|
Worldwide
Guide to Women in Leadership
WOMAN MUSLIM
LEADERS
and
FEMALE LEADERS IN MUSLIM
COUNTRIES
throughout the times
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624
Opposition Leader Hind al-Hunnud, Arab World
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A member of the Quaish Tribe in the Kingdom of Kindah, she was one of
the leaders of the opposition to Muhammed. She led a battle against him
in 624, where her father and brother were killed and she then led a
battle of vengeance against Muhammed. In the end she submitted to him
and became a Muslim convert.
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631-56
Politically Influential 'A'ishah Bint Abi Bakr, Arab World
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A powerful force in the political turmoil that followed the
death of her husband, the Prophet Muhammed. She became an authority on
Muslim tradition, and very important for her role in the civil war. She
was defeated and captured in a battle in 656 and only released on
promising to abandon political life. Her religious teachings became
important for the Shiite branch of the Muslim faith. She lived (613-78).
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681
Khanum Pisutu of Uighuristan (Central Asia)
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The Uighur Khans governed
portions of Central Asia in the centuries immediately following the Muslim
expansion, and then fade from view. It is not entirely clear that the Turkic
people called Uighurs who now dwell mostly in Western China are the same
folk; the name is the same, but it could have been adopted by later-arriving
tribes. The country was invaded by the Got Turks in 681.
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Ca 690-701
Queen Dahlia al-Chain
of the Moors (Berbian
tribe in Tunisia)
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Her name means the
"priestess" or the "prophetess", and she assumed personal command of the
Barbarian forces, and under her leadership, the Arabs were briefly
forced to retreat, but since the Arabs were relentless, she ordered a
scorched earth policy. After her defeat, Dahia al-Kahina took her own
life, and sent her sons to the Arab camp with instructions that they
adopt Islam and make common cause with the Arabs. Ultimately,
these men participated in invading Europe and the subjugation of Spain
and Portugal.
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720-..
De facto Joint Ruler Hababa of Bagdad (Iraq)
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She was slave singer of the 9th Ummayyad Caliph, Yarzid II Ibn 'Abd al-Malik
who was hostage to her carm. She choked on a pomegranate seed and he died of
grief a few weeks later. Later historians stigmatized him and held him in
contempt for letting himself be infatuated by a slave. |
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734-41
Khatun and Regent Mo-ki-lien of Mong (Mongolia)
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Is known as Khatun Mo-ki-lien, which was the name of her husband. He
was poisoned by his minister, and she acted as regent for their son, Yu-jan,
who was again succeeded by her minor brother, Tängri Khagan, who died in 741. |
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Ca. 774
Governor Cara Zon of Carcasson (Spain)
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A Marurian-Arab Princess. She defended the city-state against Charles
the Great.
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775-809
Politically Influential
Caliph-Consort Al-Haizuran of Bagdad (Iraq)
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Also known as Khayzuran
(literally, Bamboo) she was a slave, born most likely in Yemen, and
gained substantial influence during the reigns of her husband, al-Mahdi
(775-785), who allowed her to make many important royal decisions. After
his death, it was Khayzuran who kept the peace by paying off the
Caliph's army in order to maintain order. She arranged for the accession
of her son, al-Hadi, even when he was away from the capitol. When al-Hadi
proved less tolerant of Khayzuran's political maneuverings than had al-Mahdi,
it was speculated that it was Khayzuran who arranged his murder in favour
of her second, more tolerant son, Harun. Whatever the truth, Khayzuran
is more fondly remembered than many of the caliphs themselves.
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908-32
Politically Influential Shaghab of Baghdad (Iraq) |
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Succeeded
in maneuvering the religious and military elite into recognizing her only
13 year old son, Muqtadir, as caliph. She had origially been a slave. |
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926
Regent Dowager Empress Shulü Hatun of Qidan (China and of
Mongolia)
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Also known
as Khatun Shu-lü Shih of Purtmish, she was regent after the death of her
husband Abaoji until her son Yaoku was elected as his successor as ruler
of The Qidan nationality, which originally dwelt in the upper reaches of
the mountains. It was nomadic and its main activities were fishing and
hunting.
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Around
950
Queen Yehudit of the Falasha Agaw (Ethiopia)
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Also known as Yodit, Esato or Judith, she attacked the Christian
southern provinces of Ethopia as far as the mountains of Tigre around
975. The Ethiopians saw her invasion as a punishment for having failed
to be obedient to their Coptic patriarch. While the Agaw held power, the
Amhara and Tegre culture entered a "dark age" about which little is
known, and a large part of the Ethiopian civilization was lost or
destroyed during this time.
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Until
970
Princess Alan-Goa of the Hori-Tumat Dynasty in Mongolia
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Succeeded by Bodonchar
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Around 976 Politically Influential Dowager
Queen of Persia (Iran) |
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Together with vizier Abu'l-Husain 'Abd-Allah ibn Ahmad 'Utbi,
she assisted her son,
Nuh II ibn Mansur, of the Samanid Dynasty (d. 997) who ascended to the throne as
a youth. |
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981
Regent Hint bint Ishaq of Thima (Arabia)
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997-1028/29
Regent for the Caliph-Governor Sayuda Sirin Hatyn of Gabal of Persia
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Reigned in the name of both her son and grandson, both of the Bayide Dynasty
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Around 1000 Leader Badit bint Maja of the Politically Organized
Islamic Society (Ethiopia)
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Either leader of a tribe
or substate-entity.
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1020-24 Regent
Naib us Sultanat Sitt al-Moluk of Egypt
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Also known as the Lady of Cairo, her name means "Lady of Power", and
assumed power after having arranged the "disappearance" of her brother
Imam Hakim bin Amr Allah. She had
his son al-Zahir proclaimed Imam and Caliph and she became regent. She
appointed competent ministers, managed to setting the economy in order
and brought peace to the country. (d. 1024)
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1046-62 Regent The Caliph-Mother of Egypt
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For the Fathamide-Caliph. She was a Sudanese ex
-slave.
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1061-1107 Joint
Ruler al-qa'ima bi mulkini Zainab al-Nafzawiyya of the Berber Empire
(Northern Africa)
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Contemporary sources name her "the one in charge of her husband's
realm", and she was joint ruler with her husband, Yusuf Ibn Tashfin of
an Empire covering most of Northern Africa.
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1084-1137 Regent
Dowager Sultana Saiyida Hurra Arwa bint Ahmad as-Sulayhi of Tihama
(Arabia)
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Ruled in the name of Saba, who died
in 1197/99 and then reigned alone, though together with other
co-regents. From sometime in the 1130s she was the sole ruler. She was
succeeded by Sultan al-Mansur bin al Mugaddal.
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1086-94
Regent Dowager Queen Khanum of the Tanguts
(Dangxiang) (China and
Mongolia)
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Regent for son Li Qianshum (1086-1139), who ruled in Jingbian/Ningxian.
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Until 1087 Co-Ruler
al-Sayyida al-Hurra
Malika Asma Bint Shibab al-Sulayhiyya of Yemen
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Her title means "The Most Noble Lady who is independent, the woman
sovereign who bows to no superior authority, Queen". She was married to
Sultan Ali al-Sulahi, who entrusted much of the management of the realm
to her. She also enjoyed the privilege of the Khutba - having the
Friday's prayer preached in her name - the ultimate proof of
sovereignty. In 1067 her husband was taken prisoner on a pilgrimage to
Mecca and she was taken prisoner by the Bane Najah family, when she was
released she continued to direct her son's rule along with her
daughter-in-law 'Arwa, until her death in 1087.
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1091-1138
Co-Ruler
al-Sayyida al-Hurra
Malika
'Arwa bint Ahmad al-Salayhiyya of Yemen
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The wife of al-Mukarram Ahmad (1067-84), she was joint ruler with her
mother-in-law Queen Asma. After her husband's death she became ruler in
her own name, having the Friday's Prayers said in her name. She lived
(1047-1137).
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1092-94
Regent Dowager Princess Turhan Hatun of Seljuk Persia
(Iran)
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The Seljuqs were a Turkish people whose history begins around the year
1000, by which time they were the dominant presence in Transoxiana and
Turkestan. They overran the western part of the Ghaznavid Emirate in 1040, and
shortly thereafter took over all of Persia and Mesopotamia from the Buwayhids.
The death of Sanjar in 1118 signaled the decline of the Great Seljuq Empire,
which broke up into several smaller states. |
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1107-24 Regent
Dowager Sultana of the Seljuk-Principality of Malatya in Anatolia
(Turkey)
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Widow of Sultan Kilj Arslan, and married to three Turkish chiefs in
succession who acted as guardians of her son, Sultan Tughril Arslan. In
1124 the principality was concord by the Danishmendide-Turks.
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Ca. 1120-30 Ruler Al-Hurra Alam al-Malika of Zubayd (Yemen)
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A singer or slave of the king Mansur ibn-Najah (Ca. 1111-23),
who was so impressed by her political astuteness that he placed her in charge
of the realm's management and "made no decisions without consulting her". In
1123 he was poisoned by his vizier Mann Allah, but Alam continued to govern but
she never had the Khutba proclaimed in her name at the Friday night prayer.
Zybayd was a principality in western Yemen near San'a, with whom it was in a
perpetual state of war. The title of al-hurra was bestowed on women who were
active in politics, but did not denote Queenship. |
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1142 Regent Dowager Khanum Ta-pu-yen of Qara Khitai (Turkestan)
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After the death of her
husband, Ta-pu-yen, she was regent for her son Ye-lü Yi-lie.
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1151-77
Khanum Regnant Tabuyan T’a-Pu-Yen Gantian Huanghou of Qara Khitai (Turkestan
now Kyrgyzstan)
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Leader of the Central Asian Khanate – in what today is partly
Kyrgyzstan and partly Chinese Turkestan the region Sinkiang Uighur
Autonomous Region/Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu. The state was
founded by the Khitan ruler Yeh-lü Ta-shih when he conquered the Kharakhanid
Turks in 1137. In 1141 Yeh-lü consolidated his conquest by defeating the
Great Seljuk sultan Sanjar near Samarkand. The khanate was weakened in
about 1200 by attacks from the Khwarizm
shahdom and in 1218 it collapsed precipitately when the Mongols invaded.
The governmental institutions of Qara Khitai were taken over by the
Mongols to form the foundations of their own imperial administration.
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1163-77/78 Dowager Khanum Regnant Yelü Pusuwan Chengtian Taihou of Qara
Khitai (Turkestan)
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In the 1120s China's Liao
Dynasty was ousted by the Liaos, or Khitans, and were driven west into
Central Asia, where, after defeating the Seljuq Turks of Persia under
the Sultan Sanjar in 1141, they founded the Qara-Khitai Empire with
Samarkand as its capital covering present day's Mongolia,
Northern-China, Kyrgyzstan and other central Asian territories.
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1170/72
Regent Dowager Sultan Turhan of Hwarizim Sahi of Uiguristan (China
and Kazakstan)
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Reigned for Sultan Sah Abd’l Quasim Mahmud 1170/72, who was deposed as
ruler of the kingdom.
The origin of Uigur ethnic group can be
traced back to the nomadic people living around Lake Baikal and the area
between the Irtish River and Lake Balkhash in the third century B.C.
During the long history, these people amalgamated the north and south
Xinjiang (China), Mongolian, Han and Tibetan clans. And the present
Uigur ethnic group came into being. The Uigur has its own language and
alphabet, which belongs to the Turki Austronesian, Altai Phylum. In
their language, "Uigur" means "solidification and union". The Uigurs
rely heavily on agriculture as their main source of survival. They plant
cotton, wheat, corn and paddy. The largest grape base of China is also
located in the Turpan Basin.
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1172-74 Politically Influential Terken Khatun
(I) of the
Khwarezmian
Empire (Iran)
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After the death of her husband, Shah Il-Arslan,
his sons began fighting over who would succeed him. Sultan Shah was
the younger son, but he was considered the formal heir and she placed him on the throne. The elder son,
Tekish, fled to the Qara Khitai and was given a large army, and he
soon set off for Khwarazm. She and her son decided to flee, and Tekish installed himself in Khwarazm
unopposed in December 1172, but she gained the
support of Mu'ayyad al-Din Ai-Aba, a former Seljuk Amir
who had set himself up in Nishapur since the collapse of Seljuk power there, he led an
army into Khwarazm, but was defeated, captured and executed. Her son eventually found refuge with the
Ghurids, but she was hunted down and killed by Tekish's forces. |
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1200-20 De-facto Co-Ruler
Terken Khatun
(II) of
Khwarezmian Empire (Iran) |
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After the death of her partner,
'Ala' al-Din Tekish
(1172-1200), she so dominated the court of their son, 'Ala' al-Din Muhammad II
(1200-20) and quarreled so bitterly with his heir by another
wife, Jalal al-Din, that she may have contributed to the impotence of the
Khwarazmshahi kingdom in the face of the Mongol onslaught. She had a separate
Divan and separate palace and the orders of the sultan were not considered to be effective without
her signature. The Shah ruled the heterogeneou peoples
without mercy. In face of Mongol attacks, Khwarazm empire, with a combined
army of 400.000, simply collapsed. Harezmshah
Muhammed had retreated to Samarkand towards the end of his domination and he
had to leave the capital city of Gurgenç to her. |
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1208-20
Queen Ahmadilidyn of the Urmiya Dynasty of Persia
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Succeeded her father as head of the Ahmadilit-dynasty.
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121?-18
Ruler Salbak Turhan of Uiguristan (Kazakstan) |
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The Qara-Khitai Empire with Samarkand as its capital covering
present day's Mongolia, Northern-China, Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian
Territories. In 1210 the Qara-Khitai Empire lost Transoxiana to the
Khwarazim Shahdom, previously a vassal. The empire ended in 1218, when it
was annexed by the Mongol Empire of Chingiz Khan.
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1218
Regent the Dowager Sultana
of the Selsjuks in Aleppo (Syria) |
| Widow of Al-Zahir for son al-Aziz. Her troops was involved in the
fight against the crusaders. |
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1236-40
Sultan Galalat ad-Din Begum Radiya
bint Shamas al-Din Iltutmish
of the Delhi Sultanate (Most of Northern India) |
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Also known Razia Begum or Radiyya Altamish, she was The daughter of the
first Mameluk king of Delhi, Sultan Ilutmish, she came to the throne after
deposing her brother and having him killed. She used the title al-dunya
wa al din, which can be translated into "the blessed of the earthly
world and of the faith". She was a very able leader and military
commander, but was deposed and executed in 1246/47. |
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1236-42
Regent Dowager Princess
Dayfa Khatun bint al-Adil Muhammadn
of Yamkhad
(Syria) |
| Dayfat Hatun
was the widow of ad az-Zahir Ghazi Ghiyath ud-Din I,
who ruled (1186-1216) and after the death of her
son, al-'Aziz Muhammad Ghiyath ud-Din II (1216-1236) she became regent for
her grandson al-Nasr II Yusuf Salah ad-Din (1236-1260).
