Short history of male belly dancers
During the Ottoman Empire, male belly dancers, known as köçek (young male dancers) or zenne, became prominent, especially between the 17th and 19th centuries.
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During the Ottoman Empire, male belly dancers, known as köçek (young male dancers) or zenne, became prominent, especially between the 17th and 19th centuries.
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At this time, social norms often restricted women from performing publicly, so boys and young men stepped into these roles, particularly in the courts and urban entertainment settings.
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Egypt, male dancers known as khawal emerged as counterparts to female ghawazi performers, especially after the 1834 ban on public female dancing by Muhammad Ali Pasha. These men mimicked female styles, performing in streets and cafes, and were celebrated by local audiences.
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Bacha bazi (Persian/Pashto for "boy play") is a practice from Central Asia, notably Afghanistan, where young boys—often impoverished or enslaved—are dressed in feminine clothing and trained to dance for older men, typically warlords or wealthy patrons.
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