Historical Figure
A’isha al-Ba’uniyya
Mamluk
ʿĀʾishah bint Yūsuf al-Bāʿūniyyah was a Sufi master and poet. She is one of few female medieval Islamic mystics to have recorded their own views in writing, and she "probably composed more works in Arabic than any other woman prior to the twentieth century." Some of her works have been translated to English in the 21st century. "In her the literary talents and Ṣūfi tendencies of her family reached full fruition." She was born and died in Damascus.
Connection to Damascus
Born in Damascus in the Salihiyya district; rose to prominence in the Damascene scholarly community before moving to Cairo.
Known for
Most prolific medieval Muslim female author; authoritative guide on Sufism.
Lifespan
c. 1456 – 1516
Biography
ʿĀʾishah bint Yūsuf al-Bāʿūniyyah was a Sufi master and poet. She is one of few female medieval Islamic mystics to have recorded their own views in writing, and she "probably composed more works in Arabic than any other woman prior to the twentieth century." Some of her works have been translated to English in the 21st century. "In her the literary talents and Ṣūfi tendencies of her family reached full fruition." She was born and died in Damascus.