Transgender, Culture, and Social Class in Early Twentieth Century’s Mecca

Abstract

This paper examines the theme of androgyny in the novelKhatamby the Saudi writer Raja Alem. It applies the theories of post-feminists such as Judith Butler and Kate Bornstein and Jungian writers such as June Singer and Erich Neumann. It also draws on theories of gendered space using the works of Foucault.The paper elucidates how the author used the theme of androgyny to unveil the biased patriarchal power in Meccan society at the turn of the twentieth century. Furthermore, it argues that through exploring the complex character of her androgynous heroine, Khatam, Alem intended to reach beyond gender proper in order to reclaim Khatam’s humanity. The paper also investigates the question of social classes in early twentieth century Mecca, with particular focus on slavery andashrâf(nobles).