The History of Homosexuality in the Islamicate World
Homosexuality has a complicated history in the Islamicate world, with attitudes and acceptance varying greatly across different regions and periods. While the Quran does not explicitly mention homosexuality, same-sex sexual behavior is prohibited under Islamic law (sharia). However, throughout history and across different Islamic world cultures, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws have varied.
Homosexuality was neither heavily stigmatized nor punished in the early days of Islam. There is no evidence that the Prophet Muhammad made any explicit statements about homosexuality, and there is evidence that same-sex relationships were tolerated in early Islamic societies. For example, in the 9th century, the Persian poet Rumi wrote in his poetry about his love for another man, and there was no significant backlash.
However, as Islam spread around the world, attitudes toward homosexuality shifted. During the medieval period, Islamic societies became more conservative, and strict interpretations of Sharia law led to increased persecution of same-sex couples. Fines, imprisonment, and even death were all possible punishments for homosexuality.
It is important to note that attitudes and laws regarding homosexuality in the Islamic world vary greatly from country to country. Tolerance and acceptance are strong traditions in some countries, while persecution and discrimination are still prevalent in others. Homosexual sex is still punishable by death in some countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. In other countries, such as Turkey, homosexuality is legal.
To summarize, homosexuality has a complicated and varied history in the Islamic world. While traditional Islamic law forbids same-sex sexual behavior, attitudes, and acceptance have shifted over time and across cultures. Discrimination and persecution still exist in many parts of the Islamicate world.
Arabia:
The history of homosexuality in Arabia is complex, shaped by the region's changing cultural norms, religious beliefs, and legal codes through the centuries. Arabia is a diverse region, including modern nation-states such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. Each country has its unique history and attitudes toward homosexuality.
In pre-Islamic Arabia, homosexuality was not heavily stigmatized or punished. Evidence from ancient literature, art, and architecture suggests that same-sex relationships were accepted and even celebrated in some cases. For example, among the Bedouin tribes, it was common for older men to take young men as apprentices, and these relationships often had a sexual component.
However, as Arabia became increasingly Islamic, attitudes toward homosexuality began to change. Islamic law prohibits same-sex sexual behavior, and the traditional interpretation of Islamic law in Arabia led to increased persecution of those engaging in same-sex relationships. Punishments for homosexuality included fines, imprisonment, and even death.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, with the arrival of colonialism and modernization, attitudes towards homosexuality in Arabia began to change again. The legal codes of the region were influenced by the laws of the colonial powers and by the codes of the newly independent countries. However, attitudes towards homosexuality remained relatively conservative, and same-sex relationships were still criminalized.
In the modern era, In most Arabian countries, homosexuality is still criminalized and punishable by imprisonment or death. Society is conservative, and there is a strong tradition of stigmatization and discrimination against "homosexual behavior," specifically effeminate behavior in men and masculine behavior in women. The laws and policies in Arabian countries are based on Islamic law and are heavily influenced by the conservative interpretations of the religion that perpetuate the gender binary. It is important to note that the attitudes and laws regarding homosexuality in Arabia are highly diverse and can vary greatly from country to country. Additionally, the region is diverse, and different ethnic and religious groups have different attitudes toward homosexuality.
In conclusion, the history of homosexuality in Arabia is complex and multifaceted, shaped by the region's changing cultural norms, religious beliefs, and legal codes. In pre-Islamic Arabia, same-sex relationships were accepted and celebrated, but as the region became increasingly Islamic, attitudes towards homosexuality began to change. Currently, the laws and attitudes towards homosexuality in Arabia remain conservative, and most countries criminalize homosexuality, and the society is relatively conservative, with a strong tradition of stigmatization and discrimination. The laws and policies in Arabian countries are based on Islamic law, and it is heavily influenced by conservative interpretations of the religion.
Ottoman Empire:
The Ottoman Empire's history of homosexuality is also complex and multifaceted, shaped by the empire's shifting legal codes, cultural norms, and religious beliefs. The Ottoman Empire lasted from the late 13th century to the early 20th century, and was a diverse and multicultural society with people of many different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Homosexuality was not heavily stigmatized or punished during the Ottoman Empire's early years. The empire's legal codes, known as the kanun, did not specifically address same-sex relationships. However, as the empire grew and centralized, attitudes toward homosexuality began to shift.
