2-913-795 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Turkish Museum - "The Hareem", 1854. London tourist attraction, depicting '...the Hareem or Saloon of Reception. It is a model, or, in the theatrical phrase, a "set scene",...of a Turkish apartment...The ceremony of a Turkish reception is here illustrated. A Kadun (wife of the Sultan) is supposed to be on a visit to Fatima Sultan, congratulating her upon her betrothal to the son of Redschid Pacha. The illustrious guest, having been duly welcomed, and conducted to the most honourable seat on the sofa, has been served with pipe and sweet-meats, and is about to partake of coffee. Upon the right is Kuslar-lar-Aghasi (or Head Black Eunuch). This person was formerly so influential, that he ranked among the Ministers of State; but the eunuchs have now lost all their influence, and are merely the domestics of the palace. He is here represented in the ministerial robes of bygone dignity'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.