The Status of Women in Fazzan from the 16th Century to the 19th Century: The Documents of Brak as a Model.

Abstract

The images of women's transactions in Fazzan are abundant in the documents, and we have a sufficient number of family documents that allow for an investigation into the status of women in Fazzan society during the study period. Economically, it is clear that women had financial autonomy, as documents were written in their names. They owned land and were involved in buying and selling, especially among those who were well-off. Additionally, they would donate and give away land and houses.

Socially, as reflected in the documents of marriage and divorce, the latter was often initiated by the woman (khul‘), with phrases such as "she gave up her dowry" appearing in the documents. The documents also reflect the issue of inheritance, where women inherited from their parents and husbands and could pass on their inheritance to their daughters and sons.

In fact, the documents show that women enjoyed an excellent social position, despite some documents—especially those related to the "habs" (endowment)—where a man would create a document restricting his children, both male and female, from selling land. However, the male heirs were allowed to pass on the land to their children, while the female heir benefited from her share as long as she was alive. Upon her death, her share would be divided among the male heirs.