Harem: Pleasure, Politics, Power

We begin by breaking down the many myths surrounding the Ottoman Harem. Who were these women and what were their lives truly like? In fact, it wasn't just a place of perversion and fantasy. These women, most likely taken as slaves from other countries and religions, were taught skills, had responsibilities, and received an education. Though enslaved, they lived better than many of their time.

After the Sultan falls in love with one of the women in his Harem, things began to change. The women were no longer powerless, but rather they began to play a more active role in the world of politics. With it, however, came more danger than ever before, as sexuality can be a devastating weapon.