Women’s Issue in Omar Faig Nemanzadeh’s Works

Abstract

In the second half of the 19th century, the Muslim Caucasus underwent a new period of social changes in public life, leading to a tangible shift in women’s social roles. The satirical magazine Molla Nesreddin often published articles, feuilletons, and stories on the topic of the disenfranchised position of women in Muslim society. The article “Armenian and Muslim Women” notes that a false opinion developed in society, suggesting that it is obligatory for Muslim women to wear clothes that cover their faces. The author attempts to debunk this myth by referring to verse 31:24 of Surah An-Nur (Light). He points out that, according to the sacred text, a woman is not forbidden from revealing her face.

The well-known writer and publicist, one of the co-founders of Molla Nesreddin magazine, Omar Faig Nemanzadeh, states that “as long as women consider the violence they are subjected to as their own faith, destined by the Almighty, they will never be able to save themselves from torment.” Omar Faig advocates for the education of women and their participation in the public and political life of the country. He urges Muslims to send their daughters to schools and educate them because only through education and enlightenment can women be instilled with the right moral values. “A nation wishing to break away from outdated traditions and customs must take its fate into its own hands,” says Omar Faig in his works.

He published a series of articles under the pseudonym "Spinner Aunt" ("Cehreçi Hala"), where he addressed the rights and freedoms of Muslim women. In the article “The Question of the Hijab and Our Answer,” he appeals to facts from holy sources as well as to the treatises of venerable theologians from different eras. Omar Faig considers it his duty to fight against unscrupulous religious ministers who, under the guise of Sharia, doom women to eternal oppression and injustice.

Several of Omar Faig’s works are devoted to the theme of the seclusion of Muslim women. He notes that the practice of seclusion has led to a low social status for women in Muslim society. “The disempowered position of women is the biggest drawback of our society,” Omar Faig Nemanzadeh observes in his writings.