The capital of the Kingdom was Aleppo, an ancient city in
northwestern Syria, about 130 km east of Antiochia.
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From 1237
Regent the Dowager Sultana
of the Selsjuks in Aleppo (Syria) |
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for Sultan al-Nazir, fighting with the Latin kings and counts in the area. |
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1241-...
Joint Ruler Empress Kassi of Mali |
| According to
custom, the emperor and the principal wife ruled jointly. She was married
to her paternal cousin, Suleyman (1241-60), and was extremely popular with
the royal court. After her husband divorced her in order to marry the
commoner Bendjou, she rallied support of the noble ladies, who refused to
pay homage to the new Empress. Kassi was then forced to seek refuge in a
mosque, where she initiated a revolt, which ended in the defeat of her
Faction. |
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1241-48
Grand Khanum
Regnant
Törägänä of the Qagans of China |
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Also known as Töregene Khâtûn, she was head of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty,
which ruled most of China and Chinese Turkestan.
Her son, Guyuk, was Khan 1246-48.
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1242-46 Regent Dowager Khanum Ebüskün of Qara Khitai (Turkestan)
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For Qara Hülägü. The dynasty used to rule over a vast empire, but had been
forced back to present day's Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
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1248-51
Empress Khanum Hatun Ogul Gamys of The Yuan Dynasty in China |
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Also known as Oghul Qamish or Ghaimish. After the death of her husband,
Greath Khan Güyük, she became regent for her three young sons Qucha,
Naqu and Qughu and thereby became ruler over parts of China, Mongolia,
Tibet, Kazakstan and Turkestan. In 1250 she received three envoys of Louis
IX of France. She accepted their presents as a tribute and demanded that
the king of France made more explicit submission to her. In 1251 fighting
broke out between rival Factions of the ruling family, she was convicted
of sorcery, sewn up in a sack and drowned in 1252.
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1249-50
Regent Shajarat al-Dur of Egypt and Syria
1250
Sultan Regnant (Queen of the Muslims)
1250-57 Co-ruler |
|
In 1249, the French army under Louis IX of France attacked Egypt. Shagrat who
was regent for her husband Salih, who was in Damascus, organized the defence of
the realm. After her husband's death his son Turan became ruler, but she
retained control, and defeated the Crusaders at Damietta. The leaders of
the army plotted against Turan and have him murdered. On May 2, 1250, they put
Shagrat al-Durr on the throne, thus beginning the Mamluk dynasty. As sultan she
has coins struck in name, and she is mentioned in weekly prayers in mosques.
These two acts only can be done for the person who carries the title of sultan,
but the Caliphate at Baghdad did not approve of Shagrat, who stepped down after
for only two months. But she married her successor Aibak, a Mamluk soldier.
Reports tell of their great love for one another, and for seven years she
continued to rule. An historian who lived at the time comments: "She dominated
him, and he had nothing to say." Shagrat continued to sign the sultan's decrees,
has coins struck in both their names, and dared to be addressed as
Sultana. She was killed 1257 apparently after having murdered her husband.
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1252-61
Regent Dowager Khanum Organa Hatum of the Khanate of the Eastern
Turkiut (Xinjiang) and of Qara Khitai (China, Mongolia, Tibet, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan) and of Khurasan (Iran) |
|
Head of the Ghafa Sid Horde (or Qara Khitai/ Chagataiid Horde) and
ruled over a vast territory after the death of Qara Hulegu as successor of
Qara Hulegu, who reigned 1247-52 and 1252. She was succeeded by Khan
Alughu. Her name also spelled as Orqina Khatum.
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1255-57
Regent Dowager Khanum Boraqcin of Hwarizim Sahi (or the Khanate of
Kipchak) (Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan) |
|
Widow of Batu, who was khan (1227-55). When he died in 1255
his son and heir, Sartaq, had gone to pay court to Grand Khan Mongka, his
father's friend. But he died before he could return home to the Khanate of
Kipchak. Mongka nominated the young prince Ulagci, who was either the
brother or son of Sartaq, and made Boraqchin regent of the Mongol tribe
(The Golden Horde) in West Turkestan, roughly covering present day
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
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1257-82
Regent Dowager Sultan Turhan Hatun 'Ismat ad-Duyan Wa’l-Din of
Qutlug Khan (Iran) |
|
Also known as Qutlug or Kutlugh, she ruled as regent for son Sultan Haggag
(Hağğağ) until 1267, and afterwards alone. She had the khutba (prayer for
the sovereign) proclaimed in the mosques, the ultimate sign of legitimate
reign. She was deposed by Ahmad Teguder and replaced by her stepson as
ruler of Qutluq Khan or Kirman. Her daughter, Padisha, later reigned the
Kingdom of Kirman.
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1260-62
Regent Dowager Princess Turhan Hatun of Banu-Salgar (Iran)
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The Mongol Empire after 1260 laid fragmented as the four Mongol states
- the Golden Horde in the west, Il-Khans in Persia, Chagatai empire in
Mongolia, and Kublai Khan in China - and the Mongols in Persia were
further divided into a number of smaller states in addition to the
Il-Khans. One of them was Banu-Salgar. |
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1261-63
Regent Dowager Princess
Terken
Khatun of Fars (Iran) |
|
After the death of her husband, Atabeg Sa'd II bin Abi Bakr bin Sa'd
bin Zangi, she was duly confirmed by ruler of Fars by the Ilkhan Hülegü. She then married a kinsman, presumably as part of some now
forgotten dynastic pact, but he killed her in a drunken frenzy and
subsequently rebelled against the Ilkhan. After his defeat and death in
1263/64, Hülegü nominated her infant daughter, Abish Khatun to
be the ruler of Fars. |
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1263-75 Atabeg Regnant Abisha Hadud Khatun of Fars (Iran)
1283-87 Governor of Fars |
|
Also known as Abish Khatun or
Aubee Khatton,
she was nominated as ruler by the Ilkhan of the Khwarazham Empire in
Persi, after her mother, Terken Khatun, was killed. Her
name was read in the khutha and struck on
the coinage.
In 1274, when she was about fifteen, she was taken to the Ilkhan's ordu
(Court), and married to Tash-Möngke (Mengü Temür), a younger son of
Hülegü This was a marriage, forbidden in
Islamic law, between a Muslim woman and a shamanist, but presumably the will
of the Ilkhan transcended all other considerations. She became his chief
wife and had two daughters by him, Kürdüjin and Alghanchi. When her husband
was sent as governor to Fars, she was retained in the ordu, but 1283, the new Ilkhan, Ahmad Tegüder (1282-84), recalled him from
Shiraz and appointed her in his place. Her financial
recklessness, coinciding with a drought throughout Fars, meant that she
defaulted on her revenue payments, so that Ahmad Tegüder's successor, Arghun
(1284-91), ordered her to appear at the ordu. Perhaps relying
on the good offices of Öljei Khatun, Hülegü's widow, to protect her from the
Ilkhan's wrath, she declined to go and behaved outrageously toward the
officials sent to supersede her. She was eventually forced to capitulate and
submitted to the Ilkhan (Öljei Khatun did indeed intercede for her), dying at
the ordu in 1287, after having lived (ca. 1269-87). |
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1285-87 Maat Layla Sultan of Harrar (Ethiopian Sup state) |
|
Succeeded her brother as head of the Semitic speaking Islamic
Ethiopian Boarder State. |
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1291-95
Safwad al dunya wa ad-Din Padshah Hatun of Qutlugh Khan (Iran) |
|
Padshah became ruler and took the title Safwad al dunya wa ad-Din
(Purity of the earthly world and of the faith) after Djalal da-Din
Abu'l-Muzzafar was deposed as head of the Mongol tribe, which reigned in
the southeastern Iran. She had her stepbrother Suyurghatamish arrested and
eventually killed. She was daughter of Kitlugh Turkan or Turkan Khatun,
Queen of Qutlugh Khan or Kirman (1257-82). In 1295 her husband's successor
Great Khan Baydo of the Ilkhan dynasty, had her put to death on the advise
of the leader of Suyurghatamish's clan, his widow, Khurdudjin.
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1307
Dowager Empress Khanum Bulugan of the Yuan Dynasty in China |
| She was widow of
Temur Oljetu (Cheng Tsung) who ruled (1294-1307) as successor to
Khubilaikhan (Shizu) and acted as regent for her step-grandson Wu Tsung,
also known as Khaishan or Hai San. She was born as Princess Bulukhan of
the Baya'ud.
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1316-17
Regent and Principal Minister Qutlug Sah Hatun of Persia and Iraq
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After the death of her husband, Ghiyath al-Din Muhammed Uljaytu
(1282-1304-16) the 8th Il Khan she was regent for their son, 'Ala al-Dunaya
wa 'l-din Abu Said (1304-1317-1335). The dynasty had reigned Persia and
Iraq China since Kubilai Khan of Mongolia and China appointed his
brother, Halagu (1256-1265) as tributary sub-ruler. With the death of Abu
Sa'id the Il-lkhanid dynasty in Iran virtually came to an end. |
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1316
Ruler Dawlat Khatun of Luristan (Persia)
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Succeeded her husband, Izz al-Din Muhammad, the 13th sovereign of the
Mongol Bani Kurshid dynasty, which ruled Luristan in southwestern Persia.
She proved to be a poor administrator, and therefore she abdicated after a
short period in favour of her brother-in-law, Izz al-Din Hassan. |
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1325-36 Politically Influential Baghdad Khatun of
the Ilkhanate in
Persia
(Iran)
|
|
First married to Shaykh Hasan Buzurg, founder of the Jalayirid dynasty, whom she married in 1323.
Two years later, they divorced on the orders of her uncle, Abu Said, the Ilkhan,
and they married in 1327, and now enjoyed a period of
unprecedented power as the harem favorite, even acquiring the
honorific title of Khudawandigar [sovereign]. 1331-32, she
briefly fell from grace because of accusations that she had plotted the
assassination of Abu Said with her former husband, but in the following year
she was restored to favour. Another blow to her authority came in 734/1333-34, when
Abu Sa'id married her niece, Dilshad Khatun, and elevated the latter to the
rank of principal wife. She displayed her resentment at her
diminished status and when, according to Ibn Battuta, Abu Sa'id died in
1335, she was accused of poisoning him and was beaten to death in her
bathhouse either by order of his amirs or his successor, Arpa. |
|
1332-33
Regent Dowager Empress Khanum Ptashali of the Yuan Dynasty
of China |
|
Leader of the Qagans
Mongolian Dynasty which ruled most of China and surrounding territories,
during the reigns of Irinjibal (1332) and Toghon Temur (1333-70). In 1368
the Yuans were replaced by the Ming Dynasty after a period of internal
revolt. |
 |
1338-39
Acting Caliph Governor and Principal Minister Sati Beg
Hatun of the Mongols Il Khans Empires in Persia (Iran)
|
|
Used the title Al-sultana al-radila Sati Bek Khan Khallad
Allah mulkaha - The just sultana Sati Bek, may Allah perpetuate her
reign, and was daughter and sister of some of the earlier rulers. After
Mohammad was overthrown, she took power and married Suleiman, who became
titular co-ruler. The Mongols Il Khans controlled Persia as a sort
of local Mongol authority under the Great Horde.
|
 |
Ca.1344-ca.52
Sultan Regnant Mo'at Laila of Ifat (East Shoa,
Ethiopian Substate) |
| The Muslim
sultanate situated in the northeastern Shewan foothills was one of the
boarder-states threatening the Ethiopian state but it was about one
hundred years later. |
|
1348-79
Sultan and Maha Radun
Malikat Rahandi Kambadi-Kilagi
of the Maldive Islands, Sultan of Land and Sea and Lord of the
twelve-thousand islands |
| One of
three daughters of Sultan Salah ad-Din Salih Albendjaly, who was succeeded
by her brother. The vizier 'Abdallah al-Muhammad al-Hazrami married the
sultan's mother, and had him put to death. Meanwhile, Khadija had married
Jamal-ud-din, who managed to take over the reigns of power for his wife.
As vizier he issued orders in her name. Succeeded by sister, Myriam.
|
|
1366-71
Regent Khanum Beng Shi of Yuan China |
|
For the pretender Ming Sheng. |
|
1370-73
Khanum Regnant Tulun Beg of the Golden Horde in Russia and Serbia |
| Member
of the Akurdu Dynasty. |
|
1379-81
Sultan Myriam Raadafati Kambadi Kilege of the Maldive Islands |
|
Also known as
Queen Siri Suvama Abaarana.
Her sister, Sultan Khadija, reigned
three times beginning in 1337.
Myriam was the last of the Lunar Dynasty and was deposed by a Moslem
cleric by the name of Fagi Mohamed son of Kaeumani Kaulhannaa Kilege of
Maakuratu, who was succeeded by his daughter Daainu Kambaa
in 1383. |
|
1383-88
Sultan Malikat
Daainu
Kambaa
Radafati Kambadi-Kilagi of the Maldive Islands |
| Also known as
Fatima, she was daughter of Sultana Myriam, who was deposed by
Fagi Mohamed in 1381. Daainu was deposed by her husband who ascended the
throne as Sultan Abdulla II and reigned a month and a half before being
assassinated by Osman of Fehendu. |
 |
14….
Tribal
Leader
Lalla Aziza
in Morocco |
|
Very
influential during her lift-time in her Berban tribe, she is now
considered a saint who protects chasseurs and the
aèdes berbères.
|
|
|
14....
Malika Tindu of the Jallarid Dynasty (Iraq) |
| Ruled
sometime during the 15th century, and had the khubta - Friday's prayers -
preached in her name. |
 |
1411-19
Governor and Sultan Tandu of Baghdad (Iraq) |
| Also known as
Tindu, she belonged to the Jalarid Dynasty, a branch of the Ilkhan Mongol
rulers, and daughter of king Awis. She was first married to al-Zahir
Barquq, the last Mamluk king of Egypt. She did not like life in Cairo and
her husband let her go back to Baghdad, where she married her cousin Shah
Walad bin Ali, the Governor for the Caliph, and after his death she
acceded to the throne, had coins stuck in her name and the khutba
(sovereign's prayer) proclaimed in her name in the mosques. She was one of
the last Mongol rulers in the area. |
|
1432
Regent Dowager
Sultana Aisha Sia of Ternate (Indonesia) |
| After the death
of her husband Paduka Sri Sultan Bessi Muhammad Hasan, Kaicili
Komalo Pulu, Sultan of Ternate (1377-1432), who established himself as
paramount ruler of the Moluccas, taking the title of Kolano ma-Lukku
in 1380, for grandson Kaicili Ngolo-ma-Kaya, who succeeded as
Paduka Sri Sultan Gapi Baguna II. She was daughter of another sultan of
the state. |
 |
Around 1450 Chieftainess Sharifa Fatima of the Zaydi (Yemen) |
| The daughter of
the religious leader, Imam al-Zayel al-Nasir Li Din Allah, she and her
tribe took San'a by force of arms in the mid 15th century. |
|
1461-70
Regent Dowager Sultana Mhduma Gahan of
Bahmani Sahi (India) |
|
For Nizanu Shah (d. 1463) and Sams ad-Din Muhamed Shah II (1463-82). |
 |
1467
Princess Regnant Bigum Hatun of Qara Quyünlü (Iraq) |
|
Ruler of a Turkish Tribe in Mesopotamia |
|
1470-ca. 92
Regent Khatun Mandughai of Mongolia |
| Also known as
Mandugaya Setsen Khantun, she was widow of Grand Khan Mandaghol, the 27th
successor of Jengis Khan, who was succeeded by his nephew, Bolkho, in
1467. When he was assassinated three years later, the mother of his
five-year-old son, Dayan Qagani, had deserted the child, and Mandughai
took him under her protection, proclaimed him khan, and became his regent.
