The kalams of the women in the Yarsan literature: Example of Remzbar

Yarsan Kurds have a rich literature that constitutes an important part of the Kurdish literature. Due to concealment for outsiders it has not been exposed to any serious investigation. The Yarsan sacred literature has been orally transmitted through religious kalām (divine discourse) from generation to generation. The narrators of Yarsan literature body were not only male; female narrators had an important position in transmitting the Yarsan kalām. Women's active role in Yaresan kalām narration originates from the belief in dunadun; every individual will resurrect in another body; next time maybe a female could resurrect in the shape of a male or vice-versa. Thus, in comparison with neighbouring societies, the Yarsan women have had an eminent position, particularly within its religious community. Consequently, the Yarsan literature has been enriched by a gender-perspective, unprecedented in the regions. This investigation is an attempt to shed light on the women's role in Yarsan sacred literature.