"Freedom lay so tantalisingly close - just beyond the high land walls that were vigilantly patrolled on both sides by guards handpicked for their fealty to Abdülhamid... In their worst moments, Murad and his family had the feeling of being buried alive, suffocated by the unrelieved frustration and monotony of a fishbowl existence in which normal human contact was impossible".
The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus by Ayşe Osmanoğlu is a vastly engaging, highly readable personal account of the family history. The author describes it as neither an historical novel, nor an academic study, but something sitting in between.
Ayşe Osmanoğlu says in the preface that many books have been written about the twilight years of the Ottoman Empire, but few tell the intimate story of the members of the Imperial family. She began to write this account of Sultan Murad V and his descendants, who for many years were kept captive in the Çirağan Palace by the shores of the Bosphorus, prompted by a desire to keep their memory alive.
This fascinating book covers the early years of the XX century. Sultan Murad was the 33rd sovereign of the Ottoman Dynasty. "His reign of only three months was the shortest among those of the thirty-six sultans of the dynasty. In August 1876 his brother Sultan Abdülhamid II replaced him as Sultan, and thereafter kept him and his entire family confined within the walls of the Çirağan Palace for twenty-eight years - until the death of the former Sultan Murad in 1904".
The thoroughly enlightening account starts with the story of a birth of a prince, the great grandson of Murad. The event is conducted according to the centuries-old traditions, with every precaution taken to ward off the evil eye, to protect the mother in labour and her baby. Every object is chosen carefully, and symbolises gratitude for the safe delivery of the child and signifies a bright new life.
To celebrate the birth of their new family member, the whole clan is invited to the big feast. Sultan Murad had eight consorts (spouses) as well as many favourites. Though not all of his wives were alive by then, it was still a very big family unit, with numerous children and grandchildren.
During the years of confinement, many "unbending rules of protocol that were a time-honoured feature of the Ottoman Court had been abandoned by Murad". He appears to be a devoted family man, who enjoys the company of his kinsfolk above all.
Murad follows the latest politics with anxiety, but imprisoned in the palace, he has no power to change anything. The new century heralds immense changes, with the anarchy and revolution threatening the established order.
Nihad, Murad's grandson, is also concerned about the Entente Cordiale, and what this treaty between two countries who have been enemies for centuries, means for the rest of the world. This treaty has far-reaching implications for the Ottoman Empire. Selahaddin (Murad's son) discusses the recent political events with his father and son, "As the new century begins to unfold, it is time our government planned the future of the Empire and ensured that we are in a position to protect our people..."
These are dangerous times for the once mighty Ottoman Empire, as it powerful enemies plot its fall. The former Sultan is an enlightened Liberal, much influenced by the French culture and ideas. His vision of the Empire is in a total opposition to Sultan Abdülhamid II.
Only death will release Murad from his imprisonment.
Ayşe Osmanoğlu unpacks the secrets of the palace and the empire, with intrigues galore and scandals shattering the family.
As the author says, it's neither a novel, nor an academic study. For a fictional account, it is too reverential, as if the author doesn't dare to offend her ancestors by being even slightly critical. For a non-fiction book, the author's involvement in the story is too personal to be impartial.
The life in the harem is shown as almost idyllic. From most books which feature harems, it is clear that life was very constrictive for many women. There was constant competition and struggle for power between consorts and favourites. However, Murad's harem is portrayed as a harmonious family, where everyone loves and admires each other, which is not realistic. Showing it warts and all would not have been disloyal.
We are taken on an enthralling journey through the confines of the Çirağan Palace, learning about its customs and traditions, its special rules of protocol. We walk through one room to another, studying the interior, watching the family dressing up for the occasion, taking part in ceremonies, enjoying their food.
The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus is a tremendously enjoyable historical interpretation, with a unique insight into the lives of a bygone age of the Imperial Istanbul. This book shimmers with a strong sense of period and time.
Purchase Links
getbook.at/gildedcagebosphorus
https://www.kobo.com/ebook/the-gilded-cage-on-the-bosphorus
Author Bio –
Ayşe Osmanoğlu is a member of the Imperial Ottoman family, being descended from Sultan Murad V through her grandfather and from Sultan Mehmed V (Mehmed Reşad) through her grandmother. After reading History and Politics at the University of Exeter, she then obtained an M.A. in Turkish Studies at SOAS, University of London, specialising in Ottoman History. She lives in the UK with her husband and five children.
Social Media Links –
https://www.facebook.com/ayseosmanogluauthor
https://www.instagram.com/aysegulnevsultan/
https://twitter.com/AyseGulnev
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/aysegulnev/the-gilded-cage-on-the-bosphorus/şşş
I agree with you that it is unlikely life in the harem was great for all women all the time. Even in small families there are arguments, with more people I imagine there were more arguments.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are doing well. I sent you an email, but you didn't reply, maybe you missed it. Also, I read a book by a Russian author - The Apartment by Alexandra Litvina - it's reviewed on my blog, I didn't want to tag you on twitter, but I thought I should mention it, if you want to get it for Eddie. I loved it, really well made and I don't usually read books for children.
Thank you, Anca, I imagine it's frustrating to vie for attention of one man, among all the available women. I have emailed you now. :)
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