She assumed command of the Mongol troops and defeated their enemy, the
Oirat. In 1481 she married Dayan, and 1491-92 she again lead the army to
fend off the Orat.
|
|
1470-90 We
Ban-ri Gau Daeng Marawa Makalappi Bisu-ri La Langpili Patta-ri La We
Larang , Arumpone of Bone
(Indonesia) |
| Styled Arung
Majang before her accession on the death of her father. Her
ceremonial name was Malajangi-ri China, and she was mother of two sons. |
|
1470-... Sultana Narisa Malik uz-Zahir of Samudra Pasai
Kesepulih (Indonesia) |
|
Daughter of Sultan Kadir al
Malik uz-Zahir ibnu al-Marhum of Pasai and married to Sultan Muhammad of
Aceh, who reigned (1465-77) |
|
 |
1481-92 Amina Gul-Bahar Khanum Valide
Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
The Valide Sultan was the
mother of the sultan, and had an important place in the imperial family.
In some aspects she was considered as a joint-ruler with theoretical
jurisdiction over the women in the empire. She was married to
Mohammed II and mother of Bajazet (1481-1512), and lived (1434-94)
|
|

|
1482-92
Regent 'A'isha al-Hurra of Cordova (Spain)
|
|
Gained support from the nobles and military leaders to depose her
husband, 'Ali abu al-Hasan (reigned 1461-82), who was being infatuated
by his Christian concubine, Isabella, who had converted to Islam and
taken the name of Soraya. Her son, Muhammad Abu 'Abdallah was proclaimed
as caliph. She played a prominent role in the last years of the Muslim
reign in the south of Spain, which was conquered by their Catholic
majesties, Isabel I of Castilla and Fernando of Aragon.
|
|
1482-1530
President of the Regency Council The Makhduma-e-Jahan of The Bahmani
Deccan (Oudh) (India) |
| As Dowager
Queen, she was Regent for son Mahmud Shah Bahmani, who ascended the throne
at the age of 12 years, when some usurpers had been overthrown. |
 |
15..
Princesss Regnant Nur Begum of Hunza (Afganistan) |
|
The daughter of Girkis Han, she ruled for 12 years of the mountainous
region on the boarder to China. Succeeded by nephew Ayaso I. |
 |
1510-52
Governor Sayyida al-Hurra of Tetouán (Morocco) |
|
First confirmed as prefect and then appointed governor of the city state
of
Tetouán ("Hakima Tatwan"). She was the undisputed leader of the pirates in
the western Mediterranean. She was married to Sultan Al-Mandri and after
his death she married Ahmad al-Wattasi, who reigned (1524-49). After her
first husband's death, she gained the title al-hurra
(Sovereign Lady).
She was member of the Andalusian noble family, Banu Rashid, who immigrated
to Morocco after the Christian conquest of Muslim Spain. She was deposed
in 1552. |
|
|
1520-34 Gulbehar Hatun Mahidevran
Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Also known as Aisha Hafsa
Khanum, she was mother of Suleiman II, the son of Selim I. In some
aspects the Valide Sultan was considered as a joint-ruler with
theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire.
|
|
1521-32
Regent The Dowager Queen
Njai Tjili of Ternate
(Indonesia) |
| Regent
for sons Deijalo and Bohejat. In 1532 Prince Kaitjil became sultan. |
 |
1523-58
De-facto Ruler Kadin Roxelana of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) |
| Very
influential during the reign of her husband Sultan Süleiman II (1520-66).
She had originally been bought as a slave by Süleiman's friend Ibrahim
Pascha. The Pascha later gave her to the Sulatan as a gift. she is
believed to have been born in Russia and lived (ca. 1507-58)
|
 |
1529-30
Regent Dowager Sultan Dudu of
Janupur
(India) |
|
After the death of her
husband, Muhammed, she was regent for Galal Han, who was deposed in
1533. Under her family's reign, the state became the home of Muhammadan
culture and refuge for men of letters. She was killed in 1530.
|
 |
1543-52
Regent Dowager Sultana Bat'ial
Dël
Wanbara of Harar
(Ethiopia) |
|
In charge of the territory after her husband, Imam Ahmad had been
killed. She reigned jointly with 'Ali Jarad. She had accompanied her
husband on his expeditions of conquest in the Christian highlands. At
times she had to be carried on their shoulders up and down steep and rocky
mountain slopes, twice in a state of pregnancy. She gave birth to Muhammad
in 1531 and Ahmad two years later.
After the defeat and death of her husband and the capture of her young son
Muhammad, she fled to the north-west of Lake Tana, and eventually
succeeded in returning to Harar, then at the center of Adal power. Her
first task was to make arrangements for the exchange of her eldest son
Muhammad for Emperor Galawdewo's brother, Minas. Del Wanbara was
determined to
revenge her husband's
death and, nine years later, agreed to marry the Emir of Harar, Nur Ibn
Mujahid, son of her first husband's sister, seeing in him the best
prospect of achieving her aim. Emir Nur began by rebuilding Harar, which
had been sacked, and enclosed the town with a wall which can be seen to
this day. Having reorganized his forces, he undertook a new conquest of
the Christian highlands and, in 1559, killed Emperor Galawdewos in battle.
She was daughter
of Imam Mehefuz, governor of Zayla
and de facto ruler
of the state of Adal. She married Imam Ahmad and, ignoring the protests of
his soldiers,
|
 |
1544-?
Politically influential Mihrumâh Sultana
of the
Ottoman Empire |
| Only daughter of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent by Hürrem Sultan.
Her father
ored his
her,
and complained with her every wish. She married Rüstem Paþa,
Governor-General of Diyarbakýr, who was shortly afterwards appointed grand
vizier. According to Ottoman historians, Hürrem, Mihrumâh and Rüstem Paþa
conspired to bring about the death of Þehzade Mustafa, who stood in the
way of Mihrumâh Sultan’s influence over her father.
The fact that Mihrumâh encouraged her father to launch the campaign
against Malta, promising to build 400 galleys at her own expense; that
like her mother she wrote letters to the King of Poland; and that on her
father’s death she lent 50.000 gold sovereigns to Sultan Selim to meet his
immediate needs, illustrate the political power which she wielded.
Her husband
was
grand vizier in the periods 1544-1553 and 1555-1561,
and she and her mother
formed an inner circle in the government which evidently influenced the
sultan's decisions particularly in issues concerning the succession and
the future of the sultanate.
They were
accused of putting pressure on
her father
to execute his eldest surviving son, Mustafa. At that critical point when
Sultan
Süleyman
was faced with open protest from the army and negative public opinion
following the murder of Mustafa, Süleyman
was forced to replace his son-in-law in the position of grand vizirate
with Kara Ahmed Pasha, a war hero and favourite of the army. But within two
years under pressure from the inner circle under Hürrem,
Kara Ahmed was eliminated and Rustem resumed the grand vizirate, keeping
the office until his death in 1561. |
|
|
Ca. 1545-ca.1570/80 Sultan Hudah bint Sarmah al-Fasi of Fazzan
(Libya) |
|
Grandchild of Muhamad al-Fasi Fezzan. The
state mainly consisted of oases in the Sahara Desert, and the population
is largely Arab, with Berber and black African influence. Located on
caravan routes connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Sudan, Fazzan
was long important in the trans-Saharan trade. From the early 16th to the
early 19th century it was the center of the Bani Muhammad dynasty,
which originated in Morocco. |
 |
1549-51
Regent Dowager Princess
Syun Beka of Kazan (Russia)
|
|
Regent for son. Today Kazan is the capital of the Russian Republic of
Tatarstan. |
|
|
1556-64 Regent for the Governor
Mah Cucak Bigum of Kabul, Afganistan |
|
Reigned for Governor Miza Muhammad Hakim (1556-85) hereditary
representative of the Grand Mogul of India. She was murdered in 1565 |
 |
1560-62
De-facto regent Maham Anga of the Mughal Empire (India) |
|
The chief nurse of
Emperor Akbar, she gained influence after she convinced Akbar to
dismiss his minister, Bairam. Her power began to wane in 1561, when
Akbar appointed Atkah Khan as chief minister. Five months later her
son, Adham Khan, Akbar's foster-brother, attempted to assassinate
Atkah Khan, but was executed, and she died shortly after, and the
emperor, who was now 19 ruled alone from then on. |
|

|
1574-83 Politically Influential
Nurbanu Sultan Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire
(Turkey)
|
|
Nur Banu took an active part
in the governance of the empire as the chief advisor of her son, Murad
III. Of Italian origin, she was married to Selim III, and lived
(1530-83). (or
to 1595)
|
 |
1576-1610
Queen Amina Sarauniya of Zazzua, Zaria and Abuja
1580-82 Queen of Kano (Nigeria) |
|
Probably the granddaughter of Sarkin (king) Zazzau Nohir. Zazzua
was one of a number of Hausa city-states which dominated the trans-Saharan
trade after the collapse of the Songhai empire to the west. At the age of
sixteen, Amina became the heir apparent (Magajiya) to her mother, Bakwa of
Turunku, the ruling Queen of Zazzua. With the title came the
responsibility for a ward in the city and daily councils with other
officials. Although her mother's reign was known for peace and prosperity,
Amina also chose to learn military skills from the warriors. Queen Bakwa
died around 1566 and the reign of Zazzua passed to her younger brother
Karama. At this time Amina emerged as the leading warrior of Zazzua
cavalry. Her military achievements brought her great wealth and power.
When Karama died after a ten-year rule, Amina became Queen of Zazzua. She
set off on her first military expedition three months after coming to
power and continued fighting until her death. In her thirty-four year
reign, she expanded the domain of Zazzua to its largest size ever. Lived
(ca. 1533-ca- 1610) |
 |
1577-80
Regent Dowager Queen Mahid-I Uliyah of Persia |
Regent for Esmâil II (1576-78) and Shah Mohammed Khodâbanda
(1578-87) of the Safavid
Dynasty, which was of Turkmen origin and established themselves first at
Tabriz, which had been the capital of the Mongol Il Khans, in Turkish
speaking Azerbaijanistan. They also brought the Shi'ite branch of Islam to
Persia.
|
 |
1580-90
Regent Dowager Sultana Cand Bibi of
Bijapur (India)
1596-99 Regent of
Ahmadnagar |
| After her
husband, 'Ali 'Adil Shah II, was killed in 1580, she was regent for her
nephew, Ibrahim 'Adil Shah II, and ruled with great prudence and
intelligence till the young king came of age. When order was restored in
Bijapur kingdom, Chand Bibi went back to her motherland Ahmadnagar, where
the ruler, Murtada Shah, died at a moment when the foreign relations of
the state were strained to breaking-point and was imminent, she returned
to Bijapur, and mustered some reliable troops in consideration of the
defence of Ahmadnagar fort against the mighty army of the Mughals led by
their able general. After this great defence, Chand Bibi came to be known
as Chand Sultana. Later the Mughals succeeded to turn the troops of Chand
Bibi and had a siege over Ahmadnagar in 1008/1599. This time, emperor
Akbar himself rushed to Deccan and pitched his tents outside the city.
Chand Bibi became desperate and resisted the Mughal attacks with such
courage that the invaders were repelled at many places. At length, Hamid
Khan, the traitor allowed the Mughal force to enter Ahmadnagar, and
entered the palace of Chand Bibi to kill her. At that moment of disaster,
Chand Bibi came out of her apartments and fought bravely and was killed,
and thus, Ahmadnagar was captured by the Mughals in 1600. She was daughter
of Hussain NIzam shah of Ahamadnagar, and lived (1550-99). |
|
1584-1616
Raja Ijau I of Patani (Thailand) |
| Also known as
Ratu Hijau "The Green Queen",
she succeeded brother as ruler of the Malayan kingdom-sultanate, and was
succeeded by sister in 1616. Her aunt, Raja A'isyah had sometime been
regent for Sultan Bahdur after Sultan Manzur Syah who ruled (1564-73). She
was succeded by sister. |
|
 |
1595-1603 Politically Influential
Safiye Vailde Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Took an active part in
the governance of the empire as the chief advisor of her sons Murad III and Mehmed III. She lived (1550-1605)
|
 |
1603-05
De-facto Ruler Handam Valide Sultan of the
Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Her full title was Daulatlu Ismatlu Hansam Validi Sultan
'Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari, and she was very powerful during
the reign of Ahmed Khan I (1613-17), and lived (1576-1605).
|
|
1607-09 Sultan Kuda Kala Kamanafa’anu, Sultana of Land and Sea,
Lady of the Thousand Islands and Sultans of the Maldive Islands
|
| In spite
of the fact that the island was Islamic, the rulers continued to
use ancient Sanskrit titles alongside their Islamic styles until
the middle of the twentieth century. The sultanate was attacked by
the Portuguese in the fifteenth century but regained its
independence in 1573. They also fell prey to the marauding raids
of the Ali Rajas of Cannanore, who frequently kidnapped princes
and influential nobles and carried them off to the Laccadives.
Although close trading relations were established with the Dutch
in Sri Lanka, the Maldives remained aloof from the Western powers
for another two centuries. She was never secure as ruler due to a
long civil war. She died at sea or on Mahibadu Island, Ari Atol,
while on pilgrimage to give alms. |
|
1607-27
Panembahan Putri Bunku of
Sukudana
(Indonesia) |
|
Succeeded husband. |
|
|
After 1609-before 1630 Sri Paduka
Ratu Sepudak of Sambas (Indonesia)
|
|
A descendant of the Majapahit
Kings and the last Hindu ruler of the kingdom. Her youngest daughter,
Putri Mas Ayu Bungsu's husband, Radin Sulaiman, became Sultan of Sambas.
