Women Studies

Women Studies

Introduction to Concepts Related to Women in the Book Diwān Luġāt al-Turk by Kashghari (A Study of Concepts of Femininity in Central Asia in the 4th Century AH)

Articles in Press

Document Type : -

Authors
Ramezan Rezaei 1
Nahid Fathi 2
1 Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD in Public Administration and Head of Scientific Publications Department, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
10.30465/ws.2026.52832.4481
Abstract
Throughout history, different nations and ethnic groups have held diverse views about women and treated them accordingly, with both positive and negative perceptions emerging across various historical periods. During some historical periods, women were regarded as inferior to men, considered second-class individuals, and at times viewed as a source of shame. However, among the Turkic people, the situation was different. Diwān Luġāt al-Turk by Kashgari, an encyclopedia dating back more than a thousand years, preserves valuable information about the life and culture of the peoples of Central Asia. Based on the evidence found in this work, women in Turkic society enjoyed a status equal to that of men. The Turks attached great importance to women and held them in high esteem. Within their tribal traditions, women could even advance to positions of leadership.This study seeks, using a descriptive-analytical method, to examine the status of women among the ancient Turks and the terms used to describe them. The findings indicate that Turkic women have stood alongside men throughout history in the administration of affairs, military service, warfare, art, and music. They were respected, raised with care and affection, and in some cases were accorded a sacred status.
Keywords
Central Asia
Turks
women
Diwān Luġāt al-Turk
Mahmud al-Kashghari
Subjects
Women Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 June 2026

  • Receive Date 08 September 2025
  • Revise Date 04 December 2025
  • Accept Date 10 February 2026