Leiden University Student Repository

Maarse, Jetske (2025)

The free woman of Alborán: a new perspective on Sayyida al- Hurra's political career in the 16th century

Master thesis | Middle Eastern Studies (MA)

This thesis offers a comprehensive analysis of the political impact of Sayyida al- Hurra, on the 16th-century Alborán political landscape. Positioned within the Alborán basin- a frontier contested by Iberian, Moroccan, and Ottoman powers- her rule was shaped by the Andalusi diaspora, corsairing networks, and shifting alliances. Drawing on a 1542- Portuguese diplomatic letter alongside Arabic and Iberian secondary sources, the study highlights her authority in maritime and terrestrial politics and diplomacy. The thesis argues that Sayyida al-Hurra was a central figure to 16th-century Alborán politics yet marginalized in historical memory.

Sayyida al-Hurra, female political agency, Alborán sea basin, corsairing

Author

Maarse, Jetske

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

J. Bruning

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en