He was son of the Sultan of Brunei.
|
 |
1611-28
De-facto Ruler Empress Nur Jahan of India
|
| Married to the
Mughul Emperor Jahangir, she was an excellent conversationalist, a
fine judge of Persian poetry and a poet herself. Her accomplishments made
her an irresistible companion for the emperor. Nur Jahan was a patron of
painting and architecture whose interests also extended to the decoration
of rooms as well as the designing of ornaments, brocades, rugs and
dresses. After his death in 1627 she resided in Lahore until her own
death. Born as Mehr un-Nissa in Persia. (d. 1645) |
|
1616-24
Raja Ratu Biru of Patani (Thailand)
|
| In 1584,
Patani entered its golden age with the rule of four successive
Queens, Ratu Hijau ("The Green Queen"), Ratu Biru ("The Blue
Queen"), Ratu Ungu ("The Violet Queen") and Ratu Kuning ("The
Yellow Queen"). Biru was the second of three sisters on the
throne.
|
|
|
1617-18 and 1622 Naib-i-Sultanat (Regent)
Valide Sultana II of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) |
| After
the death of her husband, Sultan Ahmed Khan I (1603-17), she was
regent for son. Mustapha Khan I (1717-23). She was born in Europe,
and lived (1576-1623).
|
|
|
1618-20 Kahadija Mahfiruz Valide
Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Also known as Daulatlu
Mahfiruz, her full title as mother sultan Osman II, was Daulatlu
Ismatlu Mahfiruz Validi Sultan 'Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari. In
some aspects the Valide Sultan was considered as a joint-ruler with
theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire. She lived
(1590-1620)
|
|
|
1623-32 Naib-i-Sultanat (Regent) Kösem Mahpeyker Valide
Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
1632-51 De-facto regent |
|
Her full name and title was Daulatlu Ismatlu Kulsum
Mahpeyker Validi Sultan 'Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari.Kösem
was regent for son Murad, (1623-40) who succeeded at the age of
11, for Ibrahim (1640-48) who was mentally disturbed and for
grandson Mehmed IV, who succeeded at the age of 7 in 1648. In 1651
she plotted against her daughter-in-law, but was killed instead.
Of Greek origin, she lived (1589-1651) |
|
1624-35
Raja Ratu Ungu of Patani (Thailand)
|
|
During the reign of the of three sisters the Malayan
Kingdom-Sultanate was
expanded its
borders to include Kelantan and Trengganu and became the most
powerful Malay state after Johor. It was during this time that
Patani became renowned for manufacturing cannon, producing three
of the largest bombards ever cast in the region - 'Mahalela',
'Seri Negara' and 'Seri Petani'. With each measuring over six
metres in length. Also known as "The Violet Queen", she was
succeeded by daughter.
|
 |
From 1626 Regent Aayat Bahs Bigum of
Golkonda
(India) |
After the death of her husband, she became regent for Sultan Abd
Allah (1613-26-72). The Golkonda state broke from Gulbarga in 1518
and remained independent under eight sultans until 1687 when it
was conquered by the Great Mughal Aurangzeb.
|
|
|
1632/33
Sultan Alimah I of Nzwani, Comoro Islands |
| Formerly
known as Anjouan, an Island in the Mozambique Channel off north
west Madagascar between Mayotte and Njazídja in the Indian
Ocean. The hilly island is only 424 square kilometers. |
 |
1635-88
Raja Ratu Kuning of Patani (Thailand)
|
| Known as "The Yellow Queen", she
succeeded her mother Queen Raja Ungu as the last of four succesive
Queens. During her reign the country fell into gradual
decline. This decline probably prompted her to submit to Siam as a
vassal state and send the 'Bunga Mas' to Ayutthya. She died
without an heir and the country descended into decades of
political chaos and conflict. Fortunately for Patani, Siam was too
weak to take advantage of the situation, being too busy driving
off crippling Burmese invasions into her territory, culminating in
the pillaging and complete destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767.
|
|
Around 1635
Datu
We Tan-ri Sui of Mario-ri Wawo (Indonesia) |
| Daughter
of I-Dangka We Tan-ri Tuppu, Arumpone of Bone (1590- 1607) and her
husband and successor La Tan-ri Ruwa Paduka Sri Sultan Adam
(1607-08). She was married to La Pakkou To' Angkone Taddampali, Prince of
Bone and their son became Sultan and Arumpone of Bone in 1672, at a time
when he had already succeeded her as Datu of Mario-ri Wawo. He lived
(1635-96). It is not known when she lived. |
 |
1641-75
H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana
Ratu Safiat ud-din Taj ul-'Alam Shah Johan Berdaulat
Zillu'llahi fi'l-'Alam binti al-Marhum Sri Sultan Iskandar Muda
Mahkota Alam Shah, Sultana of Aceh
(North Sumatra)
(Indonesia) |
|
Born as Raja Permusairi Putri Sri 'Alam, she was installed
on the death of her husband and relative, Paduka Sri Sultan
Iskandar Thani 'Ala ud-din Mughayat Shah Johan Berdaulat
Zillu'llahi fi'l-'Alam ibnu al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Shah, who had
succeeded her father, Sultan Iskander, in 1636. She lost Pahang to
Johor soon after her accession. Her reign ushered in half a
century of rule under women sovereigns, beginning with her
husband's other widow, 'Taj ul-Alam. Her female successors, were
all chosen by the increasingly powerful regional nobles and
territorial magnates unwilling to submit to surrender power to a
strong ruler. All four were chosen after they had past
childbearing age, so that husbands or sons could not establish
themselves in the supreme authority. Her throne name Safiat ud-din
Taj ul-'Alam Shah means "Purity of the Faith, Crown of the
World", and she was succeeded by Sultana Nagiat, and (d. 1675) |
|
|
1651-56 Naib-i-Sultanat (Regent) Khadija Turhan Hadice
Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) |
|
Had been Valide Sultan since 1648, and took over as regent for
her son, Mehmed IV (1648-51-87) after her mother-in-law was
killed. As her predecessor as regent, she took part in the
deliberations in the Imperial Diet seated behind a curtain, she
authorized all appointments and cooperated closely with the Grand
Vizier as "The Guardian and Representative of the Sultan". Of
Russian origin, she lived (1627-83).
|
 |
1652-1697 Sultan
Fatimah of North Zanzibar (Tanzania) |
|
Succeeded Sultan Bakiri,
her brother, who had been sultan of the whole island. In 1652
Sultan ibn Seif of Oman drove her off the island, but for the next
forty years, the Portuguese continued to maintain the upper hand
and she was soon able to return to Zanzibar. In 1697 the Arabs
captured Zanzibar and took her prisoner, deporting to her Muscat.
After 10 years she was allowed to return, but her island remained
under Arab control. |
 |
1662-67 Regent Dowager Fatima Sultan
Saiyia Burhan
of Kasimov/
Borjegin-Sibil (The Golden Horde) (Russia)
1677-81 Sultan Regnant |
| Also
known as Sultana Sayyidovna , she
was first regent or Saiyia Burhan, before becoming ruler of the
Ilkhan Kingdom of Qasim in Central Asia
in her own right and
had the Khutba (sovereign's prayer) proclaimed in her name in the
mosques, the ultimate sign of legitimate rule. She was a
descendant of the Tatars golden horde and said to be the last
Mongol sovereign.
The state was annexed by the Russian 1681 and she died the same
year.
|
 |
1662
De-facto Ruler Imperial Princess Rashanara Begum of the
Indian Mongul Empire |
|
Seized the power during the illness of the Emperor Aurangzer. |
 |
1675-77
H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Naqiat ud-din Nur ul-'Alam Shah,
Sultana of Aceh Dar us-Salam (Indonesia) |
|
Granddaughter of Sultan 'Ali Mughayat II Ri'ayat Shah, who ruled
1604-07, and married Laksamana 'Abdu'r Rahman bin Zainal Abidin,
Orang Kaya Kaya Maharaja Lela Melayu, son of Zainal Abidin bin
Daim Mansur, Tengku of Ribee. Perhaps mother of Sultan 'Ala ud-din
Ahmad Shah Johan Badr Berdaulat, but she was succeeded by Sultana
Zaqiyat. Her Throne-name Naqiat ud-din Nur ul-'Alam Shah
means Light of the world, Purity of the Faith. (d. 1677) |
|
|
Ca. 1676-ca. 1711 Sultan Alimah II of Nzwani, Comoro
Islands |
|
Arabic-style sultanates developed in Nzwani as early as the
sixteenth century with different areas of the island first ruled
by chiefs known as Fani. Later, the chiefs were involved in
conflicts and appealed to Europeans to intercede on their behalf.
Eventually, in 1886, the island became a French protectorate and
was formally annexed by France to its possessions in 1909. |
|
1678-88 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Zaqiyat ud-din 'Inayat Shah
binti al-Marhum Raja Mahmud Shah, Sultana of Aceh Dar us-Salam
(Indonesia) |
|
Succeeded sultana Naqiat. She was daughter of Raja Mahmud Shah bin
Raja Sulaiman Shahand and married to a great-grandson of Sultan
Mukmin, who reigned 1579. Succeeded by her sister, Sultana Zinat.
Sultana Zaqiyat (d. 1688). |
|
1680s
Sultan Nur al-Azam of Sulu (Philippines) |
| Sulu is
an archipelago in the extreme southwestern corner of the
Philippines, just east of Sabah (Malaysia), the northeast corner
of Borneo. The region is the home of a people outsiders call Moros,
a feroce and deeply independent sea-going nation; it was never
conquered by the Spanish authorities in the Philippines. She
succeeded Salah ud-Din Bakhtiyar and was succeeded by al-Haqunu. |
|
1687-91
Regent
H.H. Sultana Mariyam Kaba'afa'anu Rani Kilege
of the Maldive Islands
|
|
After the having poisoned her husband, Iskander Ibrahim, she
became regent for their infant son,
Sultan Muhammad I. She was killed off Dunidu Island when a spark
from a victory salute blew up a powder magazine, destroying the
royal vessel in which she was sailing. Her son died shortly after
of the wounds he received in the explosion that killed his mother. |
|
 |
1687-89 Saliha Dilasub Valide Sultan
of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Her full title as mother of
the sultan was Daulatlu Ismatlu Mahfiruzl Validi Sultan 'Ahiyat
us-Shan Hazratlari, and in some aspects she was considered as a
joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire.
Mother of Süleiman II (1687-91), she lived (1627-89)
|
|
1688-99
H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Zinat ud-din Kamalat Shah binti
al-Marhum Raja Umar of Aceh Dar us-Salam (Indonesia)
|
| The last
of four consecutive female rulers, she succeeded her
sister-in-law, sultana Zaqiyat. Born as Putri Raja Setia, she was
great-granddaughter of Sultan Mukmin, who ruled 1579. In 1699
Sayyid Ibrahim Habib, obtained a decree from Mecca stating that
female rule was contrary to the tenets of Islam. He deposed her,
married her and assumed the Sultanate. They had two sons who both
became sultans. |
|
 |
1695-1715 Mah-Para Ummatallah Rabia
Gül-Nüz Ummetulla Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Mother of Mustafa II (1695-1703) and Ahmed
III (1703-30). She did not play any major role during their reigns, but
she was asked to approve and authorize the replacement of Mustafa by
Ahmed, which she did. As the senior representative of the dynasty, her
approval was considered to be imperative. Daughter of the Venetian
Retimo Verzizzi, she lived (1647-1715).
|
|
1700-07
Regent H.H
Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Tara Bai Sahib Maharaj (Sita Bai
Ali Sahib) of
Satara
(India)
|
|
In 1714 her son, H.H Kshatrtiya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar Shrimant Raja
Shahu Sambahaji II Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj (1698-1760), became ruler of
Kolhapur. Tara Bai lived (1675-1761).
|
|
|
1700-17..
Sultan Aisa of Ma’yuta (Mayotte, today a French Possession) |
|
At a not known date, she was succeeded by daughter, Sultan Monavo.
|
|
|
17..
Sultan Nyau wa Faume of Ngazidja (Comoro Islands)
|
|
The island is also known as Grande Comore.
|
|
17...
Sultan Adji di Kurin-dana Malaka
of
Berau
(Indonesia) |
| Berau is
a scarcely populated area in the Island of Borneo.
|
|
17..
Inas Embun Serin of Undang Luak (Malaysia) |
| The
state was one of nine minor states which joined in the Negeri
Sembilan Confederation. |
 |
17..
Amira
Ghaliyy al-Whhabiyya in Saudi Arabia |
|
A Hanibali from Tarba, she led a military resistance movement to
defend Mecca against foreign take over in the beginning of the
18th century. She was given the title of Amira, the female
equivalent of the title of Amir - military leader. |
|
1704
Regent Princess Fatima of the Maldive Islands |
| When the
news of the possible drowning of Isdu King Siri Muthei Ranmani
Loka/ Sultan Ibrahim Mudhiruddine who after his abdication was
known as Isdu Ibrahim Bodu Kilegefan, while returning from the
Hajj pilgrimage reached Malé in 1704, his wife and regent Princess
Fatima attempted to usurp the throne in her own right. Her rival
and brother-in-law, Admiral-in-chief Hussain was banished to
Naifaru. Fatima was however displaced from the Eterekoilu -
the residence of the Sultans - by the Prime Minister Mohamed
Faamuladeyri Thakurufan who was crowned as King Siri Kula Sundhura
Siyaaka Sasthura - Sultan Mudzhaffar Mohamed Imaduddine II.
