The Sultan's Sons-in-Law: Analysing Ottoman Imperial Damads

In: Journal of the economic and social history of the Orient: Journal d'histoire économique et sociale de l'orient, Band 58, Heft 3, S. 327-361

Abstract

Studies of imperial courts tend to focus on the ruler and the direct line of succession, which was crucial for the survival of the dynasty. Where succession was patrilineal, princes therefore generally received more attention than their sisters. A group that is invariably overlooked altogether consists of the husbands of these princesses, despite the fact that they too were part of the extended imperial household. The Ottoman Empire was no exception. This article attempts to redress that imbalance by examining various aspects of the Ottoman son-in-law, including recruitment, social status, reputations, careers, and reception history.