What is a Harem?

If you're into Romance books like I am, you have probably come across the term 'Harem' or 'Reverse Harem' at some point.

You may be surprised to learn that Harem being used in a Romantic context, usually for describing one person having several lovers at once, is actually an incorrect use of the word.

Because a Harem doesn't mean lovers specifically. A Harem is an area, a place, designated for the women of a traditional Muslim household. For example, the royal Harem in the palace is for the sultan's wives, daughters, young children, and yes sometimes the concubines (slaves).

The word Harem is derived from the Arabic word haram, meaning forbidden or sacred. 

In modern English language terms, Harem often gets used to describe one individual having many romantic partners. Yeah, instead of using a more explanatory word like Polyamory, they'd rather take a non-English word, contort its meaning through an Orientalist lens, and run with that.

Anyway, I wanted to highlight this point in my novella, Consorting with the King; what a Harem actually is vs European expectations of it. 

So sit back and let me take you inside a real Harem. 

My story takes place in Istanbul, and my palace is based on the historical Topkapi Palace, which not only has quite a beautiful Harem but it is also a Harem I have visited on the palace tour. It is a Harem that features in various films and TV series too! It's that famous. Check out Magnificent Century (series) or Three Thousand Years of Longing (film).

My characters are first time visitors from Europe, and I did my best to describe the beauty of the palace Harem that guests are allowed into:

They were shown to a room so grand that Francis could only assume it was a throne room or ballroom, maybe both. While the room itself was square, the ceiling was made of several domes and arches all finished in red, gold and azure-blue tile so that the whole canopy glittered.

A crystal chandelier dangled down from the centre dome, and thanks to that chandelier, the room was brightly lit.

As they entered with the other guests, Francis spotted what he first assumed was a day bed or chaise to the right, decorated with a golden canopy.

Perhaps the king sat there. Currently it was vacant.

On the right of that chair was a gallery of sorts, raised slightly on a platform and with ornate blue pillars at regular intervals, setting it apart from the main room. 

A pretty paper screen had been set between each pillar, and a talented artist had drawn a motif of peacocks and ferns. Lit from behind, the screen was a marvel to behold.

Gustav noticed Francis looking, and said quietly, “The king’s family have that area to themselves. As well as the balcony above.”

It is definitely worth the visit if you are in Istanbul!

This is what the main room looks like if you go on the Topkapi Palace tour.

So after my MC and all the other foreign guests have arrived for their special dinner in the Harem, I wrote a scene where one of the more irksome guests discovers what Harem actually means:

“What?” Wittensbach said loudly, as his aide beside him cowered. “What are you talking about? Harem?”

“We are in the Harem, sir,” the aide explained.

“But we’re having dinner!” Wittensbach declared. “I thought a Harem was for sex?”

Gustav nearly choked on his tea.

“No, sir,” the aide explained. “The royal Harem is, simply put, the designated section of the palace reserved for women. Traditionally for the king’s wives, daughters, and, er, for the concubines.”

Wittensbach pulled a face and looked around at the servants. “Which ones are the concubines? I thought they’d be dressed like sexy belly dancers.”

Francis tutted under his breath. It would not do to be seen in Wittensbach’s poor company. He made a mental note to keep as far away from him as possible for the rest of this visit.

I hope you have enjoy this detailed look into what a Harem is and isn't!

And for the record, I did include belly dancers in Consorting with the King, but they appear in a different location! You'll have to read it to find out.

Consorting with the King is available now.

Signing off, 

C. Quince.