Rabia Balkhi was a tenth century Persian language poetess and a contemporary of Rudaki. She is known through the works of other writers, most notably Attar. In love with an outsider, she was murdered by her brothers to preserve the family s honor. This essay examines her work, life and love.

Rabia Balkhi was a tenth century Persian language poetess and a contemporary of Rudaki. She is known through the works of other writers, most notably Attar. In love with an outsider, she was murdered by her brothers to preserve the family s honor. This essay examines her work, life and love.