Ottoman Harem: Accsendery Of Women

Evie Modisett

Unit 5 assessment

Due: 2/27/23

The Ottoman Harem contributed to the Accsendery of Women

In the Ottoman Empire, the Harem was a place of opportunity, rather than oppression. The harem was a place for women with high status and acted as a sign of affluence and power for women in the ottoman empire. The Harem had its own administration and was operated solely by women therefore creating an ecosystem of prospering women surrounded by a surplus of educational materials. By living in this environment, women were able to achieve training, as well as assembling a network of influential people. Although the Harem secluded women from the public in the 14th and 15th centuries, the same segregation allowed the women to achieve an education,

Sultanas in the Ottoman empire rose to power by: “becom[ing] trusted advisers, then came to exccersising power in their own right” (ROW) An example of this is Roxelana, the wife of Suleiman. Roxelana’s first action to step into power was taking by advantage of her situation. Specifically, when there was a fire that partially destroyed the harem, she decided she would move into Suleimans residence marking a “dramatic break of tradition.” (ROW) This proved bravery, and forcefullness; two traits fostered in the harem. Next, when there was instense conquest occuring and Suleiman was in the battlefield, Roxelana stepped up as an educated advisor and substitute ruler. When she assumed that position she had Suleimans previous adviser executed; eliminating the possibility of her being thrown out of power. This showed strategy and the importance of education; both values found in the harem. From there, Roxelana stayed as a powerful person in the Ottoman empire and continued to build, and lift up women’s image. The values and resources fostered through the harem were essential to women like Roxelana to ascend to a power stance in the Ottoman empire. Ultimately, the Harem acted as a stepping stone for women in the ottoman empire to ascend to power, rather than a site of oppression