WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
that the real autocrat of the royal harem is a woman?
If the Sultana Validé dies, the Sultan's wet-nurse is elevated to this royal position. A slave-girl may, through good fortune, become the Sultan-mother. Mahmud II. fell in love with a girl of the bath-chamber, and she bore Abdul Niedgid, who became ruler of Turkey. Thus the slave became Sultana Validé.
The life of the ruler of Turkey is not one of complete ease and luxury. As a prince, his probation is extremely austere. He is practically a prisoner, occupying the "cage," or kafe, for several years. In his own apartments, he is kept, uncontaminated by the outside world, under the direction of tutors and professors. It is true that he has several maidens and many servants to share his close seclusion. But his life is by no means idle and purposeless.
This training for the throne is succeeded by the responsibilities of government. The ruling of Turkey is not a sinecure. The position of Sultan becomes more and more difficult. Nominally, he is the supreme head of the dominion, but actually he is influenced by ministers and counsellors.
The very magnitude and opulence of the sovereign's possessions induce weariness and satiety. He strives to lead the simple life. Rising early, he performs his devotions, eats a plain, light meal, and receives his
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