CHAPTER XXI
THE WOMEN OF PERSIA
The realm of the Shah is a reputed paradise for women. There is probably less feminine discontent in Persia than in any other country, East or West. It has often been said that where polygamy prevails women have few liberties and little influence. In this book I have adduced sufficient evidence to prove that such a view often arises from hasty preconception and from the prejudice of the Western mind against legal plural marriage and sanctioned concubinage.
Polygamy in Persia does not seem oppressive towards women, for they exercise much social and domestic power. Within the limits of their traditions, and in accord with their personal aspirations, the women of Persia, among the upper classes, are cultured, and even advanced, from the Oriental point of view.
Ancient Persian romances and poetry testify to the esteem and devotion shown by men to wives and lovers; and the old histories tell of noble women who have led
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