Harem Years: The Memoirs of an Egyptian Feminist, 1879-1924

by Huda Shaarawi

Other authorsMargot Badran (Editor), Margot Badran (Translator)
Hardcover, 1993

Status

Checked out

Publication

The Feminist Press at CUNY (1993), Hardcover, 176 pages

Description

In this firsthand account of the private world of a harem in colonial Cairo, Shaarawi recalls her childhood and early adult life in the seclusion of an upper-class Egyptian household, including her marriage at age thirteen. Her subsequent separation from her husband gave her time for an extended formal education, as well as an unexpected taste of independence. Shaarawi's feminist activism grew, along with her involvement in Egypt's nationalist struggle, culminating in 1923 when she publicly removed her veil in a Cairo railroad station, a daring act of defiance.

User reviews

LibraryThing member SChant
Disappointing. The "Harem Years" were a dull memoir of privilege, and the later years where she became involved in anti-colonialism and feminism were only lightly touched on in the last chapter.
LibraryThing member Pantalaimon01
An interesting biography of Huda Shaarawi, drawing upon some her own past diary entries. Huda Shaarawi grew up in the Harem - the area of a house in Egypt where well-off women stayed, separate from the rest of the building and society in general. Contact with others, especially men or travel, was
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closely controlled and subject to strict etiquette. Coming from a wealthy family, she was able to fight for a good education and received it. Her growing dissatisfaction with this control over women by men and society, coupled with women playing a prominent role in fighting for Egyptian independence and becoming aware of feminist ideas and writings, led Shaarawi to develop her own movement in Egypt, with friends and companions. She helped to end the Harem system and founded the beginnings of women's rights in the country.
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Language

Physical description

176 p.; 6.25 x 0.75 inches

ISBN

0935312714 / 9780935312713

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