About the book: 2016 / This book is devoted to the study of the history of the Ottoman state of the 15th–18th centuries. and one of its most important and little-studied institutions is the harem of the Ottoman sultans. For the first time, the harem of the Ottoman sultans, as well as issues related to its stages of development and influence on public policy, have been comprehensively studied. The author explores the reasons for the strengthening role of women in the political life of the empire and their active influence on state affairs. The book will allow you to take a different look at the role of women in traditional Muslim society and, perhaps, will change generally accepted ideas about the Muslim world, where women are assigned a secondary role in society and family. The book is intended for a wide range of readers.