The thesis treats the harem of the Ottoman Empire as a multifaceted phenomenon that combines physical, political, and symbolic space. It focuses on the period from the 16th to the 18th century in order to transcend stereotypical notions of the harem as merely a space of female subordination and to shed light on the forms of pragmatic freedom that women enjoyed within this system. Key examples, such as Kösem Sultan and Hürrem Sultan, show how sultanas shaped the political landscape of the empire and gained influence and dominance using various strategies. The research treats the harem not only as a physical space, but also as a symbolic framework through which it is possible to understand the role of women in the patriarchal society of the Ottoman Empire, which was significantly different from how it was portrayed in Orientalist texts. In addition to works based on the analysis of written sources, it includes studies of the architectural design of the harem, art, clothing, and literature to shed light on how women used material and symbolic elements to express their authority. In the context, the thesis analyzes a primary narrative source. It also includes a philosophical interpretation of power, based in particular on the concept of pragmatic freedom and political action. The harem is presented as a space between the private and the public, where women's power was most often expressed indirectly, through the education of heirs, intrigue, and diplomatic ties. The conclusion shows that the harem is an important space for understanding the political role of women in history. It offers starting points for further research related to women's strategies of influence in restrictive social systems.
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