A comparative comparison of women position in the music assemblies of the Timurid and Safavid periods based on the surviving Painting

Abstract

During the reign of the Timurids, the art of painting reached such a level of development and evaluation that it became a model for all future schools of painting in Iran. According to the approach of the Timurid rulers, we see the maturity and perfection of music in this period, by studying the existing Painting, one can understand the very important and prominent points of musical life, including the presence and service of female musicians and the instruments and innovations of this art in this period. In the history of Iran after Islam, the Safavid era is also a turning point in terms of important political, cultural, and social changes, and Safavid miniature, like other branches of art, was no exception to this rule. The present article intends to comparatively examine and explain the identity and social status of female musicians with a comparative approach and in a descriptive-analytical and historical method and according to library sources and museum documents left from the Timurid and Safavid eras. The main question of this research is as follows; How are the two dynasties’ insights into female musicians explained in works of art? Studies show that despite the similarity of the maps of these two periods, in the Safavid era, however, greatness and respect for women and musicians were more than the Timurid period. In the Timurid era, female musicians were performed in quiet, unhurried gatherings with the king, usually in the lower house. In the early Safavid period, women were depicted with court men and close to the king, and in the late period, in crowded scenes; Instead of playing more, they dance and their position has seen a temporary decline.

Keywords

• painting
• music councils
• women musicians
• teymouri
• safavid