|
|
1707-16
Raja Devi P'ra-Chao of Patani (Thailand) |
| Successor of the male ruler, Raja Emas Jayam Bagunda, who reigned
1704-07 and 1721-28. |
|
1714-1715,
1720, 1724-1738 and 1741-1749 H.H. Bata-ri Toja Daeng Talaga Sultana
Zainab Zakiat ud-din, Arumpone of Bone
1715 and 1728-1738 Ruler of Soppeng
1719-20 Datu of Luwu (Indonesia)
|
| Succeeded her
father, H.H. La Patau Paduka Sri Sultan Idris. Styled Datu Chita
and Arung Timurang before her accession and during the times
she had vacated the throne. First abdicated in favour of her brother. After
his deposition she again became ruler, but abdicated immediately in favour
of her eldest half-brother. Restored for the third time on his deposition,
in 1724. Married to Sultan Muharram Harun ar-Rashid of Sumbawa, Prince
Pabukajuwa of Bone and Datu Ulaweng, Arung Zallieng, Adatuwang of
Sidenreng, who was Regent of Bone 1724-1725, and finally to Daeng
Mamuntuli, Arung Kayu, Regent of Bone 1726-1728. All but the third
marriage ended in Divorce. Her ceremonial name was MatinroE-ri Tipuluna
had no children, and she was succeeded by a female relative, Siti Nafisha,
and lived (1687-1749). |
|
1723-47
Dato' Putri Siti Awan Setiawanm I of Johol (Malaysia) |
The
state of Johol is one of the component states of the Negri
Sembilan
Federation. Originally known as Pasir Besar, it was renamed Luak
Johol in
1723. The ruler is one of the four traditional electors of the
Yang
di-Pertuan of the Negri Sembilan federation. Setiawanm I was the
first ruler and she was married to Dato' Johan Pahlawan Lelei
Perkasa Setia Wan. |
 |
1724-37
Regent Dowager Princess Dharmapala of The Volga Kalmyks (Lower Volga
Area in Russia and Kazakstan)
1741-45 Regent
|
|
The first time she was regent for Cerlu Donduk, who reigned
(1725-35) until he was deposed, the second time was after the
death of Donduk Ombu, Prince of the Kalmykians. (d. 1741) |
|
1728-32
Rani Herrabichi Kadavube Adi Raja Bibi of
Cannanore
(India)
|
|
Succeeded by Rani Junmabe. |
|
1730-95 De
facto Ruler Begum Mamola Bai of Bhopal (India)
1777 Regent
|
| Exercised a
dominant influence during the reign of her husband, Yar Mohammad Khan
(1728-42) after their marriage. After his death, she was de facto ruler
during the reign of her stepson Faiz Mohammad Khan, who concentrated on
religious contemplation. After his death she acted as regent and quickly
proclaimed Faiz' brother, Hayat, as Nawab, but Faiz' widow,
Bahu Begum, lead a revolt and set up an alternative government
which lasted until 1780. Also during Hayat's reign she was the effective
ruler, and it was she who took decisions on military campaigns and all
other administrative affairs. She was born as a Hindu Rajput Princess, and
lived (1715-95). |
|
|
1730-39 Saliha Sabkati Valide Sultan
of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
After the death of Ahmed III
a revolt of the Janissaries put her son with Mustafa II,Mahmud I
(1750-54) on the throne, and she became Sultan Valide and in some
aspects considered joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over
the women in the empire. Affairs of state were
largely in the capable hands of the Nubian agha Beshir (1653–1746), who
was the power behind a number of successive grand viziers At the tune
Ottoman Empire was involved in wars with Persia. 1737 Emperor Karl IV
entered the war with Russia on Russian side, but by the separate peace
of Belgrade (1739) he restored North Serbia to Turkey. Mahmud was
succeeded by his brother, Osman III. Saliha Sabkati
lived (1680-1739).
|
|
1738-41 H.H.
I-Danraja Siti Nafisah Karaeng Langelo, Arumpone of Bone
(Indonesia)
|
| Succeeded
Sultana Zainab Zakiat ud-din. She was second daughter of H.H. I-Mappainga
Karaeng Lempangang Paduka Sri Sultan Safi ud-din, Sultan of Tallo, by his
first wife, H.H. I-Tanitaja Siti Amira Maning Ratu, Arung Palakka
and Heir Apparent of Bone, whose father was sultan 1720-21. Siti Nafisah
died unmarried and lived (1729-41). |
|
1739-96
Politically Influential Nawab Aliya Sadrunissa Begum, Nawab
Begum of Oudh (or
Avadh)
(India) |
|
She was the oldest
daughter of Burhan-ul-Mulk, Subedar of Avadh. Married to her
cousin and father's successor Mirza Muhammad Muqim (Safdar Jung)
(1739-64) in around 1724. When her father died in 1839, Nadir Shah
plundered Delhi in 1739, and the Avadh landlords and small chiefs
who had been effectively subdued by her father, raised their heads
and arms in the attempt to secure their individual independence.
In his capacity as the Nawab of Avadh, her husband was hesitant to
face them despite his superior military strength. Had it not been
for Nawab Begum's forceful promptings which eventually culminated
in success, there may have been no further history of Avadh. Her
court and courtiers maintained the peace and pomp of Faizabad. Her
son, Shuja-ud-daula's, died in 1775, and together with her
daughter-in-law, Bahu Begum she secured the continued existance of
the capital of Avadh, Faizabad. Imprisoned in 1781 by grandson
together with daughter-in-law. She lived (Ca. 1712-96). |
 |
1741 Regent Dowager Princess Gan of The Volga Kalmuks
(Lower Volga Area) (Russia) |
|
Regent for Kandul, who reigned in 1741. Gan later converted
to Christianity and took the name Vera. Originally
the Kalmyks lived in Central Mongolia. Reaching the Volga region
in 1630. Since the 16th century, Tibetan Buddhism has been the
Kalmyk’s religion, and they are the only European Buddhist people,
living to the northwest of the Caspian area. They live on the
northwest shores of the Caspian Sea in the lower regions of the
soviet Dagestan. Kalmyks are of the Turkic language group. |
 |
1746-70
Sovereign Princess Irdana Bi Erdeni of Khokanda
(Uzbekistan) |
| Succeeded by Sulaiman who reigned for less than a year as Prince
of Khokanda, which is a city near Tashkent, now located in a far
eastern part of Uzbekistan. Founded in 1732, it stands on the site
of the ancient city of Khavakend, obliterated by the Mongols in
the 3rd century. It was ruled by the Dzungarian Kalmucks
until 1758, when it became part of China. |
|
1746
Sultan Mwana Mimi Hadiga of Patta-Pate and Witu
(Kenya) |
| There
were 4 sultans that year. Pate is an island of the coast of Kenya. |
|
1747-ca.60
Dato' Johan Pahlawan Lele Perkasa Setiawan Dato' Rambut
Panjang, Dato' Undang of Luak Johol (Malaysia) |
| Succeeded by another woman; Dato' Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa
Setiawan Dato' Putri Setiawan II , Dato' Undang of Luak
Johol (1760-90) |
|
1748-50/53
Sultan Ratu Sarifah Fatima
of
Bantam
(Bali) (Indonesia) |
| Appointed sultan after her husband, Mangkubumi was
arrested after an uprising against the Dutch occupiers. She was
deposed and banned from the state by the same Dutch regents.
|
 |
1748-54
De facto co-ruler Queen Udham Bai of the Mughal Empire
(India) |
| Became powerful after the death of her husband, Muhammad Shah
(Rawshan Akhtar) (1719-48), who lost the province of Kabul to
Persia and during whose reign other provinces became practically
independent. Her son, Ahmad Shah Badahur, was no stronger, and she
dominated him completely. When The Marathas in Punjab rebelled,
her son chose to flee, abandoning her and the other women at
court. He was captured, blinded, and deposed and died in
confinement in 1775. |
 |
1753-56
Regent
H.H Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Rani
Savitri Bai Raje Sahiba of
Dewar (Senior) (India)
|
|
Widow of Tukaji Rao I Puar she was regent for adopted son,
Krishnaji Rao I Puar (1753-89) |
|
|
1753
Nominal Regent Princess
Sanfa Rendi Kabafa'anu
of the Maldive Islands
|
|
Nominally reigned as
Regent for her brother Hasan Manikufa'anu Sultan al-Ghazi al-Hasan
'Izz ud-din Baderi. Her father Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar II reigned
( 1721 -50 )
|
|
1753-57 Nominal Regent Princess Amina Rani Kilegefa’anu of
the Maldive Islands
1757-59 Rani-Sultana |
|
In 1752 her father, H.H. Sultan al-Mukarram Muhammad 'Imad ud-din
III, was seized by the Ali Raja of Cannanore and transported to
Kavaratti island in the Laccadives. Male was occupied. The
occupation was ended by Muleegey Dom Hassan Maniku, a direct
descendant of the penultimate Christian King Joao. The sultan died
in captivity in 1757. The de facto regent was Muleegey Dom Hassam
Maniku. Her sister
Amina Kkanbafa’anu was regent in 1773. |
|
1754 and 1761
Governor-Regent Muglani Suraiya Bigum of
Lahore
(India)
|
|
Regent for
Muhammad Amin Han, who lived 1751-54 and was governor
for the Emperor of the Mongul-Afgan Empire of India in 1754.
|
|
|
1754-56 Sehsuvar Valide Sultan of
The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Mother of Osman III
(1754-57). Of Russian origin, she lived (1682-1756).
|
 |
1760-73 (†) Regent H.H Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati
Jiji Bai Sahib Maharaj of
Kolhapur
(India)
|
|
Jijibai was regent for adopted son, since her husband H.H
Kshatrtiya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar Shrimant Raja Shahu
Sambahaji II Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj (1698-1760) only had a
posthumously born daughter with one of his seven wifes. He was
Raja of Satara (with his mother as regent) and then of the newly
created state, Kolhapur) Jiji Bai lived (1716-73), |
 |
1768-78
Regent Dowager Rani Chandawatiji
Maharani Sahiba of Janipur
(India)
|
Regent for son H.H. Saramad-i-Raja-i-Hindustan, Raj Rajeshwar Shri
Maharajadhiraja Maharaja Sawai Shri Prithvi Singh II Bahadur, who
lived (1763-78). He was married to several wifes, and was
succeeded by brother.
|
|
1773-74
Joint Regent Princess Amina Kkanbafa’anu the Maldive Islands |
|
Her brother, Sultan Al-Haj Muhammed (1766-77), appointed her and her huband, Ali
Shah Bandor Vela’ana’a Manikufa’anu, as joint regents, when he went on a
pilgrimage to Mecca . He drowned on his return in 1774. Her sister, Princess Amina Rani Kilegefa’anu,
had been regent 1753-57.
|
|
1777-80
Opposition Leader Bahu Begum of Bhopal (India) |
|
Widow of Nawab Faiz, and disputed the succession of his brother,
Hayat, to the throne. She began a revolt against the de facto ruler her
step-mother-in-law, Mamola Bai, supported by members of another branch of
the family. She began holding courts at her husband’s tomb and set up a
parallel government in Islamnagar. For three years she regularly held
Dunbars (Assemblies) as an act of defiance against Mamola Bai. |
 |
1778-1803
Regent Dowager Rani Suimri Begum of
Sandhana (India)
1803-36 Rani Regnant |
|
For Musffard ad-Daula Zafar Nab Han (Aloyis Baltasaar Reinhard) -
illegitimate son of her husband, Bum Raja (1773/76-78), who was born in
Luxembourg as Walther Reinhard. After her stepson's death, she became Rani
in her own right, and
continued to perform her contracted military duties, leading her troops
into battle in person. However she concentrated her efforts on developing
the agriculture of Sardhana, which became famous as an island of green in
a land of desolation, using her troops to keep out marauders and to
enforce her policy, instead of plundering her neighbors as was the general
practice at the time. She played a prominent part in the politics of the
time, the fall of Moghuls, the rise of the Mahrattas, and the
establishment of the British. She emerged as a sovereign Princess of her
own territories, which she had enlarged and improved, so that she
accumulated vast wealth.
Born as Johanna Noblis (d. 1836) |
|
|
1782-92
Sultan Halimah III of Nzwani (Comoro Islands) |
| Her name
is also spelled Alimah. She was de-factor ruler with Abdallah I
until 1788 and in 1792 he again ruled until 1706. The island was
formerly known as Anjouan. |
|
|
18.. Mfahme Nyau wa Faume of
Bambo (Comoro Islands) |
| Today
Bambo is the capital of the Comoro Islands |
|
18.. Sultan Ja Mhaba Hadija bint Ahmed of Bajini
(Comoro Islands) |
|
Succeeded Hashimu bin Ahmed and he also ruled after her. His
successor died 1886. |
|
18..
Embun Serin, The Undang Luak Inas of Inas (Malaysia) |
| The
state which is also known as Jelai was one of nine minor states
joined in the Negeri Sembilan Confederation |
|
|
1807-08 Ayse Seniyeperver Valide
Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Also known as Daulatlu
Ismatlu Aisha Sina Parvar Validi Sultan 'Ahiyat us-Shan
Hazratlari, she was mother of Mustafa IV (1807-08) and lived
(1761-1828)
|
|
|
1808-17 Politically Influential
Naksh-i-Dil Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Advisor of her
husband 1733-73 and for Sultan Selim III 1773-1789. Very powerful under
reign of son, Mahmud II (1808-39), she lived (1768-1817).
|
|
1812-19 Dowager
Tengku Puteri Raja Hamidah binti Raja Haji of Johor
(Malaysia)
|
| Her
husband, H.H. Sultan Mahmud III Shah Alam ibni al-Marhum Sultan 'Abdu'l
Jalil Shah, Sultan of Johor and Pahang Dar ul-'Alam, died without
naming a heir in 1811. It seems that Hamidah was one of the actors
in the succession struggle, which resulted in her stepson, H.H.
Sultan Husain Mu'azzam Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Shah Alam,
Sultan of Johor and Pahang Dar ul-'Alam, ascending the throne in
1819. She was daughter of Raja Haji bin Raja Chelak, 4th Yang
di-Pertuan Muda of Riau, and (d. 1844) |
|
|
1814-24
H.H Karaeng Bontomasugi Sultana Siti Saleh II of Tallo
(Indonesia)
|
|
Succeeded her father H.H. I-Mappainga Karaeng Lempangang
Paduka Sri Sultan Safi ud-din
and married to La Potto, Datu Baringang and
Prince of Bone.
Her ceremonial name was Tumenanga-ri-Kanatojenna |
|
1814-37
Politically Influential Badshah Begum of
Oudh
(Avadh)
(India) |
|
Her husband, Ghazi-ud-din
Haider, preferred death for his son, Nasir-ud-din Haider, rather that his
succession to the throne. Badshah Begum was childless. She, therefore, matched
her husband's whim by having Nasir-ud-din's mother killed (another wife of
Ghazi-ud-din), and by then adopting Nasir-ud-din. She brought up Nasir-ud-din as
her own, and later took up arms against her husband. It was no ordinary
confrontation. Badshah Begum had armed her women to the teeth, who,
overpowered the King and sabotaged all his stratagems. The outcome was
that Nasir-ud-din, did become the King of Avadh. When Nasir-ud-din later in his
turn wanted to disinherit his son, Farid-un-Bakht, she took him under her wings,
and refused to be threatened. Nasir-ud-din sent a brigade of women soldiers into
the royal zenana to have her removed. The women of the zenana were no less armed
so that a fierce battle took place with volleys of musket ammunition flying
through Lucknow. The old Begum may have lost some fifteen or sixteen of her
retainers, but the final victory was hers. She left the palace with a British
guarantee that neither her life nor the life of the infant Farid-un-Bakht would
ever be endangered again. In 1837 King Nasir-ud-din Haider died
of poisoning. The British Resident had
already drafted a paper ready for the signature of the next King of Avadh. But
Badshah Begum wante Farid-un-Bakht to be king, and she marched at the head of
some two hundred heavily armed men towards the Palace. Her troops removed the
incumbent ruler and his relations. Her troops could hardly contain their zeal,
or ignore the fiery leadership of their heavily covered Begum. The following day
the British opned fire and most of the Begum's men were killed or wounded, and
she were sent to the fort of Chunar which was in British territory, where both
she Farid-un-Bakht died in captivity. (d. 1846).
|
|
1815-ca 56 Sultan
Dewa Aung Isteri Kaina of
Indragiri (Indonesia)
|
| The
region is also called "Land of thousand ditches". This name
pictures that most of the areas consist of wetland, rives streams
and swamps. And small ditches, plotting the coconut plantation
land which is the vegetation of the local people. Inhil community
in general is of Malay culture. Nevertheless, there are also
outsiders in this area from Banjar and Bugis ethnics. These
outsiders then settling one generation to another, and producing a
cultural form which is the combination of Riau Malay culture and
Banjar and Bugis culture. |
|
1815-ca. 56 Dewa Aung
Isteri Kania of Klungkung (Indonesia)
1849-ca. 56 Susuhuna (Empress) of Bali and Lombok
|
|
The latter was a title given to the Klungkung rulers by the Dutch colonial
powers
|
|
1819-38
Rani
Mariambe
Adi Raja Bibi of Cannanore
(India)
|
|
Succeeded mother, Junumabe Adi-Raja Bibi II.
