An Englishwoman in a Turkish Harem

An evocative and thoughtful account of a feminist writer's experiences of Turkish culture and society, first published in 1915.

Grace Ellison (Author), Edward Granville Browne (Introduction by)

9781108050548, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 7 June 2012

270 pages, 12 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.5 cm, 0.34 kg

Grace Ellison (d.1935) was a journalist and suffragette with a fascination for Turkish culture. This book, first published in 1915, is a collection of accounts originally written for the Daily Telegraph about her stay in the harem of a Turkish nobleman. Keen to dispel the sensationalist Western view of the harem, Ellison paints an intimate portrait of the luxurious but secluded life of women in their segregated portion of the household. Subjects covered include fashion, social events, polygamy and the bonds between family members. As well as describing life within the harem, the author provides an impassioned critical commentary on the lives and treatment of women in Turkey, attending a suffragette meeting and discussing the role of religion and nationalism in women's lives. Finishing as the First World War begins, this is a captivating snapshot of Turkish society in transition from the Ottoman era to becoming a modern republic.

Introduction
1. Back to the harem
2. 'Time's folded wings'
3. Background and atmosphere
4. The imperial harem
5. The angel of death
6. Champions of women
7. Passionate women patriots
8. A Turkish mother
9. Women writers of Turkey
10. The prophet and polygamy
11. The man with two wives
12. Father afield
13. The pulse of the nation
14. Forbidden ground
15. On the shores of the upper Bosphorus
16. More about harem life on the Bosphorus
17. Inconsistencies on the shores of the Bosphorus
18. Onlookers only
After-words
Index.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]