138. The Graceful Reed: Ruling the Islamic Empire

This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Hugh Kennedy, an expert on the Islamic Caliphate, about Al-Khayzuran, a significant female figure in the Abbasid Empire. The discussion begins with an overview of the Abbasid Empire in the 700s, its vastness, and its intellectual vibrancy as a center for learning. Kennedy details Al-Khayzuran's life, from her origins as a slave girl to her rise as a powerful consort and her influence on the succession of Caliphs. A key takeaway is Al-Khayzuran's strategic use of her position and relationships to advance her sons' claims to power, ultimately shaping the course of the Abbasid dynasty. Listeners gain insight into the social dynamics and political maneuvering within the Abbasid court and the significant role women played despite societal limitations.