In 1824 she made a formal written recognition of the suzerainty of
the East India Company over the Island of Minicoy, which her
mother had been forced to transfer in 1790. She and her
successors, however, continued the tributary arrangement.
Mariabe was succeeded by daughter, Rani Hayashabe, who was first
succeeded by son and in 1907 her daughter, Imbichi, ascended to
the throne. |
 |
1819-44
Regent Dowager Begum Kudsiyya Begum of
Bhopal
(India) |
|
After the death of her husband, Mawab Nazar Mohammad Khan, she
became regent for daughter, Sikandar. After she ascended to the
throne, she continued to guide and counsel her daughter. It was
her aim to demonstrate that a Muslim woman could rule as
effectively as any man. She abandoned the wail, learnt to ride and
led her forces in combat. She had a difficult relationship with
the British, recognizing the importance of maintaining good
relations with them, but the other hand she resented their
inference in her government.
Also know as HH Qusida Begum Sahiba or Princess Qudsia, she
lived (1801-81). |
|
1819-56
Politically influential Subadar
Nawwab
of Oudh
(India)
|
|
Very powerful during the reign of
Abul Mozaffar, and that of his son Soleyman (1827-37), his son Ali
(1837-42), his son Amjad Ali (1842-47) and finally during
the reign of Wajid Ali, who was deposed in 1856, and
died 1887. |
|
1823-35 H.H. I-Mani
Ratu Sultana
Salima Rajiat ud-din, Arumpone of Bone (Indonesia)
|
| Styled
Arung
Data before her accession. Her ceremonial name was
MatinroE-ri Kassi, she was unmarried and succeeded by brother, La
Mapaseling Sultan Adam Nazim ud-din
. |
 |
1825-37
Regent Dowager Nawab Sardar Bibi Sahiba
of Radhanpur (India)
|
| After
the death of her husband H.H. Nawab Sher Khan Sahib Bahadur
(1794-1813-25), she was regent for her infant stepson H.H. Nawab
Muhammad Zorawar Khan Sahib Bahadurn (1822-25-74).
|
 |
Around 1828 Chief Sheha Mwana wa Mwana of Tumbai (North
Zanzibar) |
|
Also known as Khadija bint Nwale, she succeeded father as Sheik of
the state in North Zanzibar.
Married to Hassan II of Zanzibarwho
reigned before 1828 until 1845. Her successor reigned until 1856. |
|
|
1831-41
Regent
Nawab Yamuna Bibi Sahiba of Balasinor (India) |
|
After the death of her husband,
Nawab Shri Jalal [Edul Khan] Sahib Bahadur, she was regent for son
Nawab Shri
Zorawar Khan Sahib Bahadur.
|
|
|
1833-40
Ruler 'Aisha of Tuggurt (Algeria)
|
|
Also known as Aichouch, she
succeeded Sultan 'Ali IV bin al-Kabir as
ruler of a Berber state in the south of the
country. Succeded by 'Abd ar-Rahman.
|
|
1838-52
Rani
Hayashabe
Adi Raja Bibi of Cannanore
(India)
|
|
Succeeded mother, Rani Mariambe, and first succeeded by son. In 1907 her
daughter, Imbichi,
ascended to the throne.
|
|
Until 1838 Rani Regnant Singhasari Cokorda of
Karang Asem Singhasari
(Indonesia)
|
|
Until 1827 she reigned jointly
with Gusti Gede Jelantik Sasak, 1827-35 with Gusti Ngurah Made
Karang Asem and finally with Gusti Ngurah Bagus Pañji Karang
Asem until 1838. |
 |
1839-51 (†) Governor Weyzero Elleni of Hamasen
(Eritrea) |
| Murdered together with grandsons in the fighting
with the Emperor of Ethiopia. |
|
|
1839-53 Bezmrâlem Valide Sultan of
The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Also known as Daulatlu
Ismatlu Bazim-i Alam Validi Sultan 'Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari,
she was mother of Abdülmecid I (1839-61) and lived (1807-52)
|
 |
1842-67 and 1871-78 Sultan Jumbe Fatima bint Abderremane
of Mwali/Mohéli (Comoro Islands) |
|
Succeeded her father, Ramanetaka, cousin of Radama I of
Madagascar, who conquered Mwali. Also known as Reketaka Jombe Sudy
or Djoumbé Soudi or
Djoumbé Fatouma
. Jumbe Fatimah was married two times and was deposed by the
French Colonial powers in 1867 but was reinstalled and ruled until
her death.
She lived (1837-78) |
|
1842-51
Regent Dowager Sultan Rovao of Mwali/Mohéli (Comoro Islands) |
| Reigned in the name of
daughter together with her second husband, Tsivandini |
 |
1844-49
Regent Begum H.H. Sikander Begum Sahiba of Bhopal (India)
1859-68 Nawab Begum Regnant |
|
Had been proclaimed Reigning Begum at the age of 15 months in 1819 under the regency of her mother, Begum
Quisada, who resigned in 1844, and on
a special Dunbar conveyed in Bhopal, the British Political
Agent, J.D. Cunningham, read out a proclamation from the
Governor-General that Sikander would be the sole regent and
exercise full executive powers on behalf of her 9 year old
daughter, Shahjehan. She was the most aggressive, dynamic and
charismatic. She rode, played polo, went tiger hunting and was
an expert swordswoman. She reorganized the army, whose commander
she was. She backed the winning horse in the 1857 mutiny and
became the star of several British Dunbars held for Indian
rulers. She was a devout Muslim but did not take the veil, but
was the first Indian ruler to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. She
had separated from her husband,
Gahangir Muhammad, who had been titular ruler,
after a short period. She lived (1818-68). |
 |
1844-59
H.H. Nawwab Sultan Shah Jahan Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum
of Bhopal (India)
1868-1901 Nawab Begum Regnant |
|
In 1844 she was proclaimed titular ruler of the state under the
regency of her mother, Sikander Begum, in whose favour she
abdicated. At a
Dunbar held 17 day’s after her mother, Sikander Begum’s death in
1868, she was crowned Begum of Bhopal for the second time in her
life. At the ceremony the British Agent of the Governor-General
declared that her daughter, Sultan Jahan, would be heiress
apparent. Shahjehan’s husband…became titular Nawab, and she
tried to leave as much as the governing to him as possible, but
he came at odds with the British, and was stripped of his title
and position. During most of her reign, she was at odds with
Sultan Jahan, and died without them being reconciled. She was
interested in culture and an accomplished poet, and lived
(1838-1901).
|
 |
1848-73
Politically Influential Maleka Jahan Khanum of
Persia |
| Her
official name was H.M The Mahd-i-'Aliua, also spelled Mahd-e Olia,
"Sublime Cradle," she was grand-daughter of Fath 'Ali Shah, who
was shah (1797-1834), wife of her cousin Mohammad Shah (1834-48)
and mother of Nasser-ed-Din Shah (1848-96). She was one of the
strongest women of the Qajar (Kadjar) Dynasty. Wielding her power
from the Harem, once her son ascended the throne of Persia. She
ensured the strengthening and survival of the Qajar nobility
against the rivalries by commoners elevated to positions of
prominence as a result of policies of successive Qajar (Kadjar)
Shahs. She is characterized as an accomplished and cunning woman
of some political gifts, strong personality, and characterized the
undercurrent of matriarchy in the Qajar elite. She lived
(1805-73) |
 |
Around 1850 Reigning Tsarina
Kurmandjan Datka of Alay (Kirgistan) |
| Also known as
Kurmanjan Mamatbai Kyzy, or
Alai Queen, she was an outstanding leader of Kyrgyz nation. She had
refused to live with the husband she was forced to marry and ruled the
country alone when her second husband died, during the gloomy time of
feudal despotism she could maintain a free spirit of independent nomad's
life, traditional way living and Kyrgyz culture in Alay region. She was
respected by all the foreign rulers she met during her reign, even by
Kokand Khan – guardian of Muslim norms. At that time, it was considered
astounding that a woman could govern such a huge territory as the Fergana
valley. After the Kyrgyz territory was annexed by Russia in 1876, she
continued the resistance movement. She lived (1811-1907) |
|
1857-60 Regent
H.H. Panchai-tana I-Basse Tan-ri Waru Kajuwara Sultana Um ul-Hadi
Pelaiengi Pasimpa of Bone (Indonesia)
1860-... Datuk of Supa
(Akataparang)
|
| Also known as
Basse Kajuwara Hadie Abel Hadie Pelai-eengi Paseempa, she was widow
of her cousin, H.H. La Parenringi Paduka Sri Sultan Ahmad Saleh Muhi ud-din,
and regent for her infant son La Pamadanuka until his death. She was
daughter of her husband's uncle, La Tan-ri suki, Arung Kajuwara,
by his wife, the Adatuwang of Sawito. She was formerly styled
Arung
Kajuwara and succeeded her mother's brother as reigning Datuk of
Supa, where she was succeeded by the female ruler, Datuk Madallung, who
reigned until 1902. |
|
1858-59
Arumponi Regnant Bassee Kajuwara Hadie Abdel Hadie Pelai-eengi
Paseemba of Bone (Indonesia)
|
| Succeeded by Ahmad Singkarru Rukka Arung Palakka, who reigned until 1871. |
|
|
1858-59
Queen Basse Kajuwara Hai-de Abdel Haide Pelai-e’engie Paseempa
of
Celebes at the Moluccas
(Indonesia)
|
| Today the island
is called Sulawesi Selatan. Among the many ethnic groups are the seafaring
Bugis dominates the southern part, whereas the northern part is inhabited
by the Torajas whose unique culture rivals that of Balinese. Famed for
their seafaring heritage and Pinisi Schooners for centuries, the Bugis
posses to the present day one of the last sailing fleets in the world. The
Bugis vessels have sailed to as far as the Australian coast, leaving
behind drawing of their ships on stone with words that have been
integrated into the Aboriginal language of North Australia. |
|
1861-1902
Adatuwang We Tan-ri-Paderang Bau Jella of Alita (Indonesia)
|
| Succeeded Aru Anipong and was succeeded by La Pangorisang - both male rulers.
Daughter of H.H. La Parenrengi Paduka Sri Sultan Ahmad Saleh, Arumpone of
Bone and I-Basse Tan-ri Waru Kajuwara hadi Abel Hadi Pelaiengi Pasimpa,
Datu of Supa - daughter of La Tan ri Suki, Arung of Kajuwara. We Tan-ri
was married to H.H. Paduka Sri Sultan Husain ibnu Sultan Muhammad Idris,
Sultan of Gowa (1895-1906) |
 |
1861-...
Al Sitt Bader Amin al-Din of the Druze in Lebanon |
| Became
acting leader of the Druze Tribe after her husband, Said Beik Jumblatt had
tried to reestablish the leadership of the Jumblatts, but was accused of
fueling sectarian conflict between the Druze and the Maronites by the
Ottomans, who sentenced him to life in prison, where he died of
tuberculosis. The leadership afterwards went to her son Nassib. Said's
other son, Najib, who managed to win over the Ottomans, who gave him the
esteemed title of Pasha and appointed him governor of the Shouf in 1884. |
|
|
1861-76
Pertherhiyal Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) |
|
Mother of Murad, and as
Sultan Valide she was in some aspects considered joint-ruler with
theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire
|
 |
1868-76
Regent Dowager Queen Warqito Mastawat of Walo (Ethiopia) |
| She was mother
of the young Imam Amede Beshir, one of the two claimants to the leadership
of the Weresek (Mammadoch) clan of Wollo. Emperor Tewodros had seized
Amede Beshir, had him baptized as his godson, and had fought the mother of
the other claimant, the rival Queen Mestawat. Although bitter rivals, both
Mestawat and Werqitu were foes of the Emperor. Werqitu was not initially
eager to help the Shewan prince even though his father had been a close
ally. She initially decided to send emissaries to the Emperor to inform
him that the Shewans were in her camp, and that she would exchange them
for her son. Tewodros however was extremely furious when he found out
about the escape of the Shewans. Her son died during the siege, and her
grief and anger knew no bounds. Until the very end, she never stopped
attacking Tewodros' army, and never held back aid from anyone who rebelled
against him. |
 |
1869-72
Regent Tengku Intan binti Tengku Alang Husain, Tunku Ampuan of
Negri Sembilan (Malaysia) |
| Regent for son,
H.H. Tuanku Antah ibni al-Marhum Raja Radin Sunnah, Yang di-Pertuan of Sri
Menanti, who was elected as ruler on the death of his uncle in 1869. |
|
1870-86
Adatuwang Regnant Pasule Daeng Bulaeng of Sawito
(Indonesia) |
| Married
La Tan-ri Suki, Arung Kajaura, Prince of Bone. Her
daughter I-Basse Tan-ri Waru Kajuwara Hadi Abel Hadi
Pelaiengi Pasimpa was regent for her infant son, the Sultan of
Bone, before succeeding Pasule's brother as Datu of Supa in 1860.
