WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
Dr. Wills states that women in Persia begin to show signs of age at forty; but Mr. W. S. Landor says that the menopause does not manifest itself until about fifty.
When walking in the streets the women are closely veiled with the chudder. Social intercourse with men is restricted in this country, and such interdiction is one of the principal disabilities of women.
On the other hand, women in Persia possess many rights and a number of privileges. James Atkinson, in "Customs and Manners of the Women of Persia," refers to an ancient code in which the liberties of women are clearly defined. A woman can always attend the public bath alone. She is allowed to visit her father, brother, sister, or son when she chooses, and her husband cannot force his company upon her on such occasions. Such intrusion would be considered unpardonable rudeness. No husband is to enter his wife's apartments without her consent or invitation. A wife may entertain her friends in her own apartments, and engage musicians and dancers to delight her guests.
When a husband enters his wife's chambers he is a visitor, and he possesses no authority over her servants. Her children and her slaves obey her, and not her spouse. The Persians assert that their women have more power and liberty than the women of Europe and the West generally. This was the opinion of Mirza Abu Taleb Khan after a visit to England.
223
