Beshir Agha
Subtitle: chief eunuch of the Ottoman Imperial harem
By: Jane Hathaway.
Series: Makers of the Muslim world
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Published: 2005
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 131
ISBN-13: 9781851683901
Subjects: Beşir Ağa, -- ca. 1655-1746; Eunuchs -- Turkey -- Biography; Turkey -- History -- 17th century; Turkey -- History -- 18th century
Genres: Biography.
Description: "Beshir Agha (c. 1657-1746) was the most powerful Chief Harem Eunuch in the history of the Ottoman Empire. Enslaved in his native Ethiopia as a boy, then castrated in Egypt, Beshir Agha became one of hundreds of East African eunuchs who inhabited the imperial palace's enormous harem. Rising through the ranks of the harem hierarchy, he eventually oversaw the education of crown princes and harem women while choosing and deposing a long series of grand viziers. The founder of many mosques, Qur'an schools, sufi lodges and libraries, he was fundamental in shaping the religious and intellectual profile of the Ottoman state." "This study explores the role of Chief Eunuch, examining Beshir Agha's astonishing ascent to the position and the vast authority he wielded once in office. Containing an exhaustive guide to sources available on the influential eunuch and replete with fascinating detail, it will prove an indispensable resource for readers of all backgrounds."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 123-124) and index.