Information Package / Course Catalogue
The Imperial Harem
Course Code: TAR323
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 3
Objectives of the Course

Harem-i Hümâyûn, the protected and holy place where women continue their daily lives, includes both harem and Enderun. There is a promotional system from the lowest level, the concubine to the mastery. In this course, the main functions of harem which is mentioned in various movies, novels and theaters will be examined. This course focuses on the Ottoman palace (Sultan, Harem, Enderun, Divan-ı hümayun and its offices), which is also the place of administration of the Ottoman Empire. Unlike the wrong ones, the Harem will be considered an institution.

Course Content

The institutional evaluation of the Ottoman Harem Organization.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Lec. Ayten CAN
Learning Outcomes
1.o learn correctly about the harem, which is a state institution and where the mothers and wives of those who will govern the state are raised.
2.Learning about the harem being a school
3.To reveal misconceptions about Harem-i Humayun.
4.To be informed about the influence of women in the Ottoman Empire..
5.To be informed about the duties and powers of those living in the harem.
Recommended or Required Reading
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
"Introduction of the subject and resources of the course"
Week 2 - Theoretical
What is Harem?
Week 3 - Theoretical
"How are concubines taken into the harem?"
Week 4 - Theoretical
Education of concubines
Week 5 - Theoretical
"The relationships of sultans with concubines."
Week 6 - Theoretical
"The marriages of sultans."
Week 7 - Theoretical
Sultana, Lady Master, Iqbal, Favorites
Week 8 - Theoretical
Sultan births
Week 9 - Theoretical
Education and marriages of sultans
Week 10 - Theoretical
Selection, training and duties of service concubines
Week 11 - Theoretical
Harem entertainments
Week 12 - Theoretical
Reception and hosting of guests in the harem
Week 13 - Theoretical
Castration institution, training and duties of eunuchs
Week 14 - Theoretical
General evaluation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142256
Midterm Examination1617
Final Examination114115
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)78
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
OÇ-1
3
OÇ-2
OÇ-3
OÇ-4
OÇ-5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026