Lubna of Córdoba
Quick Facts
Biography
Lubna of Córdoba was an Andalusian intellectual of the second half of the 10th century famous for her knowledge of grammar and the quality of her poetry. She was the daughter of the Caliph of Córdoba, Al-Hakam II, a great defender of culture.
In the library of Córdoba, Lubna was in charge of playing, writing, and translating many manuscripts. Along with Hasdai ibn Shaprut, she was the driving force behind the creation of the famous library of Medina Azahara.
According to Arab chronicles, in the time of Caliph Al-Hakam II, more than 170 literate women could be found in some suburbs of the city; these women were responsible for making copies of valuable manuscripts. This gives an idea of the culture and the role of women during the reign of the Caliph.