Women in the Ottoman Empire

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In the Ottoman Empire, a clear hierarchy existed among subjects, with adult Muslim males considered 'first-class' and all others, including Muslim boys and women, classified as 'second class.' While elite women had certain privileges, their lives were still fraught with challenges similar to those faced by ordinary women, such as risks associated with pregnancy and disease. This book explores the agency of women from various backgrounds, integrating their experiences into the broader social and political history of the Ottoman Empire from the early-modern period to its dissolution in 1918. Suraiya Faroqhi organizes the narrative into thematic chapters that focus on urban women, family life, work, slavery, education, and survival during wartime. It highlights key sources necessary for understanding how women navigated social, legal, and economic constraints, emphasizing family relations, work, and charity. As the first comprehensive social history of women in the Ottoman Empire, this work includes a timeline and an extensive further reading section, making it essential for scholars and students interested in Ottoman history and the history of women in the Middle East.