On The Other Side: A Study In The Imperial Harem

By Rameen Kamran
From: Islamabad, Pakistan
Age: 17 years old

Harem served as the residence of the wives, concubines and slaves of the Ottoman sultan. But it was much more than just a dwelling place for the Sultan’s women. While often depicted as oppression on the women, the harem was, in fact, a place of learning and enlightenment. Through the confined spaces the residents of the harem managed to influence the politics and the social dynamics of the empire. Women held a multifaceted and often an underestimated role.  The dynamics of the harem were complicated; there was a constant struggle to get authority and the favor of the Sultan. 

The Harem Hierarchy

A harem was the place of political intrigue and constant struggles. It included the women of the sultans. There were odalisques or virgins, concubines, ikbals (the sultan’s favorites) and Kadins, the official and legal wives of the sultan. In addition to this there were eunuchs who were the guards of the harem. On the top of the pyramid was the sultan’s mother or the Valide Sultan. The Valide enjoyed immense power over the Sultan. Furthermore, the concubines who gave birth to sons were given more importance to the ones who gave birth to daughters.

The Importance Of The Harem

The Ottoman harem served as a representation of the Sultan’s power and affluence. The concubine system ensured the continuity of the imperial lineage and through the male heirs.

The Power Of The Harem

At the acme of the ottoman empire in the 16^th and the 17^th centuries, there was period known as the sultanate of women starting with Suleiman I’s Haseki, Hurrem Sultan and constituted of other influential women. These were wives, mothers or the concubines of the Ottoman Sultans. During this time, these women held enormous political power and influence and they often made important decisions for the empire. 

Kosem Sultan was the wife and the most dependable advisor of Ahmed I. She is also said to be responsible for ending the centuries old tradition of fratricide. Later, she became the regent for her son, Murad IV and grandson, Mehmed IV. Kosem held political power and continued to fashion several domestic and foreign policies of the empire. One of the other authorities of this period was Turhan Sultan. She served as a regent to her son Mehmed IV and made the fortifications of the Ottoman military stronger. All these women held powers in the appointments and dismissal of the important posts.

By using their connections, women of the imperial Ottoman harem exhibited their sway on the politics. 

The Valide Sultan, being on the top of the harem hierarchy had the access to the outside world and would attend ceremonies. Both the Haseki and Valide Sultan had the way to the Sultan’s ear, rendering them extremely important in the court politics. The women contributed massive amounts to charity and architecture. Hurrem Sultan commissioned the mosque complex known as the Haseki Sultan Complex. This included a hospital and kitchen for the poor. 

Education Of The Women

In the early years of the empire, women were not given any formal education. The Palace harem served as a center of learning for the women. Though the they were not permitted to leave the confined space, the slaves and concubines were given complete education. They were taught embroidery, reading, writing and many other arts. 

Conclusion

The harem not only served as the lodgings for the Ottoman women, it was also the place for political sway and influence. The Sultan often turned to his women for advice and they were more trusted than the viziers in the court. Despite having enormous power, the women remained behind the scenes and were not credited with their contributions. It reflects how the role of the women was influential and constrained at the same time. By studying the harem through a political and social lens, we get deeper insights to the nuances of the Ottoman civilization and its legacies that continue to resonate today.

References

1. Ali, Fatima “The Ottoman’s Harem as an Institution of Female Elevation in the Power Politics.” Journal of Historical Studies (Volume II), 2020, (Jul-Dec 2020)
2. Peirce, Leslie P. The Imperial Harem: Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Empire. Oxford UP, USA, 1993.
3. Yenen, Serif. “The Harem of the Ottoman Sultan.” https://privateguidesofeurope.com, 1 Mar. 2021,

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