In this podcast Dr Anna Chrysostomides of Queen Mary University of London discusses some of the current research on women and gender in medieval Islam, examines the changing role and status of women in the early years of Islam and looks at the lives of some of the key historical figures of this period.

1. Could you tell us a little about the work that is currently being done on this topic?
2. What sources do we have?
3. Can you talk about the position and status of women before the emergence of Islam?
4. How did this change in the early years of Islam?
5. Do we have examples of women in powerful political or religious positions in this early period?
6. How much thinking is done about gender and the roles of men and women?
7. Are women’s lives, roles and status different depending on where they live within Islamic empires?
8. What should students be thinking about when trying to understand the lives of women during this long period
9. What literature would you suggest students read to get a greater understanding of this history?
10. Can you talk to us about areas for future research?
11. Can you tell us about some of your favourite historical figures?

In order to access the full content of the podcasts please Login or Join the HA.