 Palace IntrigueBy Sue Robertson and Lynda Dunnigan There were thirty-six Sultans in the Ottoman Dynasty. On the death of the sultan, the first born son succeeded to the throne. Problems emerged with this system because the Sultan could have as many as four official wives and had numerous male children. The Queen Mother presided over the Harem, which could include as many as 600 women and children. In the Harem of the Topkapi Palace, the Queen Mother occupied as many as forty rooms on the top floor. Official wives and concubines and children occupied the lower floors |
 The heir apparent had his own suite in the Harem, and was guarded twenty- four hours a day. This type of protection was necessary because of the intrigue surrounding the succession to the throne. On several occasions, the new Sultan put his male siblings to death on his coronation day, to avoid any possible political coup. Pictured is the son's quarters. In the Topkapi Palace, twenty- five water fountains located strategically muffled the Sultan's conversations. Even in his private quarters, he wore silver on the bottoms of his shoes which made noise on the marble floors, announcing his presence. His wives and children would remove themselves, rather than risk being seen. So powerful was the Sultan, only those summonded for an audience could see him. Next, the Sultan's Advisors.. |