Pasule was succeeded in Sawito by the male ruler Palagau Aru
Patojo, who reigned until 1902. |
|
1871-95
H.H. I-Banri Sultana Siti Fatima, Arumpone of Bone
(Indonesia) |
| Styled
Arung
Timurung and Datu Chitta before she
succeeded her father, Ahmad Singkarru Rukka Arung Palakka. She
married I-Magulaga Karaeng Popo, Prince of Gowa (d. 1902), whose
mother was I-Tenri Pada Sultana Siti Aisha [Besse-Barru], Arung of
Barru, daughter of To' Patarai Sumanga Rukka, Arung of Barru. Her
ceremonial name was MatinroE-ri Bola Mapare, and she was succeeded
by her half-brother. Her ceremonial name was MatinroE-ri Bola
Mapare, and mother of a son and a daughter, and (d. 1895). |
|
1872-73 and 187..-18.. Sultan Singa Madi Jimba Aicha of
M'Bude (Comoro Islands) |
|
In 1873 she was taken as a captive to Itsandra.. As she was
however treated well and even married Mussafubu it is possible
that she has continued to be Sultan in Name. In this case her
successor, Jumbe Boina Fumu, was possibly only a kind of
governor. In 1880 she submitted to Saidi Ali of the Comoros. She
was succeeded by Jema Niema bint Jumbe Fumu at a not known date.
|
 |
1873-1901
Guerilla Leader "Ibu Perbu" Tjoet Njak Dien in Aceh
(Indonesia) |
| "Ibu
Perbu" means Queen, and in 1862 she married Teuku Ibrahim
Lamnga. In 1873 Her father and husband joined the fight against
the Dutch, and she followed them into the jungle. After both her
father and husband was killed and the Indonesian forces defeated
by the Dutch, Dien took over both her late husband’s and father’s
army commands and led them in guerilla warfare Her second husband
was Teuku Umar, who was another relative. They led the two
armies into a series of successful assault missions. In 1899
Dien’s husband was killed in battle, and she was again left to
lead the rebel army alone, and retreated further into the jungle.
She continued to lead the fight until the army was destroyed in
1901. One of her followers, Pang Laot Ali, felt sorry for Dien’s
condition, hoped that the Dutch might give medical treatment for
her. He deserted to the Dutch and bought the Dutch army into
Dien’s camp in Beutong Le Sageu. They were completely caught by
surprise and fought to the last man and woman except for Gambang
and Dien. Only due to her blindness was Dien captured and even
then she held a rencong (a traditional Acehnese dagger) in her
hand trying to fight the enemy. Her daughter Gambang, however
escaped deep into the jungle, where it is known that she continued
the resistance until her death, which is believed to have taken
place in 1910. She spend the rest of her life teaching the Koran
in Sumedang, West Java. She lived (1848-1908). In 1964 she was
declared a National Hero. |
|
 |
1876-87 Perestü Valide Sultan of
The Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
|
|
Mother Abdülhamid II
(1876-1909), she was the last Valide Sultan and theoretical joint ruler.
|
|
|
1878...
Regent Warquito Mastawat of Gera Walo (Ethiopia) |
| Regent
for chief Muhammad Ala, who became Ras Mika'el in 1878. The
boarder state was incorporated into Ethiopia in 1896. |
|
Around 1884 Sultan Mzade Badgini binti Munké Mwembwani of
Badgini (Comoro Islands) |
| Succeeded Umam wa Dari, who reigned (1852-84) and was succeeded by
Khadija. |
 |
Ca. 1884, 1884-8.. and 1887-ca.88 Sultan Khadija binti
Mugné Mku of Badgini (Comoro Islands) |
| It
is not clear what happened to her after Hachimu bin Mugne Mku
seized power in 1885, After he had been driven out in 1887 she was
first arrested but later reinstalled as Sultane by Saidi Ali of
the Comoros and French. Later she is known to have been in exile
in 1888 and to have joined Hachimu the following year. (d. 1889) |
|
1885-1902
Sultan Aisya of Indragiri (Indonesia) |
| Succeeded by sultan Mahmud |
 |
1888-94
Regent Queen Mother Regnant Njapdungke of Bamum
(Cameroon) |
| Also known as Setfon or Nazabidunke. Initially regent for her son,
Ibrahum Njoya, who was Fon of Bamun 1888-1923, in 1918 he also
became sultan of Fumban, he was deposed in 1923, and lived
(1885-1933). After he took over the reigns himself she became his
closest advisor. Bamun was under indirect colonial rule by the
Germans. She (d. 1913) |
 |
1888-89
Regent Princess Balia of Mwali (Mohéli) (Comoro Islands) |
|
Member of a regency council for the absent Sultan Salima. |
 |
1888-1906
Regent Rajah Putri of Magindanao (The Philippines) |
| Daughter of Sultan Qudaratullah Muhammad Jamalul Azam or simply
Sultan Untong and maried Datu Utto or Sultan Anwaruddin Utto of
Buayan, who also maneuvered to be declared jointly as Sultan of
Maguindanao. Openly, he was supporting the bid of his
brother-in-law, Datu Mamaku, brother of Rajah Putri to become the
new Sultan of Maguindanao. But the Spaniards opposed his
inclination vehemently, and Rajah Putri became the ruler of the
state. |
|
1893-94
Sultan Mugalula of Nyamwezi at Zanzibar (Tanzania) |
| Abdicated as Sultan of Nyamwezi
the same year.
Abdicated as sultan and was succeeded by daughter Abd Msavila II
in Nyamwezi, who also abdicated. |
|
1895
Sultan Abd Msavila II of Nyamwezi (Tanzania) |
|
Daughter of Sultana Mugalula, who reigned 1893-95 Msavila
abdicated and was succeeded by Chief and sultan Katugamoto, who
was deposed in 1898. |
 |
1895-96 Reigning Umugabekazi
Nyirauhi V Kanjogera of Rwanda
1896-ca. 1916 Regent
1916-31 Reigning Umugabekazi
|
|
Became Umugabekazi (Queen Mother) by the death of her husband King Kigeri IV
Rwabigi and twice acted as regent for her son Yuhi V wa Musinga (1896-31).
Rwanda was a Belgian colony at the time.
|
|
Around 1900 I-Tenri Pada Sultana Siti Aisha, Arung
of Barru (Indonesia) |
|
Married to H.H. Sri Sultan Muhammad Idris ibni Sultan 'Abdu'l
Kadir Muhammad 'Aidid, Sultan of Gowa. |
 |
1901-26
H.H. Sikander Saulat, Iftikhar ul-Mulk, Nawab Sultan
Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum of Bhopal
(India)
1901-02 Chief Minister of Bhopal |
|
Also known as Sarkar Amman, she
succeeded her mother, Sikander Begum. She was a forceful ruler,
and reformed the administration of state. She attended the
coronation of George V in 1911 dressed in a burqa with her awards
worn on the outside. During the trip, she visited Paris, k a spa
in Bad Nauenheim in Germany, spend a week in Génève and traveled
by the Orient Express to Istanbul, where she met the
sultan-emperor, Mehmet Reshad. She also visited Hungary, Italy and
Egypt where she embarked on her return journey to a Bhopal struck
by plague. Later that year she attended the Imperial Dunbar in
Delhi. In 1926 she returned
to London to settle the rules of succession in a British court.
She abdicated in favour of son while still in London, and after
some further legal conundrum, her granddaughter, Abida was
declared heir apparent. Sultan Jahan argued in favour of the rights
of the firstborn, regardless of gender. After her abdication, she
became an advocate of women’s rights, and in 1928 she discarded
purdah.
Shah Jahan lived (1858-1930). |
|
Until 1902 Datuk
I-Madellung Karaeng Kajuwara, Datu of Supa
(Ajataparang) (Indonesia)
|
|
Succeeded another female ruler; Bassee Kajuwara Hadie Abel Hadie
Pelai-eengi Paseemba, who ascended the throne in 1860. She was
succeeded by nephew and husband of her daughter
Besse Bulo,
H.H. Haji Andi La
Mappanjuki Karaeng Silayar Sri Sultan Ibrahim ibnu Sultan Husain,
who was Arumpone of Bone in 1931-46 and 1950-60 trough his mother
We Tan-ri Padarang, Princess of Alita, eldest daughter of H.H. La
Parenrengi Paduka Sri Sultan Ahmad, Arumpone of Bone. Madellung
(d. 1902) |
|
1907-11
Rani Imbichi Adi-Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
|
|
Succeeded brother. She was daughter of
Rani
Hayashabe
Adi Raja Bibi who reigned 1838-52 in succession to her
mother, Rani
Mariambe
Adi Raja Bibi, who reigned (1819-38). |
 |
1909-25
Politically Active Queen Shahzadi Maleka Jahan Khanum of
Persia |
|
Her name meant
"Queen of the World". She was married to her cousin Mohammad Ali
Shah who reigned 1907-09 until he was deposed. She was a strong
presence, and she was about to reclaim the throne of Persia for
her son Soltan Ahmad Shah, (1898-1909-25-30), after he was
deposed, but events had conspired against her. Went with her
family into exile in Rome, and lived (1875-?) |
 |
1919-29
Politically Influential H.M. Queen Soraya Shah of Afganistan |
| Influenced her husband, King Amanulluh Shah, who was one of the
most liberal rulers of the country. He abolished slavery,
liberalized the family code, child marriage was limited, women got
right to choose their own husband, etc. In 1928 Soraya and her
daughters appeared unveiled. Conservative forces forced her
husband to abdicate in 1929, and they went into exile first in
India and then in Rome. She was his third husband, he married two
more times, and lived (1892-1960) She was the daughter of
Mahmud Beg Tarzi, sometime Minister for Foreign Affairs,
and lived (1897-1968)
|
|
1921-31
Rani Ayisha Adi-Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
|
| Succeeded Ahmad Adi-Raja Bibi and was succeeded by Abdul-Rahman
Ali Adi-Raja II. |
|
1921-?
Regent Dowager Rani Saida of Badalpur (India) |
| Reigned in the name of her grand-son who studied in United Kingdom. |
|
1921-1939 Al-Sitt
Nazira Jumblatt of the Druze of Lebanon |
| Her
husband, Fouad Jumblatt was murdered by Shakib Wahab, a member of
the Arslan clan. Her son Kamal Jumblatt was four years old, and
grew up in an atmosphere of tight security and fear due to his
mother Nazira's continued support of the Lebanese state and its
French patrons. When the Druze in Syria revolted against the
French in 1925 , Nazira played a key role in keeping the Shouf
mostly out of war and worked tirelessly to find common ground
among the French authorities, the Maronites and the Druze. Her son
studied in France until 1939, and later became one of the chief
acteurs in the civil war from the 1970s onward until his
assassination. |
 |
1935-49
Vice-President of the State Council and President of the Cabinet
Princess Abida Sultan Begum of Bhopal (India)
1960-61 Titular Nawab
Sahiba
, Begum Sultan of Bhopal |
| Her full name is
Colonel Suraya Jah, Gauhar-i-Taj, Nawab Abida Sultan Begum Sahiba, but is
normally known
as Begum Abida Sultan. She was appointed
as Heir Apparent to her father and recognized as such by the Indian
government in 1928. In 1950 she moved to Pakistan. were she was a Delegate
to UN in 1954, Ambassador to Brazil and Chile 1954-59. She was also an
active politician and supporter of Miss Fatima Jinnah's candidacy for
President of Pakistan. She Contested the succession after the death of her
father,
HH Sikander Savlat Ifrikar il-Mulk Haji Sir Muhammad Hamidullah Khan Badur,
in February 1960, but the Indian government ruled against her in January
1961 in favour of her sister,
H.H.Sikander Saulat Iftikhar ul-Mulk Haji Nawab Mehr Tai Sajida Sultan Begum
Sahiba, Nawab Begum of Bhopal (1960-95). Aida
lived
(1913-2002) |
 |
1941-79
Politically Influential HIH Princess Ashraf Pahlavi of Iran |
|
In 1946 her twin brother, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, send her to negotiate
with Stalin in the Kremilin, to secure the return of some Soviet occupied
parts of Iran. She was Head of the Woman's Organization of Iran and a
Special Ambassador to the United Nations.
Her first two marriages ended in divorce, her third husband died. According
to Iranian usage, her sons two sons and their children had the title H.H.
Prince and father's surname. Her daughter is H.H. Princess and the husband's
surname. (b. 1919-) |
|
Before 1944 Regent Princess
Sharifah Leng binti al-Marhum Yang di-Pertuan Muda Syed Abdul
Hamid
of Tampin (Malaysia) |
|
The daughter Sultan Sharif Abdul Hamid ibni al-Marhum Yang
di-Pertuan Muda Sultan Muhammad Shah al-Qadri (1872-94)
she was regent for her nephew Syed Akil bin Syed Dewa al-Qadri,
Tunku Besar of Tampin, who died at the age of 20, and whose
brother, Syed Muhammad bin Syed Dewa al-Qadri, ruled until
1944. |
|
1946-47
Rani Mariyumma Adi-Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
|
|
Her principality was incorporated in the Republic of India. |
 |
1952-53
Head of the Regency Council H.M. Queen Zein al-Sharaf of
Jordan |
| In the
official Jordan biography it says that her political instincts and
courage allowed her to successfully fill a constitutional vacuum
after the assassination of the late King Abdullah in 1951, while
the newly proclaimed King Talal was being treated outside the
Kingdom for his mental illness. When he was deposed in August 1952
she was regent until her son, Hussein I, until he turned 18 in May
the following year. She played a major role in the political
development of the Kingdom in the early 1950s, and took part in
the writing of the 1952 Constitution that gave full rights to
women and enhanced the social development of the country. Born in
Egypt as daughter of the Court Chamberlain, Sharif Jamal Ali bin
Nasser, she was mother of three sons and a daughter, and lived
(1916-94). |
 |
1952-53
Candidate for the Throne Princess Fatima Ibrahim
Didi Tuttu Goma of the Maldive Islands |
|
In 1944 the throne was first offered to the erstwhile Prime
Minister Athireegey Abdul Majeed Rannabandeyri Kilegefan, but he
declined and remained in exile until his death in 1952. The throne
was then offered
Tuttu Goma was daughter of Eggamugey Ibrahim Faamuladeyri
Kilegefan and Princess Gulistan Imaduddine, the daughter of Sultan
Mohamed Imaduddine VI (1892-1903) and
Eggamugey Umm-Kalthum Didi. The Islamic clerics headed by the
chief justice Abdullah Jalaluddine vetoed the age old custom of a
female ruler, so a council of regency reigned until 1953. |
 |
1959-70 Chairperson of the
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet Yadar
Sadykovna
Nariddinova, Uzbekistan (Autonomos Soviet Republic in the USSR)
|
|
1952-59 Deputy Premier, Minister of Construction Industry in Uzbekistan,
1959-70 Vice-Chairperson of the Supreme Soviet before becoming "Head of
State" of the Republic. 1970-74 she was President of the Federation Council
of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. (b. 1926-)
|
 |
1960-95
Head of the Princly Family H.H.Sikander Saulat Iftikhar ul-Mulk
Haji Nawab Mehr Tai Sajida Sultan Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum
of Bhopal (India) |
| Recognized by
the Government of India as ruler of Bhopal, at the 13. of January 1961
with effect from 4. February 1960.
