Empress of the East: How a Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire

Roxelana was kidnapped from her home in Ruthenia and brought to Istanbul to be trained as a concubine for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. She became a shrewd diplomat and philanthropist, helping Suleyman keep pace with a changing world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Icon Books Ltd

Roxelana, a young woman from Ruthenia, which is now modern-day Ukraine, was abducted by slave traders in 1515 and brought to Istanbul. She was trained in the palace harem as a concubine for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, the ruler of the Ottoman Empire and one of the most powerful men in the world. Suleyman fell deeply in love with Roxelana and abandoned all his other concubines, freeing and marrying her. Roxelana's intelligence and cunning made her a shrewd diplomat and philanthropist, helping Suleyman navigate a changing world where women like Isabella of Hungary and Catherine de Medici were gaining power.

Historians have traditionally portrayed Roxelana as a seductress who caused the empire's downfall. However, in her book Empress of the East, acclaimed historian Leslie Peirce presents a fresh and compelling perspective on Roxelana's life. Peirce reveals that Roxelana was a complex and enigmatic woman who played a significant role in shaping the Ottoman harem into an institution of imperial rule.

Roxelana's journey began when she was captured by slave traders from her home in Ruthenia. She was taken to Istanbul and sold into the harem of Sultan Suleyman. At first, she was treated as a mere possession, but her beauty and intelligence soon caught the attention of the sultan. Suleyman was captivated by Roxelana and showered her with gifts and attention.

Despite her lowly status as a concubine, Roxelana refused to be marginalized. She used her beauty and intelligence to gain favor with the sultan and his courtiers. She learned Turkish and Arabic, which helped her communicate with the sultan and his advisors. She also became skilled in politics and diplomacy, helping the sultan negotiate with other rulers and maintain peace in the empire.

As Roxelana's influence grew, she began to challenge the traditional power structures of the Ottoman harem. She advocated for women's rights and education, and she encouraged the sultan to treat his concubines with respect and kindness. She also played a role in promoting arts and culture in the harem, organizing performances and exhibitions that showcased the talents of the women in the harem.

Despite her achievements, Roxelana's life was not without its challenges. She was often subjected to the whims. Suleyman's other concubines were jealous of her and tried to undermine her. She was also forced to navigate the complex politics of the Ottoman court, where alliances and rivalries were constantly shifting.

Despite these challenges, Roxelana remained loyal to Suleyman until his death in 1566. After his death, she continued to play a role in Ottoman politics and culture, supporting the sultan's son Selim I and promoting the arts and culture of the empire.

In conclusion, Roxelana's life is a fascinating and complex tale of a woman who defied the expectations of her society and played a significant role in shaping the Ottoman Empire. Peirce's book Empress of the East provides a fresh and compelling perspective on Roxelana's life, challenging the traditional narratives that have been perpetuated for centuries. Roxelana's intelligence, beauty, and resilience made her a powerful figure in the Ottoman harem and in the broader world of 16th-century politics.

Weight: 708g
Dimension: 235 x 171 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785783494