Dayfa Khatun

Dayfa Khatun (Arabic: ضيفة خاتون‎) was the regent ruler of Aleppo from 1237 to 1244 during the reign of her grandson an-Nasir Yusuf. She achieved an unprecedented measure of autonomous political influence, becoming the first Ayyubid female regent,^{[clarification needed]} and played a major role in architectural patronage in Aleppo, being responsible for the construction of the Firdaws Madrasa.^[1]

Khatun, the daughter of al-Adil, was married to Saladin's son az-Zahir Ghazi in 1212. Ghazi requested her hand in marriage to end the conflict between him and al-Adil. When she arrived in Aleppo, she was greeted by a great ceremony and received by Ghazi, his emirs, and local notables. Ibn Wasil wrote "When she entered al-Malik az-Zahir [az-Zahir Ghazi], he arose and took several steps towards her and showed her great respect." Her marriage was instrumental in the unification and maintenance of the Ayyubid empire.^[2]

Khatun's status grew more important when she gave birth to al-Aziz Muhammad, Ghazi's son and heir to throne of Aleppo. Not much about her is recorded for the remainder of Ghazi's rule which ended when he died in 1216 or Muhammad's reign which ended when he died in 1236.^[2]

References

1. ^ Ruggles, 2000, p.18.
2. ^ ^{a b} Ruggles, 2000, p.21.