Women serving in the Ottoman Palace and their foundations

In this dissertation study entitled "Women Serving in the Ottoman Palace and Their Foundations", "Harem" is discussed within the scope of the concubines by researching practices in the Ottoman tradition together with partial comparisons. Although Harem-i Hümâyûn is examined as an institution, it is researched what kind of functions this institution has as an educational institution at the same time. Starting from the inclusion of concubines to the harem, the duties they specialized and their ranks in this institution are explained. The subject is tried to be explained in detail with tables and evaluations, where necessary. By examining the records regarding their favours, gifts and salaries which constitute financial resources for the foundations they established. In the study, after making a short description of the foundation institution, the foundations established by the women of Palace and their services are discussed. Within the framework of the information obtained from the foundations, the intellectual tendencies of the palace women are researched. As a result of studying in the archives, the ratio of their foundations among all foundations established by women in Istanbul is presented. Service areas, conditions, management and control mechanisms of foundations established by women from palace are discussed. As a result of the changes, transformations and developments that these women had, the other activities that they performed are emphasized. Not only the rise of influence and effectiveness of Ottoman women are researched but also modernization period of the women especially after Tanzimat era examined. The main subjects of the study are the income and expense of foundations established by women, employees and the foundation procedures. Tables and statistical data on the subject are prepared and this data is deeply evaluated.