Odalisque
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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An odalisque was a female slave in an Ottoman seraglio. She was an assistant or apprentice to the concubines and wives, and she might rise in status to become one of them. Most odalisques were part of the Imperial Harem, that is, the household, of the sultan. The word derives from “chambermaid” from oda — “room”.
Later usage
In popular use, the word odalisque also may refer to a mistress, concubine or paramour of a wealthy man.
During the 19th century, odalisques became common fantasy figures in the artistic movement known as Orientalism, being featured in many erotic paintings from that era.
An odalisque was a virgin female slave who could rise in status to be a concubine or a wife in Ottoman Seraglios. Most were part of the harem of the Turkish sultan.
See also
- Culture of the Ottoman Empire
- Islam and slavery
- Hammam
- Harem
- Köçek
- Orientalism
- Ottoman Turkish language
- Seraglio
