Ottoman Lives

The Harem Eunuch


Listen Later

A eunuch who served in the Ottoman Imperial Harem in was typically born in Ethiopia, captured by a slave trader, castrated, and sold in Egyptian slave markets, then shipped to Istanbul's imperial palace. As such, eunuchs occupied positions of considerable power. At their peak there may have been as many as 800 court eunuchs organized in a hierarchical, well-defined structure. Eunuchs who served the sultan favorably, plus those who learned Turkish and who converted to Islam, could progress in the system. A few would procure appointment to administrative posts within the empire. This was the paradox in place: African eunuchs in the Ottoman Empire were slaves and could often be the objects of contempt and ridicule, but some could amass amazing influence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Ottoman LivesBy Ottoman Lives

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

90 ratings


More shows like Ottoman Lives

View all
History Unplugged Podcast by History Unplugged

History Unplugged Podcast

4,048 Listeners

Presidential Fight Club by Presidential Fight Club

Presidential Fight Club

79 Listeners

Key Battles of the Civil War by Key Battles of the Civil War

Key Battles of the Civil War

710 Listeners

Last Night on the Titanic by Last Night on the Titanic

Last Night on the Titanic

156 Listeners

HISTORY This Week by The HISTORY® Channel | Back Pocket Studios

HISTORY This Week

4,162 Listeners

Key Battles of the Revolutionary War by Key Battles of the Revolutionary War

Key Battles of the Revolutionary War

340 Listeners

The Ancients by History Hit

The Ancients

3,098 Listeners

Key Battles of World War One by Key Battles of World War One

Key Battles of World War One

273 Listeners

The Rest Is History by Goalhanger

The Rest Is History

13,535 Listeners

Key Battles of American History by Key Battles of American History

Key Battles of American History

919 Listeners

Not Just the Tudors by History Hit

Not Just the Tudors

1,997 Listeners

The Turning - Seasons 1, 2 & 3 by iHeartPodcasts and Rococo Punch

The Turning - Seasons 1, 2 & 3

1,586 Listeners

Eyewitness History by Eyewitness History

Eyewitness History

65 Listeners

American History Hit by History Hit

American History Hit

1,460 Listeners

Historical Jesus by Historical Jesus

Historical Jesus

51 Listeners