Poetical Texts Concerning Jewish Sephardic Women Emancipation in the Balkans (I)

Abstract

Edition of forty Judeo-Spanish poetical texts (poems, Coplas and traditional songs), for the most part unpublished yet. These texts are used for illustrating the emancipation process of the sephardic women in the Ottoman Empire and the Balkans from the end of the 19th century on, always from the critical perspective of their male authors. After a first introductory poem, the texts are organized according to the following topics: 1) Transformation of the general environment; 2) New fashions and luxuries; 3) Modern dance; 4) Relationship between boys and girls; 5) Choosing the groom; 6) The dowry; 7) Familial life after wedding. A glossary and the bibliography are included at the end.