After the death of her husband, Muhammed Iftikhar Ali Khan of Pataudi
(1910-1917-52), she was regent for her son Mansur Ali Khan (b. 1941),
who was captain of the Indian Cricket team 1960-75. Under the name of
Begum Sajida Sultan, she was member of the Indian Parlament for Bhopal
1957-62. She lived (1915-95) and was succeeded by her grandson. |
 |
1963 Fatima Jinnah, Pakistan |
|
Sister, secretary and political advisor of the "father" of
Pakistan, Muhamad Ali Jinnah. She had widespread popular support but lost the
elections. Lived (1894-1965)
|
 |
1968-96 Partner
in Power Siti Hartinah,
Indonesia |
|
Also Known as Ibu Tien (Mother Tien), she was the most loyal aide and the
closest and most influential advisor of her husband, President Suharto. She
was known to express preferences as well as dislikes toward certain cabinet
ministers, often connected with their personal lives. She was known as
"Madame Ten Percent", because of her corruption. Born as Princess of
Mangkunegara in Surakarta, Central Java, and lived (1923-96). |
 |
1971-73 Governor Begum
Ra'ana Liquat Ali Khan, Sind
(Pakistan) |
She was the widow of Prime Minister Liquat Ali Khan who was murdered 1951. She was
ambassador to the Netherlands 1954-56, to Tunisia 1961-64 and Italy 1961-66.
Born as Ra'ana Pant, she lived (1905-90) [Perhaps governor 1973-76]. |
|
1975-78 First Secretary of the Communist Party Ibodat S.
Rakhimova, Tajikistan (Autonomous
Soviet Republic in the USSR) |
|
As first secretary she was the actual leader of the republic. She was the
only women on that post during the history of the USSR.
Vice-President 1955-66 and Secretary 1978-89 of the Supreme Soviet. |
 |
1979-80
Regent-in-exile Dowager Shahbanou Farah Diba Pahlavi of Iran
(in Egypt and France) |
| She
is widow of The Shah, she was Acting Head of the Imperial Family and acted as regent for son who
became shah on his 20th birthday 31/10-80. (b. 1938-)
|
|
1980-81 Chief
Minister Syeda Anwara Taimur
, Assam (India) |
| Still
politically active in 2006. (b. 1936-). |
 |
1980-85
Partner in Power Dr.
Anahita Ratebzad, Afghanistan |
|
Shared power with her partner, President
Babrak
Karmal. She
was ambassador to Yugoslavia 1978, Minister of Social Affairs
1978-79, Minister of Education 1980, and Member of the
Presidency of the Revolutionary Council and the Politburo of the
Communist Party 1980-85. She was the highest ranking woman in the
parcham faction of the party and an expert propagandist. Her former
husband, Dr. Qamaruddin Kakar used to be king Zahir Shah's personal
physician. (b. 1928-) .
|
 |
1982-83
Vice-Premier Caroline Diop
Faye, Senegal |
1971-ca.
84 Deputy President of the National Assembly.
1978-81 Minister of Social Affairs,
1981-83 Minister-Delegate by the Premier Minister and 1982-83 Minister of
State (Third in Cabinet)
|
 |
1987-89
Chairperson of the Executive Council Kaqusha Jashari (Kosova/Yugoslavia)
1989 Chief
Secretary of the Communist Party |
| Forced
to resign after the first Kosovan riots in the
republic. In 2000 she was member of the Kosovo Transitional Council
(Legislative) and Chairperson of Social Democratic Party of Kosovo (PSDK)
which
she had chaired since 1991. |
 |
1988-90
and 1993-96 Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan |
| Co-Chairperson
1984-94 and from 1994 Leader of Pakistan People's Party. 1977-84 in
house arrest, 1984-86 in exile. She also held the Portfolios of
Defence, Atomic-Energy, Finance, Economy, Information
and Establishment. Both in 1990 and 1996 she was removed from
office by the President on charges of corruption and later
convicted. From 1998 she has lived in exile London and the
United Arab Emirates. Her three children were born in 1988, 1989 and
1993. (b. 1953-).
|
|
1988-09
Acting
Chairperson of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet
Roza
Atamuradovna
Bazarova, Turkmenistan (Autonomous Soviet Republic in the USSR) |
|
1975 Deputy Premier Minister and 1975-88 Member of the Presidium of
Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. (b. 1933-).
|
 |
1989
Acting Prime Minister Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Pakistan |
| Senior Minister without Portfolio and Second in Cabinet
1989-90. Acted
as deputy to her Daughter, Benazir Bhutto, and was acting Premier
when she gave birth to her second child in 1989 and on various
other occasions. Widow of President Zulfiar Ali Bhutto, who
was executed by the military regime. Born in Afganistan (Ca. 1929-). |
 |
1989-99
Vice-Premier Aïssata Moumouni, Niger |
| Second in cabinet for many years. Since 1997 with the
title of Minister of State.
|
 |
1991-96 and
2001- Prime
Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh |
| Vice-Chairperson
of The Nationalist Party 1982-84 and Leader since 1984. Her husband,
President Zia-ur-Rahman was Premier Minister 1976-77 and President
1977-81 until he was assassinated.
Khaleda was detained seven times during almost nine years of autocratic
rule. In the face of mass upsurge spearheaded by the seven-party
alliance, led by Khaleda, and the eight-party combine, led by Hasina,
Ershad resigned in 1990 and handed over power to neutral caretaker
government, bringing an end to his nine-year autocratic rule. During her
first tenure as Premier she was in charge of a number of other
portfolios - among other's that of
Defence.
1996-2001 Leader of the Opposition. Mother of two
sons.
(b. 1945-).
|
 |
1991-ca. 96 Governor Professor Lale
Ayataman, Mugla (Turkey) |
|
1996-99 she was deputy to the Grand National Assembly for the Motherlands Party
(ANAP). Chairperson of the European Committee for Environment and Regional
Affairs and Vice-Chairperson of the Group of European Democrats (Conservatives). |
 |
1993-96
Minister President Tansu Çiller, Turkey |
| Assistant
Professor 1974-83 and 1983-90 Professor of Economics at Bosphorus
University. Minister of State and Chief Economic Coordinator
1991-93, Deputy Premier and
Minister
of Foreign Affairs 1996-97.
She was Deputy Chairperson , 1990-93 and from 1993 Chairperson of DYP, The
True Path Party. In the 2002-elections the party got 8,5% of the votes, becoming
the third largest party, but it was not enough to reenter the parliament,
where the minimum vote required is 9%. Mother of
two children. (b. 1946-).
|
 |
1993-
President of the Government-in-Exile Maryam Rajavi, Iran (in Paris) |
|
From 1985-92 Commander-in-Chief of Muhjedin-Army operating from Iraq. She is
head of the 250 member exile-parliament. Half of its members are women and the
exile-government is dominated by women. |
|
1994-95
Deputy Chief of Government
Salma Ahmed Rashed, Libya
|
|
1992-94
Assistant Secretary for Women and 1994-95 Secretary in the General
Secretariat of the General Peoples' Congress for Women's Affairs (Deputy
Chief of Government). 1996 Ambassador to the League of Arab Nations
as the first woman. |
| 1994 and 1996-99
Vice-Premier
Minister
Bozgul Dodkhudoeva, Tajikistan
|
| 1993-94
Minister of Education. |
|
1994-96
Vice-Premier
Minister
Munira
Abdulloyevna Inoyatva, Tadjikistan
|
|
1993-94 Deputy Minister of Labour, 1994-99 also Minister of Education and
since 1999 Presidential Advisor of Social Affairs
|
 |
1994-95
Minister
of Foreign Affairs
Sy
Kadiatou Sow, Mali
1998-2000
Governor of
the
Capital District of Bamako
|
| 1994-95
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malians Abroad and African Integration and
1995-98 Minister of Town Planning and Housing. |
 |
1995-99
Vice-Premier
Minister
Abad Sehedana
Rezeva, Turkmenistan
|
| Former vice-chair of the Parliament. From 1999 minister of Education.
Another version of her name is Abad Sehedovna Irzayeva Risaveva.
|
 |
1995-
Vice-Premier
Minister
Dilbar Mukhammadkhonovna
Ghulomova, Uzbekistan
|
| Chairperson of the State
Committee for Women’s
Affairs from 1994.
|
 |
1996-2001 Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Bangladesh |
| Also
known as Hasina Wazed, she is leader
of the Awami League since 1981 and Leader of the Opposition 1991-96. As
Premier one of her many other portfolios is that of
Defence. Mother
of 2 sons (b. 1945-). |
| 1996-98
Vice-Premier
Minister
Larisa Gutnichenko, Kyrgyzstan
|
|
1995-96 Minister of Justice and 1996-98 Deputy Premier Minister for
Social and Cultural Policy.
|
 |
1996-98
Vice-Premier
Minister
Mira Jangaracheva, Kyrgyzstan
|
| In 1992-95 Deputy Mayor of Bishkeh,
1995-96 Presidential Advisor of Social Affairs.
From
1998 Minister of Labour and Social
Welfare.
(b. 1952-). |
 |
1997-2006 Vice-President Prof. Dr. Masoumek Ebtekar, Iran |
| In charge of Environment (b. 1960-) |
 |
1997,
1998 (March-April), 1999,
2000 (November), 2001, 2002
(January), 2003 (June)
and 2004 (June/July)
Acting
Minister of Foreign Affairs
H.R.H. Princess Hajah Masna binti
Omer Ali of Brunei,
Brunei
|
| Since
1995 Ambassador-at-Large and Second in Command of the Foreign
Ministry and Acting Foreign Minister and Head of
Delegations to APEC, ASEAN, ASEM and other international summits on various occasions.
She is the sister of HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkian Muizzaddin of
Brunei and married to Pengiran Lela Sahibun Najabah Pengiran
Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haja Abu Bakar. Her full title is Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri or Yang
Teramat Mulina Pengiran Anak Puteri. (b. 1948-) |
 |
1997-2001 Governor Selvi M. Fathima Beeri, Tamil Nadu (India) |
|
In
1983 she was appointed judge in the Kerala High Court. 1989-93 Judge in
the Supreme Court of India as the first woman. She was removed from the
post of governor after having appointed J. Jayalalitha Jayaram as chief
minister in spite of her conviction for corruption. (b. 1927-)
.
|
 |
1999-2000
Vice-Premier
Minister
Rima Khalaf
Hneidi, Jordan |
|
1993-95 Minister of Trade and Industry, 1995-98 Minister of Planning,
1999-2000 Deputy Premier Minister and Minister of Planning. she resigned in
2000 because of disagreement with the Premier Minister about the economic
policies. Later same year she became Assistant Secretary General of the UN
and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States.
|
| 1999-
Vice-Premier
Minister
Djamal Geklenova, Turkmenistan
|
|
Ca. 1998-99 Minister of Consumer Goods and
since 1999 Deputy Premier Minister in charge of the Chamber of Industry
and Commerce and Turkmen Statistics and Forecasts Committee and Minister
of Textile Industry and Foreign Trade. |
 |
1999-
Vice-Premier
Minister
Nigina Sharapova, Tajikistan
|
| Among
others in charge of Women's Issues. |
| 1999
Vice-Premier
Minister
Aitkul Baigaziyevna Samakova,
Kazakstan |
| 1997-99
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, 1999-2002 Minister Without Portfolio and Chairperson of the National Committee on
Family and Women’s Issues
and from 2002 Minister of Environmental Protection
|
 |
1999-2000
and 2001-
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dodo Aïchatou Mindaoudou, Niger
|
| 1995-96
she was Minister of Social Development, Population and Women. |
 |
2000-
Minister of Foreign
Haja
Mahawa Bangoura Camara, Guinea
|
| In
1995 she was Ambassador to
USA and later to the United
Nations. Her official title is Minister to the presidency
charged with Foreign Affairs and an alternative version of her
name is Camara Hadja Mawa Bangoura |
|
 |
2000 President of the Executive Committee Nuria Abdulahi, Harari (Ethiopia) |
|
Only in office for around one month.
|
 |
2001-04
Executive
President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Indonesia |
| When
Megawati
Setyawati Soekarnoputri became leader of the Democratic
Party in 1993, she triggered the opposition against President Quarto. In
1999 her party won the most seats in the Parliament, but Abdulrahman
Wahid was elected President. This caused serious riots all over the
country and she was elected vice-President the following day. In August
2000 the ailing President Wahid charged her with the running of the
daily business of the government and state and she chaired the cabinet
meetings. At the 23rd of July he was ousted and she inaugurated as
President. Ibu Mega, as she is known, is daughter of Indonesia's
founding father Sukarno, is married for the 3rd time and mother of 3
children. (b. 1946-).
|
 |
2001-02
Premier Ministre
Mame
Madior Boye, Sénégal |
| Former
assistant to the Attorney General
of the Republic, judge
and first vice President of the Regional High Court in Dakar
and former President
of the Court of Appeal in Dakar.
Councillor
to the Supreme Court of Appeal
and Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in 2000-2001. In
2002 she took over as Minister of Defence after the former incumbent
resigned after almost 1.000 persons died in a ferry-disaster. (b.1940-). |
|

|
2001-02 Vice-Premier
Minister Sima
Samar, Afghanistan |
| Appointed
Deputy Leader of the Transitional Council or Deputy Premier Minister and Minister of Women's Affairs, after the woman-hating Taleban-regime was ousted. She had been leader of a women's organization for a number of years. (b. 1957-).
|
|
|
2002-
Vice-Premier
Minister
Enebay Geldiyevna Atayeva,
Turkmenistan |
| 2001
minister of Social Affairs and Labour, and since 2001 Minister of Economy and Finance.
In 2002 she was appointed Deputy Premier Minister responsible for the
Banking Sektor. Her name is also transcribed as Ataeva Enebay Gelgievna. |
|
|
2002-
Vice-Premier
Minister
Galina Karimovna Saidova, Uzbekistan |
| Deputy Premier Minister
in charge of Analysis and Information. |
|

|
2002-03
Vice-Premier
Minister
Kétia
Rokiatou N'Diaye, Mali
(Second in Cabinet) |
|
Former Civil servant she was Director of the Cabinet of the President 1992-94
and the Special Advisor 1994-96. She is 3rd. Vice-President of the
Rassemblement Pour Le Mali (Party) and
Minister of Health from 2002. (b. 1938-). |
|
2003-
Prefect Mudira Abu Bakr of the Dukan Region (Iraq) |
| The region
is situated in the in northern Suleimaniyah Province in the part
of Kurdistan which is controlled by the Patriotic Union of
Kurdistan. |
 |
2003-06
Minister of Foreign
Edna Adan Ismail, Somaliland |
| A former World
Health Organization representative in Djibouti, she founded and is the
Co-Patronn and Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Somaliland's
first Maternity Hospital. Somaliland is a self-declared and de-facto
independent republic.
|
|
 |
2006 Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria |
|
Former Vice-President of the World Bank and Corporate Secretary.
Minister of Finance 2003-06, and when she was appointed Foreign Affairs
in June 2006, she continued as the Head of the Economic Reform
Team, but resigned from the government after being fired from this
post in August. |
|

|
2006-
Minister of Foreign Affairs Joy Ogwu, Nigeria |
|
Professor of International Affairs and
Director of the Foreign Affairs Institute through many years. (b.
1946-). |
Last update
30.05.07
|