Who was the first woman to write poetry in the Persian language?
The image shows the tombstone of Robiya Qazdoriy
Content is being prepared for the exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan about Robiya Qazdoriy, the first woman poet of the Samanid period to write in Persian. She was one of the renowned literary figures of the 10th century who composed poetry in both Persian and Arabic, and is recognized as the first woman to write poetry in the Persian language. Information about her life and work has come down primarily through literary and Sufi sources.
Details about Robiya Qazdoriy’s true identity and biography remain unclear. She is often referred to as Robiya Balkhi, Robiya al-Qazdori, or Robiya al-Huzdori. Much of her life is uncertain, and some sources describe her as having come from an Arab family. Initially known simply as a poet, later mystics such as Fariduddin Attar and Jami portrayed her as a Sufi poet. Her name has been given to various schools and hospitals in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.