The Ottoman Empire underwent a religious and cultural reform known as the Tanzimat in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time, more conservative interpretations of Islamic law were adopted, as were new laws criminalizing same-sex sexual behavior. Fines, imprisonment, and even death were all possible punishments for homosexuality.
Despite these legal changes, homosexuality persisted within the Ottoman Empire. Many people maintained same-sex relationships and formed communities, particularly in more cosmopolitan cities like Istanbul.
The Ottoman Empire began to decline in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and the empire was dissolved following World War I. When Turkey became a republic in 1923, its legal codes were modernized, and homosexuality was no longer criminalized.
It is important to note that attitudes and laws concerning homosexuality in the Ottoman Empire varied greatly from region to region and era. Many cities and regions throughout the empire had different cultural norms and practices, and the legal codes were not consistently enforced. Furthermore, the empire was a multiethnic and multireligious society, and different ethnic and religious groups had differing views on homosexuality. It is also worth noting that attitudes and laws toward homosexuality in the Ottoman Empire were extremely diverse and varied greatly depending on the era and region.
Persia:
Persia, now known as Iran, has a long history of homosexuality that dates back to ancient times and has been influenced by various cultures, religions, and empires.
Homosexuality was not heavily stigmatized or punished in ancient Persia. According to evidence from ancient Persian literature, art, and architecture, same-sex relationships were tolerated and sometimes celebrated. The Persian epic poem "Shahnameh," written in the 10th century, references same-sex relationships, and the poet Ferdowsi does not express any negative attitudes toward them.
However, as Persia became a Muslim state in the seventh century, attitudes toward homosexuality shifted. Same-sex sexual behavior is prohibited by Islamic law, and traditional interpretations of Islamic law in Persia led to increased persecution of those in same-sex relationships. Fines, imprisonment, and even death were all possible punishments for homosexuality.
During the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties (1794-1925), attitudes toward homosexuality remained conservative, and same-sex relationships were still criminalized. However, unlike previous eras, society was more open to different types of behavior and lifestyle during this period. In Tehran, for example, there were visible groups of "transvestites" and "cross-dressers" in the 1920s and 1930s.
The situation for homosexual and transgender people in Iran has been difficult in the modern era. Iran has been an Islamic Republic since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and homosexuality is still punishable by death. The legal system in Iran, on the other hand, is based on Islamic jurisprudence, which allows for interpretation and discretion. As a result, the application of homosexuality laws varies depending on the judicial authorities and the specific case. It is important to note that attitudes and laws regarding homosexuality in Persia/Iran vary greatly depending on the era and region. Furthermore, society is diverse, and different ethnic and religious groups have differing views on homosexuality.
To summarize, the history of homosexuality in Persia, now known as Iran, has been complicated. While homosexuality is currently illegal and punishable by death, there have been times when same-sex relationships were accepted and even celebrated. Different ethnic and religious groups have different attitudes toward homosexuality in our society. The Iranian legal system allows for interpretation and discretion, and the enforcement of homosexuality laws varies depending on the judicial authorities and the specific case.
South Asia:
The history of homosexuality in South Asia goes deep. South Asia is a diverse region that includes modern nation-states such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Homosexuality was not heavily stigmatized or punished in ancient South Asia. Evidence from ancient literature, art, and architecture suggests that same-sex relationships were tolerated and, in some cases, celebrated. In ancient India, for example, the Kama Sutra, a text on human sexual behavior, mentions same-sex relationships and transgender people.
However, as Islamic and British colonial laws influenced South Asian countries, attitudes toward homosexuality shifted. Same-sex sexual behavior is prohibited by Islamic law, and same-sex relationships were criminalized during British colonial rule. Fines, imprisonment, and even death were all possible punishments for homosexuality.
Postcolonial South Asia's attitudes toward homosexuality vary greatly from one country to the next. Homosexuality was decriminalized in India in 2009, and the Indian Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized homosexuality, was unconstitutional. Despite this progress, discrimination, and violence against the homosexual and transgender community remain major issues in India.
