political establishments begun to apply the suspect hadith against accepting a woman as ruler.' Mary Elaine Hegland, Santa Clara University, California

'The written history of the Muslim world is still typically told in a manner that sidelines the experience of Muslim women. In this beautifully written and important book, Shahla Haeri corrects that imbalance, creating the finest book I have ever read on women leaders across the Muslim-majority world. This is a 'must read' for everyone interested in Islam and gender today and across the span of history.' Robert W. Hefner, Boston University, Massachusetts

'This pioneering book offers a riveting account of women who have achieved political power across a range of Muslim majority cultures and down the centuries. Today the issue of women and power is a highly contested one in Muslim majority countries - as indeed elsewhere. Offering a sustained, reasoned and well-grounded overview and analysis of the topic and its underpinnings, this book constitutes an invaluable resource.' Leila Ahmed, Harvard University, Massachusetts

'The Unforgettable Queens of Islam presents a fascinating set of comparative biographies of Muslim women leaders … engaging and thought-provoking.' R. A. Miller, Choice

'I thoroughly enjoyed each story, learning how these very different women acquired and maintained their power and authority, and what their gender brought to their challenges and opportunities … For those interested in the relationship between religion and politics, and the nature of gender and authority in the modern world, this book is a great place to start! …fascinating and timely …' Diane C. Perlov, California Science Center