Women in Harem
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Women in Harem
Women in an Egyptian harem. Here they are able to take off their veils, but there is little for them to do except smoke and gossip
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 586429
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10191505
Gossip Harem Roles Veils 1895 Rights
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph taken in 1895, a group of women in an Egyptian harem are seen engaging in the simple pleasures of smoking and gossiping. The harem, an integral part of traditional Islamic culture, was a segregated living quarters for the wives and concubines of the sultan or pasha. The women in this image are dressed in flowing, colorful garments, their faces unveiled, suggesting a moment of respite from the strict confines of their daily lives. Historically, the harem was a complex social structure where women held significant power and influence, often serving as advisors and confidantes to their husbands. However, their roles were largely defined by their status as objects of desire and reproducers of offspring. The veil, a symbol of modesty and seclusion, was a crucial aspect of their identity and daily life. In this photograph, the women have momentarily set aside their veils, perhaps in the privacy and safety of their harem quarters. They sit on cushions, their eyes fixed on each other as they engage in animated conversation. The smoke from their hookah pipes curls up towards the ceiling, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere of the scene. Despite the apparent frivolity of their activities, the women's expressions reveal a depth of emotion and intelligence. Their ability to gather and share stories, to laugh and connect with one another, is a testament to their resilience and resourcefulness in a world that often restricted their freedoms and opportunities. This photograph offers a glimpse into the lives of women in an Egyptian harem, a world that has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. It invites us to consider the complexities of their lives and the ways in which they navigated the social and cultural norms of their time.
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