The Sultanate of Women: A Harem Like Never Before!

What comes to mind when you picture a Harem in the Ottoman Empire? Gyration? Debauchery? Grapes? We're here to tell you that the reality was a lot more complicated, a lot less sexy, and a lot more interesting. And things really got cool in the Harem during the 16th and 17th centuries when the women of the court had more power and influence than ever before, and played the political game with panache. It was the Sultanate of Women, and they were kicking ass and building infrastructure! 

Further Reading:

• Sultanate of Women: Various Dimensions of Ottoman Harem (The Independent)
• The Sultanate of Women (Saints, Sisters, and Sluts)
• Feminine Power in the Ottoman Harem (Phillip Emeritz)
• The woman who oversaw 3 generations of the Ottoman Empire (Daily Sabah)