Ottoman Empire

The harem influenced politics unofficially – through its proximity to the sultan, family connections, and court intermediaries.

*The Valide Sultan could convey requests and advice to the Sultan, support officials, and influence access to him.

• The main favorites and mothers of princes protected the interests of their children, seeking allies among viziers, eunuchs, and palace servants. *Eunuchs served as the harem's link to the outer palace, conveying letters, orders, and information.
• The women of the harem established waqfs—charitable foundations—and built mosques, schools, baths, and kitchens for the poor. This increased their authority and influence. *Through gifts, letters, and intermediaries, they could engage in relations with foreign courts.
• Formally, state decisions were made by the sultan and the council, but the harem could influence who received support, access to the ruler, or patronage.

In the 16th century, the hierarchy of the imperial harem usually looked like this:

1. Valide Sultan - the mother of the reigning sultan; the main woman of the harem, she controlled its budget, order, maids and access to the sultan.
2. Haseki Sultan – the sultan's chief mistress or wife; she could be the mother of an heir and wield enormous influence. The most famous example is Hurrem Sultan.
3. Mothers of princes were women who bore sons to the Sultan; their position depended on the status and prospects of their son.
4. Kadın Efendi - officially recognized spouses of the Sultan; in the 16th century, this status was not yet fully standardized in its later form.
5. Ikbal / gozde - favorites to whom the sultan paid special attention; their rank could rise after the birth of a child.
6. Kalfs and ustas - senior female servants and teachers: they managed the household, education, clothing, ceremonies and younger girls.
7. Jariye - young servants and apprentices of the harem; most started at this level.

The Sultan's daughters stood apart: by birth, they were higher than most of the women in the harem, but they did not automatically rule it—real power usually belonged to the Valide Sultan.

The harem of the 16th-century Ottoman Empire was subject to strict rules because it was not simply a "house of concubines" but a closed palace structure linked to the sultan's family, the education of women, and the succession to the throne.

*Isolation. The harem was located in a closed section of the palace. Outside men were not allowed there; order and security were ensured by eunuchs and palace servants.

• Hierarchy. The most important figure was usually the sultan's mother, the valide sultan. Below them were the sultan's wives and favorites, the mothers of princes, princesses, servants, and apprentices. Discipline and etiquette. Women were expected to adhere to rules of behavior, dress, conduct, order in the chambers, and obedience to their elders. Serious violations could result in demotion or transfer from the palace. Education. Girls were taught language, religion, reading and writing, music, needlework, court etiquette, and housekeeping. *Not all were concubines. Most women served members of the dynasty or were trained; only a few could become the sultan's favorites.
• Status depended on closeness to the sultan and the birth of children. The mother of a prince received high rank, separate chambers, income, and servants. The birth of a son was especially significant. *Limited freedom. Many women were enslaved in the harem. Their lives, movements, and future fates were controlled by the palace, although some were later freed and married.
• Political influence. High-ranking women, especially the valide sultan and mothers of heirs, could influence court decisions, appointments, and charitable giving.