Sultana Barakat

A pioneering Syrian educator who established the first girls' school in the Middle East, challenging gender norms and advancing women's education in the 19th century.

Sultana Barakat (1840–1908) was a visionary reformer who defied societal expectations in 19th-century Syria. Born into a conservative family in Damascus, she rejected traditional gender roles by pursuing education and later becoming a teacher. In 1874, she founded the first girls' school in the region, School of the Daughters of the Arabs, which became a model for women's education across the Middle East. Her curriculum emphasized Arabic language, mathematics, and science, countering the era's restrictive norms. Barakat also advocated for women's rights through public lectures and wrote influential essays on gender equality. Her work inspired future generations, including Hoda Shaarawi, a key figure in Egypt's feminist movement. Despite facing backlash from religious authorities, she persisted, earning recognition from Ottoman officials. Her legacy is celebrated in modern Syria, where schools and scholarships bear her name. For deeper insights, explore Encyclopedia Britannica or Middle East Monitor.