In Pakistan, homosexuality is still a crime punishable by life in prison or death. Society is conservative, and the transgender community has a long history of stigma and discrimination. In Bangladesh, homosexuality is also illegal and punishable by life in prison, and the society is conservative; in Sri Lanka, homosexuality is legal, but the society is conservative, and discrimination against the community persists.
It is important to note that the region is diverse, and different ethnic and religious groups have differing views on homosexuality.
To summarize, the history of homosexuality in South Asia is complex and multifaceted, shaped by the region's changing cultural norms, religious beliefs, and legal codes. Same-sex relationships were accepted and celebrated in ancient times, but as the region became more influenced by Islamic and British colonial laws, attitudes toward homosexuality began to shift. Currently, homosexuality laws and attitudes vary greatly across South Asia, with India being the most progressive, followed by Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan being the most conservative, with laws still criminalizing homosexuality. Discrimination and violence against the community remain major issues in most South Asian countries.
Afghanistan:
In Afghanistan, which has been shaped by various cultural, religious, and political influences, homosexuality has a long and complex history.
Homosexuality was not criminalized in pre-modern Afghanistan and was considered a part of traditional customs. It was, however, not widely accepted and was generally frowned upon. Homosexuals were frequently forced to conceal their identities and live in anonymity.
Homosexuality was criminalized and punishable by death during the Taliban's reign in the 1990s. The Taliban regime was notorious for its strict interpretation of Islamic law and harsh punishments for "moral crimes." The regime was also known for human rights violations, such as the persecution of minority groups like homosexuals.
Although homosexuality was no longer technically illegal after the US Invasion of Afghanistan and the Taliban's fall in 2001, it remained a sensitive and taboo subject in polite Afghan society. Discrimination and violence against homosexual people are still prevalent under the Taliban regime, and homosexual behavior is subjected to harassment, intimidation, and physical harm.
Central Asia:
Central Asia is a diverse region that includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, each with its own history and attitudes toward homosexuality.
Homosexuality was not heavily stigmatized or punished in ancient Central Asia. Evidence from ancient literature, art, and architecture suggests that same-sex relationships were tolerated and, in some cases, celebrated. For example, it was common for older men to take young men as apprentices among nomadic tribes, and these relationships frequently had a sexual component. Furthermore, in some ancient Central Asian cultures, individuals who dressed and presented as the opposite sex had special roles and were respected members of society.
As Central Asia became more Islamic, attitudes toward homosexuality began to shift. Same-sex sexual behavior is prohibited by Islamic law, and traditional interpretations of Islamic law in Central Asia have resulted in increased persecution of those in same-sex relationships. Fines, imprisonment, and even death were all possible punishments for homosexuality. With the arrival of colonialism and modernization in the 19th and 20th centuries, attitudes toward homosexuality in Central Asia began to shift once more. The region's legal codes were influenced by the laws of colonial powers and the codes of newly independent countries. However, attitudes toward homosexuality remained conservative, and same-sex relationships remained illegal.
The situation for homosexual and transgender people in Central Asia remains difficult in the modern era. Homosexuality is still a crime in most Central Asian countries, punishable by imprisonment or death. The society is conservative, and the community has a long history of stigma and discrimination. Central Asian countries' laws and policies are based on Islamic law and are heavily influenced by conservative interpretations of the religion.
It is important to note that attitudes and laws regarding homosexuality in Central Asia vary greatly from country to country. Different ethnic and religious groups have differing views on homosexuality.
To summarize, Islamic homosexuality has a complicated history. While traditional Islamic law forbids same-sex sexuality, attitudes and acceptance, have varied throughout history and cultures. In modernity, many Islamic countries continue to systematically persecute homosexual people and their behavior.
Note: The Islamic world is the nations and cultures where Islam is the main religion, whereas the Islamicate world is the larger cultural sphere affected by Islamic civilization. This may include places where Islam is not the majority religion, but Islamic culture and society have had a substantial effect. "Islamicate" emphasizes Islamic culture and society rather than religion. Both words are used in this article.