Harems evolved from the Koranic edict that Muslim women were to remain secluded and not associate with men other than their husbands or such male relatives as are forbidden in marriage. Royal Harems, those that belonged to a king, evolved from this relatively simple statement into an extensive, lavish, and highly organized Cities of Women. A king prized his females and guarded them with Amazons, eunuchs and soldiers. The armed Amazons he hired differed in both appearance and language from the delicate, well-dressed women they protected. As a consequence, a barrier developed between the two groups of women. Eunuchs, castrated males, were sometimes assigned in twos and threes to particular woman to guard the king's interests. Other eunuchs protected the harem more generally. Some became the lifeline between the world of women and the world of men. Belonging completely to neither, they could travel through both with messages, business transactions, and requests. Soldiers patrolling outside the walls of the City of Women were the final ring of protection. They were to assure the king that his women were safe. In return for their materially lavish royal support, these women were available for the king's pleasure, which was often sexual. He could visit a favorite every night for months or sleep with several women in one night. Beyond their duties as the king's bed partners, women who provided an heir gained an elevated status. The women of the harem were more than simply sexual diversions for the king. They could act as his representatives when he was away. They were also sent as envoys bearing his messages when it was difficult or impossible for him to do so. They reflected his strength, his power, his wealth. It was a matter of pride to him that his harem was provided with the finest of everything. The king's harem was a significant enough establishment to warrant its own minister in the royal court. This minister was appointed to see that the harem was run suitably and provisioned abundantly. A budget was drawn to support the harem even as funds were set aside for food, uniforms, or the military. Each woman was appropriately provided with money, royal environs, clothing, food, amusements and opportunities to learn. Although they received allowances, women didn't actually touch their own money. When one incurred an expense, she applied to a Cash Keeper. A requisition was then sent to the General Treasurer who made the payment. Doors were abundant within the harem; they led from one apartment to another, from a common space to a slave's quarters, and between homes of women. It was significant there were only two doors that led from the harem to the outside world. One of these was the highly-guarded curtained entry. The other was the king's private entrance" ?locked only on his side of the door. This silent detail of a lock unreachable by the women of the harem spoke loudly of the king's assumption his women were happy to live under his lavish protection. He knew they wouldn't leave even if they were able. Why should they? He was their King and he saw that they had everything they could possibly want. Was the king right or wrong? This complex question is addressed in the third article where you will meet three women who live within the sumptuously gilded cage. |
