The Keeper of the Harem

Digital drawing, archival pigment inkjet print on fine art paper, Limited edition of 5, 42 x 29.7 cm, 350 USD

The eunuch Gul (Rose) Pertev Aga was a castrated slave from North Africa sold to the Ottoman palace. Due to his intelligence and hard work, in time he rose to one of the highest and most important palace positions: Head of the Harem. Among other things, this meant he was the person who dealt with the internal intrigues, jealousies, and fights among the harem’s 100 women. Pertev would also play a key role in Ottoman history. He allied himself with Hurrem Sultan, wife of Suleiman the Magnificent, against the royal prince Mustafa (a son from Suleiman’s first wife) ultimately causing Mustafa’s unjust execution—and clearing the royal way for Hurrem’s own son.