The excessive interference of harem women was a main factor in the eventual decline of the Ottoman Empire. The increase in harem size was correlated to the increase in expenditures incurred partly by the larger number of women and partly by the extravagances of various Sultans. The intrusion of women into the Ottoman governing structure caused fundamental changes in state policies towards the roles of the Princes by limiting the Prince’s governing and public …showed first 75 words of 531 total…

…showed last 75 words of 531 total…growth of the imperial harem, the increased number of harem women drew the attention of the Sultan away from his duties of governance. This led to a diminishing of his powers and position as the Sultan and ultimately lead to the decline of the Empire as a whole. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** Peirce, L. The Imperial Harem, Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Harem. New York, 1993. Davison, R.H. Turkey : a short history. New York, Eothen Press, 1988.