Nikola Benin. Wallada was born in 1001, a daughter of a noble in Córdoba

Nikola Benin, Ph.D

Wallada was born in 1001, a daughter of a noble in Córdoba. She was not fit into stereotypical idea of a 'Moorish princess' . Wallada was noted for her fair skin, blue eyes and blonde hair – beauty she became notorious for, as she was famous for going out in public without a veil, and for wearing revealing fabrics. Local religious scholars condemned that kind of behaviour, yet they could not force her to conform. Some local stories say that she has had her verses embroidered on her tunic. Translations vary, but one is: 'I am fit for high positions by God and am going my way with pride. I allow my lover to touch my cheek and bestow my kiss on him who craves it'. hashtagPoetry was an essential part of Córdoban culture at the time, and members of the upper classes were expected to be able to express themselves in verse. With her wealth, hashtagWallada set up a poetry school for women in her father’s house. She also competed in the poetry competitions against male poets, where they would each provide an ending to an unfinished poem. At these particular competitions she met Ibn Zaydun. He was a member of the noble classes oponent family. It seems these two began their affair after 1031., the year the Caliphate of Córdoba collapsed.