Introduction 

Dayfa Khatun ruled Aleppo (1236-1242) at a time of political upheaval, navigating complex power dynamics and preserving the city’s stability. As a Kurdish princess from the Ayyubid dynasty, she navigated the complex political landscape of the time, using diplomacy and strategic alliances to maintain the city’s independence while avoiding costly military conflicts. Her leadership was instrumental in ensuring Aleppo’s stability and prosperity. Dayfa Khatun also made significant contributions to the city’s cultural and architectural development, commissioning important schools and fortifications. Her reign challenges the commonly held belief that medieval Islamic politics was exclusively dominated by male and underscores the longstanding presence of Kurds in Syria, who have been an integral part of its history for centuries. Dayfa’s legacy reminds us of the crucial role women played in shaping the history of their time, despite being largely overlooked in historical narratives.

A Kurdish Princess in Ayyubid Syria

Born at the end of the 12th century, Dayfa Khatun was a princess of the Ayyubid dynasty, the Kurdish rulers who succeeded Salah al-Din. The Ayyubids governed a vast and fragmented empire stretching from Egypt to Mesopotamia, where internal rivalries often led to shifting alliances and power struggles. She was married to al-Zahir Ghazi, the ruler of Aleppo, solidifying Ayyubid control over northern Syria. Her life unfolded in a city where diverse ethnic and cultural groups lived side by side. Kurds, Arabs, Persians, and Turkmens all shaped Aleppo’s politics and society. The Kurdish presence in Syria goes back centuries, intertwined with Arab, Turkmen, and other communities, contributing to its military, governance, and intellectual life.

Rule, Challenges and Diplomacy

After the death of her son, al-Aziz Muhammad, Dayfa Khatun took on the role of regent for her young grandson in 1236, marking a rare moment of female leadership in Ayyubid Syria. Unlike many male rulers of the time, she focused on maintaining stability through diplomacy, rather than military conquest. Her careful management of Aleppo allowed the city to thrive despite the turbulent political landscape, relying on alliances and negotiations to keep the city independent and avoid the costly wars that afflicted other Ayyubid territories. Aleppo faced numerous external threats during Dayfa Khatun’s regency. To the east, the Mongols were sweeping through the region, devastating cities. To the south, the Mamluks were strengthening their hold over Egypt and beginning to expand into Syria. At the same time, rival Ayyubid rulers in nearby cities sought to gain control over Aleppo. In the face of these dangers, Dayfa Khatun relied on diplomacy and alliances to protect her city, showing remarkable skill in navigating a complex political environment and securing Aleppo’s stability during a period of intense crisis.

Cultural Contributions, Women’s Empowerment & Sufism

Beyond politics, Dayfa Khatun made a lasting impact on Aleppo’s architectural and intellectual landscape. She supported education and the arts, funding the construction of madrasas (islamic schools that provided religious and academic education), mosques, and fortifications. One of her most significant contributions was the Firdaws Madrasa, built in 1235–1236. This grand Islamic school became a center for religious scholarship, reflecting her investment in education and intellectual life. She also reinforced Aleppo’s citadel, recognizing its strategic importance in defending the city.

Dayfa Khatun’s legacy extended beyond traditional institutions to her support of women’s participation in religious and social life. She played a key role in the establishment of the Khanqah al-Farafra, a space created specifically for female Sufi ascetics. The khanqah provided shelter for elderly, divorced, or widowed women who had nowhere else to go, offering them a place of residence until their death or remarriage. This khanqah, the only surviving one in Aleppo and possibly Syria, is a testament to the high quality of materials she used in its construction. Dayfa’s adoption of Sufism also opened opportunities for women to take on leadership roles within religious communities, further enriching Aleppo’s cultural and spiritual life. Rather than being an exception, Dayfa Khatun was part of a broader tradition where women in Syria influenced politics, education, and culture. Many noblewomen funded schools, mosques, and charitable projects that strengthened their cities. In Aleppo and Damascus, influential women from ruling families contributed to endowments that supported scholars and students, ensuring that learning thrived even during times of political uncertainty. Dayfa Khatun followed this tradition, leaving her mark on Aleppo’s cultural and intellectual landscape.

Dayfa Khatun’s rule is a testament to the role women played in medieval Islamic rule, challenging the idea that medieval Islamic politics was exclusively male-dominated. Her leadership ensured Aleppo remained strong in a time of crisis and her support enriched the city’s intellectual and architectural heritage. Her Kurdish origins highlight the deep-rooted presence of Kurds in Syria, a reminder that Syria’s history is one of coexistence and diversity. Yet her story, like many others, remains largely forgotten. What if more stories like hers were told? Women shaped history—not as exceptions, but as integral figures in their time.