Dormitory of Black Eunuchs

This dormitory belonged to the Black Chiefs, also called the Harem Chiefs.

The Harem was the private home of the Sultan’s family. It was also a place with many rules. The Black Chiefs worked there and helped guard and manage this private world.

These men were chosen when they were boys. They usually came from mid-Africa, often from Ethiopia. They were castrated, which means they could not have children. After this, they were raised with very strict training.

Their work could bring them higher and higher positions. Some could even become the Chief of Harem. This was a very important job. The Chief of Harem was powerful because he could see the Sultan at any time.

The chamber of the Chief of Harem was in this building. The upper floor was used as a school. Crown Princes studied there. A Crown Prince was a son of the Sultan who might become Sultan one day.

The women of the Harem did not go out to shop in the city. Instead, merchant women came into the palace. The women of the Harem bought what they needed from them.