Harem

The harem was a private area of a household in the Ottoman Empire where the women of the household lived. The term “harem” comes from the Arabic word “haram,” which means forbidden or sacred.

In Ottoman culture, the It was typically a section of the house reserved for the wives, concubines, female relatives, and female servants of the household. It was a space that was strictly off-limits to men who were not family members, and it was designed to provide privacy, protection, and seclusion for the women who lived there.

The harem was often a lavish and ornate space, with beautiful decorations, gardens, and courtyards. The women who lived there were provided with food, clothing, and other necessities, and they often spent their days engaging in activities such as weaving, embroidery, and music.

Contrary to popular misconceptions, the harem was not a place of constant sexual activity or debauchery. While it was true that the Ottoman sultans and other wealthy men had concubines who lived in the harem, these women were not simply there for sexual pleasure. They were often educated and skilled in a variety of arts and crafts, and they played an important role in the cultural life of the Ottoman court.

Today, the harem is still an important part of Ottoman culture and history, and many former harem buildings have been preserved as museums or historic sites.


Please don’t forget to visit our website to see our Turkey Tour Packages also our Viajes Turquia page in Spanish language.