THE INSTITUTION OF SLAVERY AND CONCUBINAGE
IN ISLAMIC LEGISLATION AND HAREM IN THE OTTOMANS
(By Prof. Dr. Ahmed AKGÜNDÜZ)
We regret to witness that the issue of slavery and concubinage in Islam and particularly the matter of Harem are disputed by everyone, be they scholars or illiterates, on oft occasions here and there and that they are deliberately exploited against Islam and the Ottoman State in manner of a calumniation campaign.
If you are curious about the truth of those slanders directed recently to our forefathers, history and Religion through films, columns, and all kinds of means of mass media, wish to learn about the Ottoman Sultans’ private lives, and would like to acquire accurate knowledge on such weighty topics as the Topkapı Palace, Harem Life and İçoğlan (page in the Sultan’s office) in the light of archives documents, you must read this book.
This work comprises eight chapters:
The first chapter deals with how the Harem issue has been perverted and the Western authors’ slanders and distortions;
The second chapter with the issue of slavery and concubinage in various societies and religions throughout the history;
The third chapter with the institution of slavery and concubinage in the Islamic legislation;
The fourth chapter with various institutions in the Ottoman practice as regards to slavery and concubinage;
The fifth chapter with the Ottoman Harem;
The sixth chapter with the main features of the life at Harem through the eyes of Ms. Safiye Ünüvar, who taught at Harem for ten years;
The seventh chapter with some questions and their replies about slavery, concubinage and Harem.
(515 pages)
